Exodus 38:28
And of the thousand seven hundred seventy and five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, and overlaid their chapiters, and filleted them.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאֶ֜לֶף
And of the thousand
H505
הָאֶ֜לֶף
And of the thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
2 of 13
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וּשְׁבַ֤ע
seven
H7651
וּשְׁבַ֤ע
seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
3 of 13
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
הַמֵּאוֹת֙
hundred
H3967
הַמֵּאוֹת֙
hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
4 of 13
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
עָשָׂ֥ה
shekels he made
H6213
עָשָׂ֥ה
shekels he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לָֽעַמּוּדִ֑ים
for the pillars
H5982
לָֽעַמּוּדִ֑ים
for the pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
9 of 13
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
רָֽאשֵׁיהֶ֖ם
their chapiters
H7218
רָֽאשֵׁיהֶ֖ם
their chapiters
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
11 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
Historical Context
The hooks held curtains; capitals topped pillars; fillets connected pillar tops, running horizontally like rods. Using remaining silver for these elements demonstrated complete dedication of redemption money to tabernacle purposes—none diverted, all consecrated. The accounting's precision (down to 1,775 shekels) proved faithful stewardship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does using even remaining silver for connecting elements teach about stewardship of every portion of God's provision?
- How does redemption-silver in hooks and connectors illustrate that all aspects of unity among believers derive from atonement?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The remaining 1,775 shekels (approximately 44 pounds) used for hooks (וָוִים, vavim), capitals (רָאשֵׁיהֶם, rashehem, 'heads'), and fillets (connecting rods, חִשּׁוּקִים, chishukim) demonstrates stewardship of every portion—nothing wasted, everything applied to God's house. These connecting elements, though less prominent than sockets, were essential for structural integrity. The use of redemption-silver even for hooks and rods teaches that every aspect of connecting God's people, every element of structural unity, derives from atonement. Small components receive the same precious material as foundations.