Exodus 27:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
סִּֽירֹתָיו֙
his pans
H5518
סִּֽירֹתָיו֙
his pans
Strong's:
H5518
Word #:
2 of 11
a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook
לְדַשְּׁנ֔וֹ
to receive his ashes
H1878
לְדַשְּׁנ֔וֹ
to receive his ashes
Strong's:
H1878
Word #:
3 of 11
to be fat; transitively, to fatten (or regard as fat); specifically to anoint; figuratively, to satisfy; to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices)
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כֵּלָ֖יו
all the vessels
H3627
כֵּלָ֖יו
all the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
9 of 11
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
Historical Context
These utensils enabled priests to manage the continuous sacrificial system—removing ashes, manipulating burning flesh, catching and applying blood, maintaining the fire. The bronze construction ensured durability under the altar's intense heat while maintaining symbolic consistency with judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- Why must even the 'tools' of sacrifice be consecrated (bronze)?
- How does the seriousness of the cross affect how we 'handle' its message?
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Analysis & Commentary
Bronze utensils—pans (for ashes), shovels, basins (for blood), fleshhooks, firepans—all bronze. Even the implements serving the altar share its bronze (judgment) character. This teaches that everything associated with sin-bearing must partake of judgment's nature. The practical tools for handling sacrifice, ashes, and blood must be consecrated for their solemn work. There's no 'common' service at the cross; all is holy, all is serious.