Exodus 38:3
And he made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the basons, and the fleshhooks, and the firepans: all the vessels thereof made he of brass.
Original Language Analysis
עָשָׂ֥ה
And he made
H6213
עָשָׂ֥ה
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כֵּלָ֖יו
all the vessels
H3627
כֵּלָ֖יו
all the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
4 of 19
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַסִּירֹ֤ת
the pots
H5518
הַסִּירֹ֤ת
the pots
Strong's:
H5518
Word #:
7 of 19
a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כֵּלָ֖יו
all the vessels
H3627
כֵּלָ֖יו
all the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
17 of 19
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
Cross References
Exodus 27:3And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass.1 Samuel 2:13And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;
Historical Context
These five types of vessels served specific functions: pots collected ashes from burned offerings, shovels moved coals, basins caught blood for sprinkling, fleshhooks turned meat on the fire, and firepans carried coals. All were bronze, matching the altar's metal and emphasizing their role in judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does using bronze (judgment metal) for all altar vessels teach about the comprehensive nature of dealing with sin?
- How does the distinction between bronze (exterior) and gold (interior) vessels illustrate different aspects of ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Vessels for the altar—pots (סִירֹת, sirot) for ashes, shovels (יָעִים, ya'im), basins (מִזְרָקֹת, mizrakot), fleshhooks (מִזְלָגֹת, mizlagot), and firepans (מַחְתֹּת, machtot)—all made of bronze, demonstrate that every tool serving judgment must itself bear judgment's metal. These implements handled the results of sin (ashes), moved the sacrifice (fleshhooks), and managed the fire (firepans). Making them bronze rather than gold teaches that ministering to sin and judgment requires different character than ministering in God's holy presence (gold furnishings within).