“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.”
This verse is part of the detailed description of the construction of the Tabernacle, which was a portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness.
Context:In Exodus, the Israelites had been delivered from slavery in Egypt by God’s miraculous intervention through Moses. After crossing the Red Sea, they journeyed towards Mount Sinai, where God gave them the Ten Commandments and various laws to govern their lives. During their time at Mount Sinai, God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle, a sacred place where the people could worship and offer sacrifices.
The Altar of Burnt Offering:Exodus 38:3 specifically mentions the various vessels used in connection with the altar of burnt offering. This was a significant part of the Tabernacle, where sacrifices were made to atone for sin and seek God’s forgiveness. The altar was made of acacia wood covered with bronze and had a bronze grating on which the sacrifices were placed.
The Purpose of the Vessels:The verse lists several vessels that were made of brass (bronze). Each of these items served a specific purpose in the process of offering sacrifices:
- Pots: These were likely used to carry the ashes and embers from the previous sacrifices to keep the fire burning on the altar continually (Leviticus 6:12-13).
- Shovels: The shovels were used to scoop up the ashes from the altar after the sacrifices had been burned (Leviticus 1:16; 4:12).
- Basins: The basins were used to catch the blood of the sacrificed animals, which was then sprinkled on the altar as part of the atonement process (Leviticus 1:5; 4:7).
- Fleshhooks: These were long forks or hooks used to handle the meat of the sacrifices as it was being prepared and burned on the altar (1 Samuel 2:13-14).
- Firepans: Firepans were used to carry burning coals from the altar to the inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle, where incense was burned before the Lord (Leviticus 16:12-13).
Symbolism and Application:While this verse primarily describes the practical aspects of the Tabernacle’s construction, we can also draw some spiritual lessons from it:
- Holiness and Purity:The materials and instruments used in the Tabernacle were carefully chosen and consecrated, emphasizing the importance of approaching God with reverence, purity, and holiness.
- Worship and Sacrifice:The Tabernacle and its sacrificial system pointed to the need for atonement for sin and the desire to worship and draw near to God. Today, we no longer offer animal sacrifices, as Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the ultimate atonement for our sins.
- Service and Ministry:The vessels mentioned in this verse were tools used by the priests for service in the Tabernacle. In a similar way, believers today are called to serve and minister in various capacities within the body of Christ.
- Practical Faithfulness:Just as the skilled artisans constructed the Tabernacle and its vessels according to God’s specific instructions, we can learn the importance of being faithful and obedient to God’s guidance in our lives.
In conclusion, Exodus 38:3 provides us with a glimpse of the meticulous preparations and attention to detail in building the Tabernacle. It reminds us of the significance of worship, sacrifice, and service in our relationship with God and underscores the importance of approaching Him with reverence and devotion. While the physical Tabernacle no longer exists, its principles and symbolism continue to teach us valuable spiritual lessons today.
