Exodus 38:3

And he made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the basons, [and] the fleshhooks, and the firepans: all the vessels thereof made he [of] brass.

And he made {H6213} all the vessels {H3627} of the altar {H4196}, the pots {H5518}, and the shovels {H3257}, and the basons {H4219}, and the fleshhooks {H4207}, and the firepans {H4289}: all the vessels {H3627} thereof made {H6213} he of brass {H5178}.

He made all the utensils for the altar -its pots, shovels, basins, meat-hooks and fire pans; all its utensils he made of bronze.

He made all the altar’s utensils of bronze—its pots, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans.

And he made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the basins, the flesh-hooks, and the firepans: all the vessels thereof made he of brass.

Commentary

Exodus 38:3 continues the detailed account of the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, specifically focusing on the various implements used for the brazen altar (also known as the altar of burnt offering).

Context

This verse is part of the larger narrative in Exodus chapters 35-38, which describes the fulfillment of God's commands for building the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary for Israel in the wilderness. After receiving the divine blueprints on Mount Sinai, the people, led by skilled craftsmen like Bezaleel and Aholiab, diligently constructed each element according to the precise instructions. The altar of burnt offering, positioned at the entrance of the Tabernacle court, was central to Israel's worship, serving as the place where animal sacrifices were offered for the atonement of sins.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Obedience: The meticulous detailing of each vessel underscores God's demand for exactness in worship and Israel's faithful obedience in executing His plans. Every item, no matter how seemingly small, had a divinely ordained purpose.
  • Functionality in Worship: Each vessel mentioned—pots, shovels, basons, fleshhooks, and firepans—had a practical role in the sacrificial rituals. They facilitated the handling of ashes, blood, and meat, ensuring the proper and orderly execution of the offerings.
  • Symbolism of Materials: The use of brass (or bronze) for these vessels is significant. In biblical symbolism, brass often represents judgment, strength, or endurance. For the altar and its implements, it points to the severity of sin and the fiery judgment it incurs, which was borne by the sacrificial animal.
  • Holiness of the Altar: The careful construction and specific materials highlight the sanctity of the altar and the serious, pure approach required for communion with God through sacrifice.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "brass" is nechoshet, which generally refers to copper or bronze. This metal was chosen for its durability and resistance to heat, making it ideal for the intense environment of the altar where sacrifices were consumed by fire. The various "vessels" (Hebrew: keli) each had specific functions:

  • Pots (sirot): Likely used to collect the ashes from the burnt offerings.
  • Shovels (ya'im): For scooping and removing the ashes.
  • Basons (mizraqot): Bowls used for catching, holding, or sprinkling the blood of the sacrifices, which was crucial for atonement.
  • Fleshhooks (mazlegot): Three-pronged forks used to handle or arrange the meat on the altar.
  • Firepans (machtot): Likely censers for carrying hot coals from the altar, perhaps for incense offerings, or for collecting embers.

Practical Application

Exodus 38:3 reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose, even in the smallest details of worship. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, this passage points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the sacrificial system. For believers today, it emphasizes that our service to God should be intentional, well-prepared, and aligned with His revealed will. Every aspect of our spiritual life, from seemingly mundane tasks to profound acts of worship, contributes to glorifying God when done with diligence and reverence.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 2:13 (3 votes)

    And the priests' custom with the people [was, that], when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;

  • Exodus 27:3 (3 votes)

    And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make [of] brass.