Exodus 36:18

Authorized King James Version

And he made fifty taches of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be one.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֛עַשׂ

H6213

And he made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

קַרְסֵ֥י

H7165

taches

a knob or belaying-pin (from its swelling form)

נְחֹ֖שֶׁת

H5178

of brass

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

חֲמִשִּׁ֑ים

H2572

fifty

לְחַבֵּ֥ר

H2266

to couple

to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאֹ֖הֶל

H168

the tent

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

לִֽהְיֹ֥ת

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֶחָֽד׃

H259

that it might be one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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People

Moses