Exodus 38:2

Authorized King James Version

And he made the horns thereof on the four corners of it; the horns thereof were of the same: and he overlaid it with brass.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
And he made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
קַרְנֹתָ֑יו
of it the horns
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
#3
עַ֚ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
אַרְבַּ֣ע
thereof on the four
four
#5
פִּנֹּתָ֔יו
corners
an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain
#6
מִמֶּ֖נּוּ
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#7
הָי֣וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
קַרְנֹתָ֑יו
of it the horns
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
#9
וַיְצַ֥ף
thereof were of the same and he overlaid
to sheet over (especially with metal)
#10
אֹת֖וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃
it with brass
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

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 historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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