Exodus 38:19
And their pillars were four, and their sockets of brass four; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their chapiters and their fillets of silver.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַמֻּֽדֵיהֶם֙
And their pillars
H5982
וְעַמֻּֽדֵיהֶם֙
And their pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
1 of 11
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֥ם
and their sockets
H134
וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֥ם
and their sockets
Strong's:
H134
Word #:
3 of 11
a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
H5178
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
5 of 11
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
כָּֽסֶף׃
of silver
H3701
כָּֽסֶף׃
of silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
7 of 11
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
רָֽאשֵׁיהֶ֛ם
of their chapiters
H7218
רָֽאשֵׁיהֶ֛ם
of their chapiters
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
9 of 11
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
Historical Context
The pins/stakes secured tabernacle and courtyard curtains to the ground, preventing wind damage. Bronze construction ensured durability through repeated assembly and disassembly during travels. These simple items, though unglamorous, were essential—without them, curtains would collapse. The specific mention demonstrates God's concern for every component, however small.
Questions for Reflection
- What does bronze pins (buried, hidden, yet essential) teach about faithful, unglamorous service securing visible ministry?
- How does specific mention of even tent pegs illustrate God's concern for every component of His work, however small?
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Analysis & Commentary
All the vessels of the tabernacle (כָּל־כְּלֵי הַמִּשְׁכָּן, kol-kelei ha-mishkan) in all its service, and all its pins, and all the courtyard pins made of bronze emphasizes comprehensive bronze usage for everything exterior/structural. Pins (יְתֵדֹת, yetedot—'tent pegs' or 'stakes') secured curtains and tabernacle structure, demonstrating that even hidden, underground elements deserve attention and quality materials. Bronze pins teach that what secures God's dwelling, though buried and unseen, must be strong and durable. The foundation of ministry often involves unglamorous, hidden work of 'pins'—faithful service securing the visible structure.