Exodus 38:29
And the brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels.
Original Language Analysis
וּנְחֹ֥שֶׁת
And the brass
H5178
וּנְחֹ֥שֶׁת
And the brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
1 of 8
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
הַתְּנוּפָ֖ה
of the offering
H8573
הַתְּנוּפָ֖ה
of the offering
Strong's:
H8573
Word #:
2 of 8
a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings
כִּכָּ֑ר
talents
H3603
כִּכָּ֑ר
talents
Strong's:
H3603
Word #:
4 of 8
a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l
וְאַלְפַּ֥יִם
and two thousand
H505
וְאַלְפַּ֥יִם
and two thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
5 of 8
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Historical Context
Bronze came from Egyptian plunder and voluntary offerings (35:24). The seventy talents plus 2,400 shekels provided sufficient bronze for the massive altar (approximately 1,500 pounds), laver, sixty courtyard sockets, and numerous pins and vessels. This quantity demonstrates the people's generous response to God's redemption.
Questions for Reflection
- What does voluntary bronze offerings (versus mandatory silver) teach about service flowing from gratitude for redemption?
- How does bronze's use for judgment-items (altar), service-items (laver), and boundary-items (sockets, pins) illustrate the multifaceted nature of Christian response to salvation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The bronze total—'seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels' (approximately 4,800-5,400 pounds)—came from voluntary offerings (unlike mandatory silver). This bronze made the bronze altar, laver, court sockets, pins, and vessels—all items associated with judgment, service, and boundaries. The voluntary nature of bronze offerings (versus mandatory atonement silver) teaches that while redemption is non-negotiable, service and endurance (bronze qualities) should flow from willing hearts. Those who've experienced mandatory redemption should respond with voluntary service.