Exodus 25:38

And the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, [shall be of] pure gold.

And the tongs {H4457} thereof, and the snuffdishes {H4289} thereof, shall be of pure {H2889} gold {H2091}.

Its tongs and trays are to be of pure gold.

The wick trimmers and their trays must be of pure gold.

And the snuffers thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold.

Commentary

Context of Exodus 25:38

Exodus 25:38 is part of God's detailed instructions to Moses concerning the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where He would dwell among the Israelites. Specifically, this verse describes the smaller, yet essential, implements associated with the Menorah, or Golden Candlestick, which stood in the Holy Place. Every aspect of the Tabernacle, from its largest structures to its smallest tools, was meticulously prescribed by God, emphasizing the divine blueprint for Israel's worship and approach to Him. The Menorah itself was the sole source of light within the Holy Place, signifying God's constant presence and guidance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Detail: The inclusion of specific instructions for items like tongs and snuffdishes highlights God's meticulous attention to every detail of worship and service. Nothing was arbitrary; every piece had a purpose in the sacred space.
  • Purity and Holiness: The repeated emphasis on "pure gold" for even these maintenance tools underscores the sanctity and perfection required in God's presence. Every element of the Tabernacle and its service was to reflect the absolute holiness of the Lord.
  • Ongoing Service and Maintenance: The tongs were used to trim the wicks of the Menorah's lamps, and the snuffdishes collected the burnt trimmings. These tools symbolize the necessary, continuous work of maintaining the light and purity of worship, ensuring that the lamps burned brightly without obstruction.
  • Symbolism of Light and Presence: While the Menorah itself is the primary symbol of light, the tools for its maintenance are crucial for its function. This subtly points to the need for diligent care to ensure the light of God's truth and presence continues to shine brightly.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates the Hebrew words for these implements:

  • "Tongs" (Hebrew: מֶלְקָחַיִם, melqachayim): These were likely wick-trimmers, used to remove charred portions of the wicks to ensure a clean, bright flame.
  • "Snuffdishes" (Hebrew: מַחְתֹּת, maḥtōt): These were small vessels or pans designed to catch the trimmings and ashes from the wicks, keeping the holy area clean.
The phrase "pure gold" (Hebrew: זָהָב טָהוֹר, zahav tahor) emphasizes that these items, despite their utilitarian purpose, were to be made of the highest quality material, reflecting their sacred function in God's sanctuary.

Practical Application

Exodus 25:38, though seemingly minor, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today:

  • God Cares About the Details: Just as God meticulously planned every tool for the Tabernacle, He cares about the details of our lives and service. Our worship and obedience should be thorough and intentional, not haphazard. We are to do all things heartily, as to the Lord.
  • Maintaining Our Spiritual Light: The need for tongs and snuffdishes to keep the Menorah burning brightly can be likened to the need for spiritual maintenance in our lives. We must regularly examine ourselves, confess sin, and remove anything that hinders the light of Christ from shining through us. This ensures our witness remains pure and effective, much like Jesus, the Light of the World.
  • Holiness in All Things: Even the seemingly mundane tools for sacred service were to be made of pure gold. This teaches us that every aspect of our lives, even the "small" tasks, should be dedicated to God's glory and conducted with integrity and purity.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 37:23 (2 votes)

    And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuffdishes, [of] pure gold.

  • 2 Kings 12:13 (2 votes)

    Howbeit there were not made for the house of the LORD bowls of silver, snuffers, basons, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, of the money [that was] brought into the house of the LORD:

  • Isaiah 6:6 (2 votes)

    Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, [which] he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:

  • 2 Chronicles 4:21 (2 votes)

    And the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, [made he of] gold, [and] that perfect gold;

  • Jeremiah 52:18 (2 votes)

    The caldrons also, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the bowls, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away.

  • Numbers 4:9 (2 votes)

    And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it:

  • 1 Kings 7:50 (2 votes)

    And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers [of] pure gold; and the hinges [of] gold, [both] for the doors of the inner house, the most holy [place, and] for the doors of the house, [to wit], of the temple.