Exodus 38:10
Their pillars were twenty, and their brasen sockets twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver.
Original Language Analysis
הָֽעַמּוּדִ֛ים
Their pillars
H5982
הָֽעַמּוּדִ֛ים
Their pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
1 of 9
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
and their brasen
H5178
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
and their brasen
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
5 of 9
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
הָֽעַמּוּדִ֛ים
Their pillars
H5982
הָֽעַמּוּדִ֛ים
Their pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
7 of 9
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
Historical Context
The pillars stood approximately 7.5 feet tall with bronze bases anchoring them in the ground. Silver hooks and connecting rods (fillets) held the linen curtains, which hung from the hooks at uniform height. This construction created a boundary both permanent (bronze sockets) and portable (pillars and curtains could be dismantled).
Questions for Reflection
- How do the three metals (bronze foundation, silver connections, gold absent) teach progression from judgment through redemption to holiness?
- What does silver (redemption) connecting white linen (righteousness) to bronze (judgment) teach about salvation's integration?
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Analysis & Commentary
Twenty pillars (עַמֻּדִים, amudim) with twenty bronze sockets (אֲדָנִים, adanim) supporting silver hooks (וָוֵיהֶם, vaveihem) and silver fillets (חֲשֻׁקֵיהֶם, chashukeihem) demonstrate layered symbolism. Bronze sockets (judgment) as foundation support pillars with silver connections (redemption) holding white linen (righteousness). This progression teaches that righteousness boundaries rest on redemption, which itself stands on recognized judgment. Without acknowledging judgment (bronze), redemption (silver) has no meaning; without redemption, righteousness (linen) becomes legalistic moralism. The integration of all three metals portrays complete gospel.