Exodus 38:30

KJV

And therewith he made the sockets to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the brasen altar, and the brasen grate for it, and all the vessels of the altar,

KJV (with Strong's)

And therewith he made {H6213} the sockets {H134} to the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and the brasen {H5178} altar {H4196}, and the brasen {H5178} grate {H4345} for it, and all the vessels {H3627} of the altar {H4196},

Complete Jewish Bible

He used it to make the sockets for the entrance to the tent of meeting, the bronze altar, its bronze grate, all the utensils for the altar,

Berean Standard Bible

He used it to make the bases for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the bronze altar and its bronze grating, all the utensils for the altar,

American Standard Version

And therewith he made the sockets to the door of the tent of meeting, and the brazen altar, and the brazen grating for it, and all the vessels of the altar,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 38:30 meticulously details the specific components of the Tabernacle's outer court that were fashioned from the substantial bronze contributions of the Israelites. This verse highlights the precise fulfillment of divine instructions in the construction of foundational elements like the sockets for the Tabernacle's entrance, the brazen altar, its grate, and various altar vessels, all crucial for the sacrificial system and the congregation's worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 38:30 concludes a significant section (Exodus 35-38) that meticulously describes the actual construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, following the detailed blueprints given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions")). Specifically, verses 21-31 of chapter 38 serve as an accounting summary, detailing the precise amounts of gold, silver, and bronze contributed by the people and how these precious metals were utilized. Verse 29 explicitly states the quantity of bronze offered—seventy talents and two thousand four hundred shekels—setting the immediate context for verse 30, which then enumerates the specific items crafted from this bronze. This meticulous record underscores the divine precision required for the Tabernacle's construction and the faithful obedience of the Israelites and the skilled artisans, particularly Bezalel and Aholiab, who were divinely gifted for this sacred work, as noted in [Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1-6 "Exodus 31:1-6 - Divine Appointment of Bezalel and Aholiab").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's wilderness wanderings, a pivotal period following their liberation from Egyptian slavery. This nomadic sanctuary served as the tangible representation of God's presence among His people, a constant reminder of His covenant and their unique relationship with Him. In the ancient Near East, the construction of temples and sacred spaces was a common practice, but the Israelite Tabernacle stood apart due to its divine origin and meticulous specifications, which reflected the holiness and transcendence of Yahweh. Bronze (often translated "brass" in older versions like the KJV, but more accurately an alloy of copper and tin) was a highly valued and durable metal in this era, frequently used for tools, weapons, and robust architectural elements. Its selection for the outer court items, especially the altar, was practical due to its ability to withstand intense heat and constant use, but also symbolic, often associated with strength, endurance, and divine judgment, as seen in various biblical contexts where bronze is linked to God's fiery presence or righteous decrees, such as the [brazen serpent](/numbers/21-9 "Numbers 21:9 - The Brazen Serpent") in Numbers 21.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 38:30 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Instruction and Human Obedience**, demonstrating the Israelites' faithful adherence to God's detailed commands for the Tabernacle's construction, as outlined in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions"). It also reinforces the theme of **God's Dwelling Presence**, as the Tabernacle served as the tangible manifestation of Yahweh among His people, a holy space where He would meet with them ([Exodus 29:43-46](/exodus/29-43-46 "Exodus 29:43-46 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")). Furthermore, the prominence of the "brazen altar" highlights the central theme of **Atonement and Sacrifice**, emphasizing the necessity of blood offerings for the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with a holy God, a concept foundational to the Old Covenant sacrificial system ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life of the Flesh is in the Blood for Atonement")). The meticulous accounting of materials also speaks to the theme of **Generosity and Consecration**, as the Tabernacle was built from the freewill offerings of the people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sockets (Hebrew, _ʼeden'_):** From H134, meaning "a basis (of a building, a column, etc.); foundation, socket." These were the heavy, foundational bases into which the wooden frames or pillars of the Tabernacle and its courts were set. Made of bronze, they provided essential stability and structural integrity, particularly for the entrance of the Tabernacle proper. Their weight and durability were crucial for a portable sanctuary that needed to be dismantled and reassembled, symbolizing the firm foundation of God's dwelling and covenant.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** From H4196, meaning "an altar." This refers to the Altar of Burnt Offering, the most prominent piece of furniture in the Tabernacle's outer court. Constructed primarily of acacia wood overlaid with bronze, it was where animal sacrifices were offered for atonement. The use of bronze here was critical due to the intense heat generated by the perpetual fires. This altar was the primary point of interaction between sinful humanity and a holy God, symbolizing the necessity of sacrifice for the remission of sins.
* **Brazen (Hebrew, _nᵉchôsheth'_):** From H5178, meaning "copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e. coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)." This term emphasizes the material used for the specified items. Bronze, an alloy of copper, was chosen for its durability, resistance to heat, and strength. Theologically, bronze often carries symbolic weight, representing judgment, strength, and endurance, fitting for the elements of the Tabernacle's outer court that were exposed to fire, blood, and the elements, signifying the enduring nature of God's righteous judgment and the necessary purification for approaching Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And therewith he made the sockets to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,"**: This clause specifies the creation of the heavy bronze bases that supported the pillars at the entrance of the Tabernacle proper, the "tent of meeting" (often translated "tabernacle of the congregation"). These sockets were crucial for the stability of the entryway, signifying that access to God's presence, though mediated, was firmly established and ordered. The "tabernacle of the congregation" was the central place where God met with His people.
* **"and the brasen altar,"**: This refers to the Altar of Burnt Offering, the large, central altar in the outer court. Its construction from bronze (or bronze-overlaid wood) highlights its function in enduring the fiery sacrifices. This altar was the focal point of Israel's worship, where the blood of atonement was shed, signifying the gravity of sin and the divine provision for reconciliation.
* **"and the brasen grate for it,"**: This clause specifies the bronze grate that was part of the brazen altar. This grate, likely positioned within the altar, allowed for air circulation to fuel the sacrificial fire and for the ashes to fall through, ensuring efficient combustion. It was an integral component for the practical and continuous operation of the sacrificial system.
* **"and all the vessels of the altar,"**: This final clause encompasses the various implements used in conjunction with the brazen altar. These would have included pots for ashes, shovels, basins for catching blood, meat hooks, and firepans, all made of bronze. These vessels were essential for the daily ritual of sacrifice, ensuring cleanliness, efficiency, and the proper handling of sacred materials in accordance with divine command.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Enumeration** and **Repetition** to emphasize the meticulous detail and the specific material used in the Tabernacle's construction. The listing of "sockets," "brazen altar," "brazen grate," and "vessels" provides a precise inventory, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the work. The repeated use of "brazen" (or bronze) highlights the material's significance, not just for its durability but also for its symbolic associations. This **Symbolism** of bronze, often linked to judgment, strength, and purification, pervades the outer court's design. The items made of bronze were those exposed to the elements, to fire, and to the blood of sacrifice, thus symbolizing the enduring nature of God's righteous judgment and the necessary purification required for approaching a holy God. The entire description functions as **Metonymy**, where the parts (the bronze items) stand for the functionality and purpose of the outer court as a whole, which was primarily dedicated to purification and atonement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 38:30 underscores the profound theological truth of God's desire to dwell among His people, yet on His own terms of holiness and purity. The meticulous detail in the construction of the bronze elements, particularly the brazen altar, highlights the centrality of sacrifice and atonement in the Old Covenant. These items, made from the people's generous contributions, were not merely functional but were divinely ordained instruments for mediating between a holy God and sinful humanity. The bronze, enduring and associated with judgment, points to the severity of sin and the necessity of a bloody sacrifice for reconciliation. This entire system, with its emphasis on precise adherence to God's blueprint, foreshadowed the ultimate and perfect provision for sin that would come through Christ.

* [Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - Detailed Description of the Altar of Burnt Offering")
* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life of the Flesh is in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Remission of Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 38:30, while detailing ancient craftsmanship, offers timeless principles for contemporary faith. It reminds us that our worship and service to God must be intentional, ordered, and aligned with His revealed will, not our own preferences. Just as every piece of bronze, from the foundational sockets to the vessels of the altar, served a specific and vital function in the Tabernacle, so too are our individual gifts, resources, and acts of obedience essential for the flourishing of God's kingdom today. We are called to contribute wholeheartedly, recognizing that even seemingly mundane tasks or materials can be consecrated for sacred purposes. Moreover, the enduring presence of the brazen altar in this verse continually draws our attention to the foundational truth of atonement. It prompts us to reflect on the cost of sin and the immeasurable value of the sacrifice provided for us, cultivating a spirit of gratitude and humility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction, as seen in Exodus 38:30, challenge our approach to worship and service today?**
* **In what ways can we, like the Israelites, contribute our "bronze" (our resources, talents, and time) to God's work, ensuring it serves His purposes faithfully?**
* **How does the symbolism of the "brazen altar" and the necessity of sacrifice deepen our appreciation for Christ's finished work on the cross?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of the items made from bronze in the Tabernacle's outer court?**

Answer: The items made from bronze, as detailed in Exodus 38:30, served both structural and ceremonial purposes in the Tabernacle's outer court. The "sockets to the door of the tabernacle" provided foundational stability for the entrance, while the "brazen altar," its "grate," and "all the vessels of the altar" were central to the sacrificial system. These components facilitated the offering of burnt sacrifices for atonement, enabling a holy God to meet with His sinful people in a prescribed manner. They were designed to withstand the rigors of fire and constant use, symbolizing durability and the enduring nature of divine judgment and purification.

**Why is "bronze" often translated as "brass" in older versions like the KJV, and what is the significance of this material?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _nᵉchôsheth_ (נְחֹשֶׁת) is accurately translated as "bronze," an alloy of copper and tin. In the King James Version and other older translations, it was often rendered "brass" because, at the time of translation, "brass" was a more common and understood term for a copper alloy. However, brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) was not widely used in ancient metallurgy during the Exodus period. The significance of bronze lies in its strength, durability, and high melting point, making it ideal for items exposed to fire and heavy use. Theologically, bronze often symbolizes judgment, strength, and endurance in biblical contexts, fitting for the altar where divine judgment on sin was met through sacrifice, and for the foundational elements of God's dwelling place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 38:30, with its focus on the bronze elements of the Tabernacle's outer court, powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "sockets to the door of the tabernacle" point to Christ as the sole access point to God, for He declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). The "brazen altar," the central piece for atonement through sacrifice, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the cross of Christ. The perpetual fires and blood offerings on this altar symbolized the fiery judgment of God against sin and the necessity of a perfect, unblemished sacrifice. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's One Sacrifice")) on the cross, His body becoming the ultimate altar, and His shed blood the perfect, eternal atonement that truly purifies ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ Entered the Holy Place Once for All")). The bronze, often associated with judgment, is transformed in Christ, as He bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment on our behalf, allowing us to approach God not through animal sacrifices, but through His finished work.

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 26:37

And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars [of] shittim [wood], and overlay them with gold, [and] their hooks [shall be of] gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.

Exodus 27:10

And the twenty pillars thereof and their twenty sockets [shall be of] brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [shall be of] silver.

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.