Exodus 38:28

KJV

And of the thousand seven hundred seventy and five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, and overlaid their chapiters, and filleted them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the thousand {H505} seven {H7651} hundred {H3967} seventy {H7657} and five {H2568} shekels he made {H6213} hooks {H2053} for the pillars {H5982}, and overlaid {H6823} their chapiters {H7218}, and filleted {H2836} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

The 1,775 shekels [fifty pounds] he used to make hooks for the posts, to overlay their capitals and to make fasteners for them.

Berean Standard Bible

With the 1,775 shekels of silver he made the hooks for the posts, overlaid their tops, and supplied bands for them.

American Standard Version

And of the thousand seven hundred seventy and five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, and overlaid their capitals, and made fillets for them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 38:28 provides the concluding financial detail for the silver contributions to the Tabernacle's construction, meticulously accounting for the remaining 1,775 shekels. This specific portion of silver, derived from the communal atonement money, was precisely allocated to fashion hooks for the Tabernacle's pillars, to overlay their decorative capitals (chapiters), and to create connecting bands or rods (fillets). The verse powerfully underscores the divine demand for precision, the sacredness inherent in all materials dedicated to God, and the faithful obedience demonstrated by the Israelites in constructing His holy dwelling, emphasizing that even the smallest components were crafted with precious resources for a sacred purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 38:28 serves as the precise culmination of a detailed financial report regarding the materials used in the Tabernacle's construction, specifically focusing on the silver. Immediately preceding this verse, [Exodus 38:24-27](/exodus/38-24-27 "Exodus 38:24-27 - Accounting of Tabernacle Materials") provides the grand totals for gold, silver, and bronze, and specifies that the bulk of the silver (100 talents, equivalent to 300,000 shekels) was used to cast the hundred bases for the sanctuary and court pillars. This particular verse, [Exodus 38:28](/exodus/38-28 "Exodus 38:28 - Final Allocation of Silver"), meticulously accounts for the "leftover" 1,775 shekels, ensuring that every single contribution was purposed and precisely allocated, leaving no material unaccounted for. This level of detail highlights the thoroughness of the construction process, which was carried out in exact accordance with the divine blueprint revealed to Moses on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Revelation at Sinai"), leading directly into the description of the finished priestly garments and the final assembly of the Tabernacle in subsequent chapters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The silver detailed in [Exodus 38:28](/exodus/38-28 "Exodus 38:28 - Final Allocation of Silver") originated primarily from the half-shekel census tax, often referred to as the atonement money, as mandated in [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11-16 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Atonement Money"). Every Israelite male aged twenty years or older was required to pay this fixed amount as a "ransom for his life," symbolizing that all were equal before God and equally dependent on His provision for atonement. This collective contribution underscored the communal nature of their worship and their shared responsibility in establishing God's dwelling among them. The meticulous accounting and precise use of these sacred funds, overseen by divinely gifted artisans like [Bezalel](/exodus/31-2 "Exodus 31:2 - Bezalel's Divine Calling") and Oholiab, reflected the high value placed on the Tabernacle as the central place of God's presence and the means of covenant communion. Unlike many ancient Near Eastern temples that emphasized the wealth of the monarch or patron deity, the Israelite Tabernacle's construction emphasized divine order, the holiness of the space, and the unified, participatory contribution of the entire community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though seemingly a mere accounting detail, contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Exodus. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Order and Precision**. God's instructions for the Tabernacle were extraordinarily detailed, and this verse demonstrates that even the smallest quantities of material were accounted for and used exactly as commanded, reflecting God's meticulous nature and His demand for order in worship. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Holiness and Sacredness**. The silver, derived from atonement money, was used for every part of the Tabernacle, signifying that the entire structure, down to its smallest components like hooks and fillets, was set apart and consecrated for God's holy presence. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Faithful Obedience and Stewardship**. The Israelites, through their leaders and artisans, demonstrated exemplary obedience by meticulously following God's blueprint and faithfully stewarding the communal contributions, ensuring that every resource was dedicated to its intended sacred purpose. This attention to detail in construction mirrors the broader call to live lives of faithful obedience to God's covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hooks (Hebrew, _vâv'_):** From H2053, this word refers to a "hook," likely a small fastener or peg. In the context of the Tabernacle, these silver hooks were essential for hanging the various curtains and coverings of the sanctuary and its surrounding court. Their existence, crafted from precious silver, underscores that even the functional, seemingly minor components of God's dwelling were to be made of valuable materials, signifying the holiness and intrinsic worth of every part of the sacred structure.
* **Chapiters (Hebrew, _rôʼsh'_):** From H7218, meaning "head" or "top," this term refers to the capitals or decorative tops of the pillars. The use of silver to overlay these chapiters indicates a decorative and sanctifying purpose. This detail points to the beauty, glory, and finished perfection intended for God's dwelling, where even the uppermost parts of the supporting structures were adorned with precious metal, reflecting the majesty of the One who would dwell there.
* **Filleted (Hebrew, _châshaq'_):** From H2836, this verb means "to cling," "to join," "to fasten," or "to bind." In this context, it refers to the creation of silver bands, connecting rods, or decorative rings. These "fillets" would have served both a structural purpose, connecting elements of the pillars or screens, and an aesthetic one, providing a finished, cohesive appearance. The word emphasizes the thoroughness and attention to detail in every aspect of the Tabernacle's construction, ensuring that even seemingly minor components were integral to its integrity and beauty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the thousand seven hundred seventy and five shekels":** This opening clause precisely quantifies the remaining silver after the larger portion was used for the pillar bases. It emphasizes the meticulous accounting and faithful stewardship of the materials, highlighting that not a single shekel of the sacred contribution was wasted or unaccounted for. This level of detail underscores the divine order and the Israelites' faithful adherence to God's instructions, demonstrating that every resource, no matter how small, was consecrated and purposed.
* **"he made hooks for the pillars":** This phrase details the first specific use of the remaining silver. The "hooks" (Hebrew: _vavim_) were likely small, silver fasteners used to hang the curtains or coverings of the Tabernacle and its court. Their precious material signifies that even the functional, less visible components of God's dwelling place were crafted from valuable resources, emphasizing the holiness and intrinsic value of every part of the sacred structure.
* **"and overlaid their chapiters":** This clause describes another application of the silver: covering the "chapiters" (capitals or decorative tops) of the pillars. This act of overlaying indicates a decorative and sanctifying purpose, contributing to the overall beauty and glory of God's dwelling. It highlights that no detail was too small to be adorned and consecrated for the Lord.
* **"and filleted them":** This final clause refers to the creation of silver bands or connecting rods, as derived from the Hebrew word _châshaq_. These "fillets" likely served to connect or adorn the pillars, providing structural integrity or aesthetic unity to the overall design. This detail reinforces the comprehensive nature of the craftsmanship, ensuring that every element, down to the binding and finishing touches, contributed to the Tabernacle's perfection and sacredness, reflecting God's desire for excellence in all things pertaining to His presence.

#### Literary Devices
The meticulous detail found in [Exodus 38:28](/exodus/38-28 "Exodus 38:28 - Final Allocation of Silver") employs several profound literary devices. **Precision and Enumeration** are paramount, with the exact quantity of silver specified, emphasizing the divine order and the faithful execution of God's commands. This numerical exactitude reinforces the idea that nothing in God's plan is arbitrary or overlooked, and that His will is to be followed with utmost accuracy. **Symbolism** is also profoundly evident, as the silver, derived from the atonement money, is used for components that provide support, connection, and adornment. This subtly symbolizes how redemption (represented by the atonement money) undergirds, connects, and beautifies the entire structure of God's dwelling and His relationship with His people. Furthermore, the focus on seemingly minor components like hooks, chapiters, and fillets highlights **Synecdoche**, where the part (these small silver pieces) stands for the whole (the complete and perfect Tabernacle), underscoring the idea that every detail, no matter how small, contributes to the overall glory, functionality, and sacredness of God's dwelling place.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 38:28, though a seemingly minor detail in the grand narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, profoundly illustrates several key theological principles. It underscores God's meticulous nature and His demand for precision in all matters pertaining to His worship and dwelling. The exact accounting of every shekel, down to the smallest components, reveals that God cares about the details and expects faithful stewardship of resources, whether vast or seemingly insignificant. This attention to detail also highlights the holiness of the Tabernacle and its components; even the hooks and bands were made of precious silver, emphasizing that every part of God's sacred space was set apart and valuable. The verse also speaks to the theme of complete obedience, as the Israelites, through their artisans, faithfully executed every divine instruction, demonstrating their commitment to the covenant and their desire to honor God with excellence.

* [1 Chronicles 28:11-19](/1_chronicles/28-11-19 "1 Chronicles 28:11-19 - David's Detailed Plan for the Temple")
* [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as Living Stones in a Spiritual House")
* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Parable of the Talents, Well Done Good and Faithful Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail of Exodus 38:28 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as every shekel of silver and every crafted component contributed to the integrity and beauty of the Tabernacle, so too every contribution, talent, and act of service within God's kingdom holds immense value and purpose. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order and precision, and He values faithfulness in the smallest of tasks. Our diligence in seemingly minor responsibilities, our careful stewardship of resources, and our commitment to excellence in every endeavor contribute to the larger work of building His spiritual house and advancing His purposes in the world. It challenges us to consider whether we approach our service to God with the same level of care, precision, and dedication that was exemplified in the construction of His ancient dwelling place, understanding that even the "hooks and fillets" of our lives can bring Him glory and contribute to the overall beauty and strength of His church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in this verse challenge my perspective on "small" or "insignificant" tasks in my life and service to God?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate greater faithfulness and precision in my stewardship of the resources (time, talent, treasure) God has entrusted to me?**
* **What does this verse teach me about God's character and His value for order and excellence in all things pertaining to His kingdom and His people?**

### FAQ

**Why is this seemingly minor detail about silver so important in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: This detail is crucial because it underscores several significant themes. First, it highlights the divine precision and meticulousness with which God commanded the Tabernacle's construction, emphasizing that every part of His dwelling place was to be perfect and according to His exact specifications. Second, it demonstrates the Israelites' complete obedience and faithfulness in executing these commands, even down to the smallest allocation of materials. Third, the silver itself, derived from the atonement money (the half-shekel census tax from [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11-16 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Atonement Money")), imbues these components with symbolic significance, connecting the very structure of God's presence to the concept of redemption and atonement. It shows that no resource, especially one dedicated to God, was to be wasted or used without purpose.

**What exactly are "chapiters" and "fillets" in the context of the Tabernacle?**

Answer: "Chapiters" (from the Hebrew _ro'sh_, meaning "head" or "top") refer to the capitals or decorative tops of the pillars used in the Tabernacle and its court. These were often adorned and served to crown the pillars, providing both structural completion and aesthetic beauty. In [Exodus 38:28](/exodus/38-28 "Exodus 38:28 - Final Allocation of Silver"), these chapiters were overlaid with silver. "Fillets" (from the Hebrew _ḥāshaq_, meaning "to join" or "to bind") refer to bands, rods, or connecting elements, also made of silver. These would have served to connect or encircle the pillars, providing structural integrity, a finished appearance, or perhaps a means of hanging curtains. Both terms illustrate the intricate and detailed craftsmanship involved in every aspect of God's sacred dwelling, ensuring both its functionality and its holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous detail of [Exodus 38:28](/exodus/38-28 "Exodus 38:28 - Final Allocation of Silver"), accounting for every last shekel of silver used for the Tabernacle's hooks, chapiters, and fillets, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The silver itself, derived from the atonement money (cf. [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11-16 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Atonement Money")), powerfully foreshadows the infinitely precious ransom paid by Christ for the redemption of humanity. Just as every piece of silver contributed to the integrity and beauty of God's dwelling place, so too every aspect of Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection was meticulously orchestrated by God for our salvation. He is the ultimate "dwelling place" of God among humanity, the true [temple](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of Destroying and Rebuilding the Temple") in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily (cf. [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The precision and completeness seen in the Tabernacle's construction point to the flawless obedience of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled every jot and tittle of the Law (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the one who binds us to God, the true connection and support, making us living stones in a spiritual house (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as Living Stones")), perfectly fitted and joined together by His atoning work, ensuring the eternal integrity and beauty of God's redeemed people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 27:17

All the pillars round about the court [shall be] filleted with silver; their hooks [shall be of] silver, and their sockets [of] brass.