Exodus 39:39

KJV

The brasen altar, and his grate of brass, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,

KJV (with Strong's)

The brasen {H5178} altar {H4196}, and his grate {H4345} of brass {H5178}, his staves {H905}, and all his vessels {H3627}, the laver {H3595} and his foot {H3653},

Complete Jewish Bible

the bronze altar with its bronze grate, poles and all its utensils; the basin with its base;

Berean Standard Bible

the bronze altar with its bronze grating, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin with its stand;

American Standard Version

the brazen altar, and its grating of brass, its staves, and all its vessels, the laver and its base;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:39 meticulously details the completion of critical components for the Tabernacle's Outer Court: the brazen altar, its grate, staves, and all its vessels, along with the laver and its foot. This verse is part of the concluding narrative of Exodus, which emphasizes the Israelites' faithful and precise adherence to God's intricate divine blueprint for the sanctuary. These items were indispensable for the sacrificial system and priestly purification, thereby underscoring profound themes of atonement, holiness, and the preparation for God's holy presence to dwell among His people in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39:39 is strategically placed within the final section of the book of Exodus, specifically chapters 35-40, which chronicle the construction and erection of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings. This segment serves as the grand fulfillment of the detailed divine commands previously given to Moses on Mount Sinai in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - God's Instructions for the Tabernacle"). While earlier chapters provided the divine blueprint, chapters 35-39 meticulously recount how the skilled artisans, notably Bezaleel and Aholiab, executed every instruction with unwavering precision. Verse 39, appearing immediately after the completion of the priestly garments, focuses on the final, essential pieces of the Outer Court, thereby setting the stage for the Tabernacle's climactic assembly and anointing in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Erection of the Tabernacle"). This deliberate literary progression from divine mandate to human obedience powerfully underscores the absolute importance of adhering to God's revealed will for worship and life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle transpired during Israel's formative forty-year sojourn in the Sinai wilderness, a pivotal period of national and theological identity formation. As a nomadic people, the Israelites required a portable sanctuary that could accompany them on their journeys, tangibly symbolizing God's constant presence in their midst. While the concept of a deity dwelling among its people was not unique to ancient Near Eastern cultures, the *nature* of Yahweh's dwelling and the *profound holiness* required for His presence were distinctively Israelite. The materials, craftsmanship, and specific functions of the Tabernacle items, including the brazen altar and laver, reflect the highest available technology and artistic skill of the era, often incorporating techniques and materials reminiscent of Egyptian artistry. The extraordinary detail in both the divine instructions and their meticulous execution underscores the gravity with which Israel was to approach their holy God, establishing a cultic system that not only prefigured future divine revelations but also provided a tangible, divinely ordained means for a sinful people to interact with a perfectly holy God.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 39:39 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **divine instruction and human obedience**. The meticulous enumeration of completed items highlights Israel's faithful execution of God's precise commands, reinforcing the principle that true worship and service must align perfectly with divine revelation. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **holiness and purification**. The brazen altar and laver are central to the sacrificial and cleansing rituals, underscoring the absolute necessity of atonement for sin and ceremonial purity for those who would draw near to God. This points to God's inherent holiness and His demand for separation from sin. Lastly, the verse contributes to the theme of **God's dwelling among His people**. The completion of these essential furnishings signifies the readiness of God's portable sanctuary, fulfilling His promise to dwell in the midst of Israel, as seen in the broader narrative leading to [Exodus 40:34-38](/exodus/40-34-38 "Exodus 40:34-38 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle"). The Tabernacle, with its specific components, provided a tangible representation of God's covenant presence and the means by which a sinful people could maintain fellowship with a holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brasen (Hebrew, _nᵉchôsheth'_):** This term (H5178) refers to copper or, more commonly in biblical contexts, bronze (an alloy of copper and tin). Its consistent use for the altar and laver in the Outer Court is highly symbolic. Bronze, while durable and resistant to fire, was less precious than the gold and silver designated for items within the Holy Place and Most Holy Place. This material distinction subtly indicates a progression in holiness, from the more common and accessible elements of worship to the increasingly sacred and exclusive inner sanctuary. The durability of bronze also made it eminently suitable for items exposed to the intense heat of sacrifices and constant use, emphasizing the enduring nature and necessity of the sacrificial and cleansing rituals.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice," the _mizbêach_ (H4196) denotes a place of sacrifice. In this context, it specifically refers to the Altar of Burnt Offering, strategically positioned just inside the Tabernacle's entrance. This was the primary site where animal sacrifices were offered, symbolizing the foundational truth that the shedding of blood is necessary for the atonement of sins. Its completion, as noted in this verse, underscores its central and indispensable role in Israel's divinely ordained system of worship, highlighting the perpetual need for reconciliation with a holy God.
* **Laver (Hebrew, _kîyôwr'_):** This word (H3595) signifies a large basin or bowl. The laver was placed between the brazen altar and the entrance to the Holy Place. Its explicit purpose, as detailed in [Exodus 30:18-21](/exodus/30-18-21 "Exodus 30:18-21 - Instructions for the Laver"), was for the priests to ritually wash their hands and feet before ministering. This act of washing was a crucial ceremonial purification, symbolizing the required holiness and cleanliness for those who would serve in God's immediate presence. The "foot" (H3653, _kên_) refers to its sturdy stand, ensuring stability and proper height for the priests' use.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The brasen altar":** This phrase identifies the Altar of Burnt Offering, which served as the central location for sacrifices in the Tabernacle's Outer Court. Its completion signifies that the primary means for atonement for the sins of both the people and the priests was now ready for use. Positioned as the first point of contact for an Israelite approaching the Tabernacle, it symbolized that access to God was fundamentally predicated upon the necessity of sacrifice and the shedding of blood for forgiveness.
* **"and his grate of brass, his staves, and all his vessels":** These elements represent the essential accessories for the brazen altar, all crafted from bronze. The "grate of brass" was a network designed to hold the burning sacrifices, allowing ashes to fall through for proper disposal. The "staves" were long poles inserted into rings on the altar's sides, enabling it to be carried during the Israelites' nomadic journeys, emphasizing the Tabernacle's portability and God's accompanying presence. "All his vessels" refers to the comprehensive array of utensils used in the sacrificial rituals, such as pans for collecting ashes, shovels for their removal, basins for blood, and flesh hooks, ensuring every detail necessary for the sacrificial system was meticulously completed and ready for use.
* **"the laver and his foot":** This refers to the large bronze basin, the laver, and its supporting stand, the "foot." Positioned between the brazen altar and the entrance to the Holy Place, the laver was critical for the ritual purification of the priests. They were commanded to wash their hands and feet here before performing any sacred duty at the altar or entering the Holy Place. This act profoundly underscored the absolute necessity of ceremonial and spiritual cleansing for anyone who would serve in the presence of a holy God, representing the purity and consecration required for divine service.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 39:39, while a concise enumeration, employs several subtle yet profound literary devices that enhance its theological impact. **Merism** is evident in the comprehensive listing of specific components (altar, grate, staves, vessels, laver, foot) to represent the complete and fully equipped set of items for the Tabernacle's Outer Court. This detailed cataloging emphasizes the exhaustive and precise fulfillment of God's divine instructions. The deliberate **repetition** of "brass" or "brazen" throughout this verse and the surrounding passages (e.g., [Exodus 38:2](/exodus/38-2 "Exodus 38:2 - Bronze Horns of the Altar")) serves to highlight the material's significance, not only for its practical durability and suitability for fiery rituals but also for its symbolic contrast with the more precious metals used in the inner sanctuary, subtly indicating a progression in holiness and access. **Symbolism** is paramount, as each item carries profound theological weight: the altar symbolizes atonement, the necessity of sacrifice, and the means of reconciliation, while the laver symbolizes purification, the need for holiness, and preparation for divine service. Finally, the very act of listing these completed items, following chapters of divine command and detailed construction, functions as a powerful literary device of **affirmation** and **completion**, signaling that God's intricate blueprint has been perfectly executed, thereby preparing the way for His promised dwelling among His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:39, by listing the completed brazen altar and laver, powerfully encapsulates core theological themes foundational to the Old Covenant. It underscores the divine insistence on a specific, divinely ordained means of approaching God, emphasizing both atonement for sin and purification for service. The meticulous adherence to God's "blueprint" for these items highlights the principle of obedience as fundamental to true worship and the sanctity of God's presence. These physical objects were not merely functional; they were tangible representations of profound spiritual realities: the constant, indispensable need for blood sacrifice to cover sin and the absolute necessity of ceremonial and moral purity for those who would draw near to a holy God. Their readiness signified the imminent establishment of God's dwelling place among Israel, confirming His faithfulness to His covenant promises and providing a structured, divinely sanctioned system for maintaining fellowship with Him.

* [Exodus 27:1](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - Instructions for the Brazen Altar")
* [Exodus 30:18](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18 - Instructions for the Laver")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed construction of the Tabernacle, culminating in verses like Exodus 39:39, serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of God's meticulous nature, His unwavering demand for holiness, and the specific means He provides for humanity to approach Him. While the physical Tabernacle no longer stands as a central place of worship, its underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The brazen altar points us to the foundational truth that sin requires a blood sacrifice for atonement—a truth ultimately and perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The laver reminds us that before we can truly serve or worship a holy God, we must be cleansed and purified. For believers today, this purification comes not through ritual washing but through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit and the sanctifying power of God's Word, which continually cleanses and transforms us. Our worship, whether corporate or individual, should always be marked by profound reverence, recognizing the infinite holiness of God and the immeasurable cost of our access to Him. We are called to live lives of purity, obedience, and meticulous care in our spiritual walk, reflecting the same dedication and precision the Israelites demonstrated in building God's dwelling place.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in building the Tabernacle, as seen in Exodus 39:39, inform and challenge our contemporary approach to worship and obedience?**
* **In what specific ways do the enduring concepts of atonement (symbolized by the altar) and purification (symbolized by the laver) remain absolutely essential for our spiritual lives as believers in Christ?**
* **Considering the Tabernacle's ultimate purpose as God's dwelling place among His people, how can we ensure our "worship and service" are approached with the reverence, intentionality, and holiness that these ancient elements so powerfully symbolized?**

### FAQ
**Why was brass (bronze) used for these specific items in the Tabernacle's Outer Court?**

Answer: Bronze was chosen primarily for its exceptional durability, resistance to corrosion, and high tolerance to heat, making it an ideal material for items like the altar of burnt offering and its associated vessels, which would be constantly exposed to fire and demanding use. Furthermore, bronze was a common and readily available metal in the ancient Near East. Symbolically, the use of bronze for the Outer Court items stood in deliberate contrast to the more precious gold and silver used for elements within the Holy Place and Most Holy Place. This material distinction subtly conveyed a progression from the common or accessible to the increasingly sacred and exclusive, emphasizing the profound holiness of God's inner sanctuary and the escalating reverence required to approach Him.

**What was the primary function and theological significance of the brazen altar?**

Answer: The brazen altar, also known as the Altar of Burnt Offering, was the central and most prominent fixture in the Tabernacle's Outer Court, serving as the designated place where animal sacrifices were offered daily. Its primary function was to provide the divinely ordained means for the atonement of sins, both for the priests and for the entire congregation of Israel. Theologically, it profoundly underscored the absolute necessity of blood sacrifice for forgiveness, symbolizing that sin incurs a penalty that only a substitute's death can adequately pay. It was the very first point of access for any Israelite approaching God's dwelling, signifying that reconciliation with a holy God was only possible through a divinely appointed and accepted sacrifice.

**What was the significance of the laver and its "foot" in the Tabernacle's design?**

Answer: The laver was a large bronze basin, positioned strategically between the brazen altar and the entrance to the Holy Place. Its profound significance lay in its purpose for the ritual washing of the priests' hands and feet before they ministered at the altar or entered the Holy Place. This act of washing was a crucial ceremonial purification, symbolizing the required holiness, moral purity, and spiritual cleanliness for those who would serve in God's immediate presence. It served as a constant, tangible reminder that only those who were ceremonially clean and consecrated could appropriately approach and serve a holy God. The "foot" (Hebrew, _kên_) simply refers to the sturdy stand upon which the basin rested, ensuring its stability and proper elevation for priestly use, highlighting the practical and precise nature of all elements within the Tabernacle's divine design.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:39, with its focus on the completed brazen altar and the laver, finds its profound and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The brazen altar, where sacrifices were perpetually offered for the atonement of sins, perfectly foreshadows the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of [Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose precious blood provides complete and eternal forgiveness for sin ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")). He is our perfect, sinless sacrifice, rendering all subsequent animal sacrifices obsolete and establishing a new covenant. Similarly, the laver, which required priests to wash for ceremonial purification before ministering, points to Christ as the sole source of our spiritual cleansing. We are not purified by ritual washings or external acts but by the "washing of regeneration" through the Holy Spirit and the sanctifying power of God's Word, which Christ uses to cleanse and purify His church ([Ephesians 5:26](/ephesians/5-26 "Ephesians 5:26 - Christ Cleansing the Church"); [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")). Through Christ, the need for a physical altar and laver is superseded, as He has opened a new and living way for us to boldly approach the [throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace") with hearts cleansed by His atoning blood and lives purified by His indwelling Spirit, enabling us to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and devoted service to God.

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 38:30

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,

1 Kings 8:64

The same day did the king hallow the middle of the court that [was] before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings: because the brasen altar that [was] before the LORD [was] too little to receive the burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings.