“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.”
Context and Background: The book of Exodus recounts the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this particular verse, God is giving instructions to Moses regarding the construction of various items for the tabernacle, which was a portable place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings.
The Purpose of the Tabernacle: The tabernacle was a sacred space where the Israelites could worship and offer sacrifices to God. It served as a visible reminder of God’s presence among them. Every aspect of its construction and its furnishings was carefully specified by God to symbolize spiritual truths and foreshadow the coming of Jesus Christ.
The Significance of the Vessels: In Exodus 27:3, God instructs the Israelites to make several vessels for use in the tabernacle. These vessels include pans, shovels, basins, fleshhooks, and firepans. Each of these items had a specific purpose related to the various rituals and sacrifices performed in the tabernacle.
- Pans: The pans were used to collect the ashes from the altar of burnt offering. The ashes symbolized the cleansing and purifying power of God’s forgiveness.
- Shovels: The shovels were used to remove the ashes from the altar. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining cleanliness and order in approaching God.
- Basins: The basins were used for washing the priests’ hands and feet before they entered the tabernacle or performed sacrifices. It symbolizes the need for purity and consecration before coming into the presence of God.
- Fleshhooks: The fleshhooks were used to handle the sacrifices placed on the altar. They were used to turn and remove pieces of meat from the fire. This highlights the importance of proper handling and preparation of the sacrifices offered to God.
- Firepans: The firepans were used to carry coals from the altar to the incense altar. They symbolize the need for a fervent and continuous offering of worship and prayers to God.
Spiritual Lessons:
- While these vessels served practical purposes in the tabernacle, they also hold spiritual significance for us today:
- Cleansing and Forgiveness: The ashes collected in the pans remind us of God’s forgiveness and the cleansing power of His grace. We can bring our sins and burdens to Him, and He will forgive and purify us.
- Purity and Consecration: The basins used for washing teach us the importance of approaching God with a clean heart and a desire for holiness. We need to purify ourselves from sin and consecrate ourselves to God’s service.
- Proper Worship: The fleshhooks and firepans remind us to handle and offer our worship to God with reverence and sincerity. We should present our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving with the utmost care and devotion.
- Fervent Prayer: The firepans symbolize the need for fervent and continuous prayer. We should approach God with a passionate heart, offering our prayers and petitions with persistence and faith.
Application: As believers today, we are called to be living temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Just as the vessels in the tabernacle had specific purposes and were made of durable brass, we are called to fulfill our unique roles and to be vessels of honor for God’s glory (2 Timothy 2:21). We should seek to live lives that are cleansed, consecrated, and dedicated to God’s service.
In conclusion, Exodus 27:3 teaches us about the various vessels used in the tabernacle and their symbolic meanings. These vessels remind us of the need for forgiveness, purity, reverence, and fervent worship in our relationship with God. They also emphasize the importance of being vessels that bring honor to God in our daily lives.
