Construction of the Altar, Basin, and Courtyard

Exodus 38 continues detailing the construction of the Tabernacle’s components, focusing on the altar of burnt offering, the bronze basin, and the courtyard. These descriptions underscore the functionality and sanctity of the space set aside for Israel’s worship of God.

The Altar of Burnt Offering

• Design and Craftsmanship: Bezalel constructs the altar of burnt offering from acacia wood, making it square and overlaying it with bronze. The altar includes horns at its corners and is equipped with rings and poles for transport, emphasizing its role in sacrificial rites (Exodus 38:1-7).

The Bronze Basin

• Purpose and Construction: The bronze basin and its stand are made from the bronze mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. The basin is used by the priests to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the altar, symbolizing purification (Exodus 38:8).

The Courtyard

• Layout and Materials: The courtyard of the Tabernacle is constructed, enclosed by curtains made of finely twisted linen. The courtyard’s entrance is crafted with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, creating a distinct and decorative access point that highlights the transition into a sacred space (Exodus 38:9-20).

Accounting of Materials

• Record of Contributions: A detailed accounting of the materials used in constructing the Tabernacle is provided by Ithamar, son of Aaron. This record underscores the transparency and careful stewardship of the resources contributed by the people for the sanctuary’s construction (Exodus 38:21-31).

Theological Significance and Connection to Jesus Christ

Christological Echoes

• The Altar as a Symbol of Sacrifice: The altar of burnt offering prefigures the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. As the altar was central to the Old Covenant sacrifices for atonement, Christ’s sacrifice is central to the New Covenant, providing atonement for all who believe.
• The Bronze Basin and Cleansing: The washing at the bronze basin symbolizes the cleansing from sin offered through Christ. In the New Testament, this is reflected in baptism, which represents a believer’s purification and new life in Christ (Acts 22:16).

Divine Love and Its Implications

• Provision and Order: The detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings demonstrate God’s love through His provision of guidelines that ensure order, beauty, and functionality in worship.
• Accessibility and Holiness: The design of the Tabernacle, including the altar and basin, emphasizes God’s desire to dwell among His people while maintaining His holiness. It reflects His love by making Himself accessible yet without compromising His sacred nature.

Contemporary Relevance

Why Exodus 38 Still Matters Today

• Stewardship and Accountability: The careful accounting of materials used for the Tabernacle teaches the importance of stewardship and transparency in managing communal resources, especially within religious communities.
• Holiness in Worship: The sanctity of the Tabernacle’s construction and the roles of its furnishings remind believers today of the importance of approaching God with reverence and the significance of physical and spiritual cleanliness in worship.
• Symbolic Significance of Worship Elements: Understanding the symbolic meanings behind the Tabernacle’s components can enrich contemporary Christian worship, enhancing the appreciation of how Old Testament practices foreshadowed New Testament truths.

Exodus 38 not only recounts the physical preparations for the Tabernacle but also provides a profound exploration of the themes of sacrifice, purification, and divine presence, offering enduring lessons for believers about how to engage with and reflect on the presence of God in their lives.