Exodus 38:30
And therewith he made the sockets to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the brasen altar, and the brasen grate for it, and all the vessels of the altar,
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
And therewith he made
H6213
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
And therewith he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פֶּ֚תַח
to the door
H6607
פֶּ֚תַח
to the door
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
5 of 19
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
H168
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
6 of 19
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
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)
הַנְּחֹ֖שֶׁת
and the brasen
H5178
הַנְּחֹ֖שֶׁת
and the brasen
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
10 of 19
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַנְּחֹ֖שֶׁת
and the brasen
H5178
הַנְּחֹ֖שֶׁת
and the brasen
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
13 of 19
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 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 #:
17 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
The bronze distribution demonstrated strategic allocation: heaviest concentration at the altar (bearing continuous fire), substantial use in courtyard foundations (bearing traffic and weather), and distributed use in pins (securing against wind). Each application suited bronze's properties: durability, heat-resistance, weight, and strength.
Questions for Reflection
- What does bronze at every threshold teach about necessarily acknowledging judgment when transitioning to holy space?
- How does comprehensive bronze use (foundations, anchors, vessels) illustrate that judgment-awareness and endurance pervade all aspects of approaching and serving God?
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Analysis & Commentary
The bronze application—'the sockets for the door of the tabernacle,' altar and grate, altar vessels, court sockets, court gate sockets, tabernacle pins, and court pins—demonstrates comprehensive use. Bronze marked every threshold (tabernacle door, court gate), foundation (sockets), and anchor (pins), teaching that judgment and endurance characterize transitions, foundations, and security in God's dwelling. Moving from common to holy space requires crossing bronze (acknowledged judgment); standing in holy space requires bronze foundations (sustained judgment-awareness); remaining secure requires bronze anchors (established endurance).