“All the vessels of the tabernacle in all the service thereof, and all the pins thereof, and all the pins of the court, shall be of brass.”
This verse is a part of the instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the tabernacle, which was the portable dwelling place of God’s presence among the Israelites during their time in the wilderness.
In this particular verse, God specifies that all the vessels used in the service of the tabernacle, as well as the pins or pegs used to secure the tabernacle and its surrounding court, should be made of brass.
Brass is a metal alloy composed primarily of copper and zinc, known for its strength and durability. In the context of the tabernacle, brass was chosen as a material for these specific items due to its practicality and ability to withstand the demands of the tabernacle’s construction and use.
Symbolically, brass holds significance in the Bible. It often represents judgment and divine authority. In the case of the tabernacle, which served as the focal point of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites, the use of brass could be seen as a reflection of God’s authority and the sanctity of the tabernacle as a place set apart for His presence.
Furthermore, the choice of brass may also serve as a reminder of the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt. In Exodus 38:8, we learn that the materials for the tabernacle, including the brass, were sourced from the mirrors of the serving women who gathered at the entrance of the tabernacle. These mirrors were likely made of polished brass or bronze. By incorporating these mirrors into the construction of the tabernacle, God transformed an item associated with vanity and self-reflection into a sacred part of His dwelling place.
Overall, Exodus 27:19 emphasizes the importance of using specific materials and following God’s instructions in the construction of the tabernacle. It highlights the meticulous nature of God’s design and the significance of the tabernacle as a place where God’s presence would reside among His people.
