Exodus 38:29

KJV

And the brass of the offering [was] seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the brass {H5178} of the offering {H8573} was seventy {H7657} talents {H3603}, and two thousand {H505} and four {H702} hundred {H3967} shekels {H8255}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The bronze in the offering came to 4,680 pounds.

Berean Standard Bible

The bronze from the wave offering totaled 70 talents and 2,400 shekels.

American Standard Version

And the brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 38:29 meticulously records the substantial quantity of bronze (often rendered "brass" in older translations) contributed by the Israelite community for the construction of the Tabernacle. This verse serves as the final entry in a comprehensive inventory of the precious metals—gold, silver, and bronze—that were freely offered by the people and then carefully weighed and accounted for. It underscores the immense scale of the sacred project, the meticulous adherence to divine instructions, and the profound communal effort involved in establishing God's dwelling place among His people in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 38:29 is situated within the concluding section of the book of Exodus, specifically in the detailed account of the Tabernacle's construction and completion (from [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Freewill Offerings and Craftsmen Appointed") through [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - Erection and Consecration of the Tabernacle")). Following God's elaborate architectural instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (beginning in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions") and continuing through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Craftsmanship and Sabbath")), these chapters chronicle the people's enthusiastic response to the call for freewill offerings ([Exodus 35:20-29](/exodus/35-20-29 "Exodus 35:20-29 - The People's Generous Offerings")), the appointment of skilled artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab, and the painstaking execution of every detail according to God's command. Verses 21-31 of chapter 38 function as a final summary and audit of all the materials gathered and utilized, with verse 29 specifically tallying the bronze. This meticulous record-keeping highlights the vast resources dedicated to this sacred endeavor and emphasizes the completion of the work in perfect obedience to God's blueprint, setting the stage for the Tabernacle's erection and consecration in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - Erection and Consecration of the Tabernacle").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for this verse is the Israelite wilderness journey, a pivotal period of national formation following their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Though a nomadic people, they were commanded to construct a sophisticated, portable sanctuary. The gathering of such vast quantities of precious metals—gold, silver, and bronze—speaks volumes about God's provision, likely stemming from the "spoiling of the Egyptians" as alluded to in [Exodus 12:35-36](/exodus/12-35-36 "Exodus 12:35-36 - Israelites Take Wealth from Egyptians"), and the people's remarkable willingness to contribute from their newfound wealth. The Tabernacle was far more than a mere structure; it was the tangible symbol of God's holy presence in their midst, the designated place where atonement was made, and where the covenant relationship between God and Israel was maintained. The use of "talents" and "shekels" reflects standard ancient Near Eastern systems of weight, underscoring the practical realities of managing such a massive construction project. Bronze, an alloy primarily of copper and tin, was a common and valuable metal in the ancient world, prized for its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Its properties made it suitable for the more robust elements of the Tabernacle, particularly those associated with judgment and sacrifice in the outer court, such as the [Altar of Burnt Offering](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - The Altar of Burnt Offering") and the [bronze laver](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18 - The Bronze Laver").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 38:29 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Command and Human Obedience**. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction (e.g., [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Build According to the Pattern")) are met with meticulous execution, emphasizing the importance of following God's blueprint precisely. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **God's Provision and the People's Generosity**. The sheer quantity of materials, freely given ([Exodus 35:4-9](/exodus/35-4-9 "Exodus 35:4-9 - Call for Offerings")), demonstrates God's ability to provide abundantly for His purposes and His people's joyful response. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Dwelling Among His People**. The Tabernacle, built from these materials, was the physical manifestation of God's presence, signifying His desire for intimate relationship with Israel ([Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45-46 "Exodus 29:45-46 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")). Finally, the precise accounting speaks to the theme of **Order and Accountability**, reflecting God's nature as a God of order and the necessity of diligent stewardship in His service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brass (Hebrew, _nᵉchôsheth'_):** While often translated "brass" in older versions like the KJV, this term more accurately refers to "bronze," an alloy predominantly of copper. Bronze was a highly valued and versatile metal in the ancient Near East, known for its durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion. In the Tabernacle, bronze was primarily used for elements associated with the outer court, particularly those involved in sacrifice and purification, such as the Altar of Burnt Offering, the Laver, and the sockets for the court pillars. Its properties symbolically linked it to divine judgment, steadfastness, and the enduring nature of God's justice.
* **Talents (Hebrew, _kikkâr'_):** This term denotes a large unit of weight, typically equivalent to about 75 pounds (approximately 34 kilograms) in ancient Hebrew measurements. The mention of "seventy talents" signifies an immense quantity, emphasizing the substantial material wealth contributed by the Israelites and the sheer scale of the Tabernacle project. It highlights the collective generosity and the divine provision that enabled such an undertaking in the wilderness. The root meaning of "circle" or "round" might subtly suggest the completeness or totality of the offering.
* **Shekels (Hebrew, _sheqel'_):** A shekel was a smaller, more common unit of weight, roughly 0.4 ounces (about 11 grams). The inclusion of "two thousand and four hundred shekels" alongside the talents demonstrates extreme precision in the accounting. This meticulous detail underscores the divine emphasis on exactness and order in all matters pertaining to God's worship and the construction of His dwelling. It reflects a careful stewardship of resources and an adherence to the specific instructions given by God, ensuring that every last measure was recorded.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the brass of the offering":** This phrase highlights that the bronze was not a mandatory tax or levy but a voluntary contribution, a "freewill offering" (_tᵉnûwphâh_) from the people. This underscores their willing hearts and collective participation in the sacred project, demonstrating their devotion and obedience to God's call for materials for His dwelling. The term "offering" here specifically refers to the "wave offering," indicating something presented to the Lord with a gesture of dedication.
* **"[was] seventy talents":** This quantifies the bulk of the bronze contribution, indicating a truly massive amount. Seventy talents would equate to approximately 5,250 pounds (or 2,381 kilograms) of bronze. This vast quantity speaks to the abundance of resources available to the Israelites, likely from the wealth they took from Egypt, and their extraordinary generosity in giving to God's work. The number seventy often carries symbolic weight in biblical numerology, sometimes associated with completeness or nations.
* **"and two thousand and four hundred shekels":** This adds a precise, smaller increment to the total, indicating meticulous accounting down to the smallest significant unit. This additional amount, approximately 57 pounds (or 26 kilograms), brings the total to around 5,307 pounds (or 2,407 kilograms). The inclusion of such a specific, relatively small remainder after the large "talents" demonstrates the exactness and thoroughness of the inventory and the scrupulous adherence to the divine command for accountability in the Tabernacle's construction. It shows that no detail, no matter how small, was overlooked in the sacred work.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 38:29, and indeed throughout the detailed accounting sections of Exodus, is **Precision** and **Numerical Detail**. The exact figures ("seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels") are not merely an administrative record but serve to underscore the meticulousness with which God's instructions were followed and the seriousness with which the Israelites approached the building of His sanctuary. This precision emphasizes divine order, human obedience, and the sacred nature of the task. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism** inherent in the material itself. Bronze, used for the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Laver, symbolically represents judgment, strength, and purification—themes central to the Tabernacle's function. The sheer quantity of this material also conveys a sense of **Abundance** and **Generosity**, highlighting the overwhelming response of the people's freewill offerings and God's bountiful provision. The repetitive nature of these detailed accounts throughout Exodus also functions as a form of **Emphasis**, reinforcing the importance of exact obedience to God's commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 38:29, by detailing the vast quantity of bronze contributed, underscores profound theological truths about God's meticulous nature, the necessity of human obedience to divine commands, and the importance of generous, freewill offerings in establishing God's dwelling among His people. The precise accounting highlights that every detail in God's plan matters, and His people are called to respond with both their resources and their exactitude. The sheer volume of material also speaks to God's provision for His people, enabling them to fulfill His grand design for worship and relationship. This act of collective giving and building established a tangible center for Israel's faith, where God's presence would reside and atonement would be made, preparing them for a life of covenant faithfulness.

* [Exodus 35:21](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - The People's Willing Offerings")
* [1 Chronicles 29:9](/1_chronicles/29-9 "1 Chronicles 29:9 - David and the People's Joyful Giving")
* [Haggai 1:8](/haggai/1-8 "Haggai 1:8 - Rebuilding the Temple with Diligence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous accounting of the bronze offering in Exodus 38:29 offers powerful lessons for contemporary faith and practice. It reminds us that God is a God of order and precision, and He values diligence and faithfulness in the management of resources, especially those dedicated to His work. The immense quantity of bronze, given willingly by the Israelites, challenges us to consider our own generosity and stewardship. Are we contributing our resources—be it time, talent, or treasure—with the same wholeheartedness and abundance for the advancement of God's kingdom today? This verse also highlights the communal effort involved in building God's dwelling place. Just as every Israelite's contribution, large or small, was vital for the Tabernacle, so too is every believer's participation essential for the flourishing of the Church, which is now God's dwelling by His Spirit. Our service, like the bronze, should be durable, strong, and prepared for the rigorous work of ministry and spiritual warfare, reflecting the steadfastness and enduring nature of God's purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous accounting in Exodus 38:29 challenge my approach to stewardship and financial giving in my own life and in the church?**
* **What does the Israelites' generous, freewill offering of such vast quantities of material teach me about my own priorities and willingness to contribute to God's work?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate greater precision and faithfulness in my service to God, reflecting His attention to detail and commitment to order?**

### FAQ
**Why was "brass" (bronze) so important for the Tabernacle, and what did it symbolize?**

Answer: Bronze was critically important for the Tabernacle, particularly for elements in the outer court, because of its physical properties and profound symbolic meaning. Physically, bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) is strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for the robust components exposed to the elements and heavy use, such as the [Altar of Burnt Offering](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - The Altar of Burnt Offering"), the [Laver](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18 - The Bronze Laver"), and the sockets for the court pillars. Symbolically, bronze was deeply associated with judgment, strength, and purification. The Altar of Burnt Offering, where sacrifices for sin were consumed by fire, represented God's righteous judgment against sin and the need for atonement. The Laver, made of polished bronze and used by priests for washing, symbolized the necessary purification and cleansing required before approaching a holy God. Thus, the pervasive use of bronze in these areas underscored the themes of divine justice, the consequences of sin, and the absolute necessity of cleansing and atonement to approach God's holy presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The bronze of the Tabernacle, meticulously weighed and recorded, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The vast quantity of bronze, largely used for the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Laver, pointed to the necessity of judgment and purification for sin. This foreshadowed the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of divine judgment against sin, fulfilling what the bronze altar symbolized. His shed blood provides the complete and final atonement, making the countless animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and Cleansing")). Furthermore, the Laver, made of bronze, symbolized the purification required for priests to enter God's presence. In Christ, we find our perfect cleansing, not through ritual washings, but through His atoning work, which purifies our consciences from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The precision in recording the bronze also speaks to the divine exactness of God's plan of salvation, perfectly executed in Christ. He is the true and greater Tabernacle, in whom God dwells fully ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and through whom we, by faith, are granted immediate access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). His perfect obedience and sacrifice are the ultimate "offering" that satisfies God's righteous demands.

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.