The Altar of Burnt Offering
Exodus 38:1-7 describes the construction of the altar, made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze. This altar was central to the sacrificial system, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation with God.

The Bronze Basin
In verses 8, the bronze basin is crafted from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. This basin was used for ceremonial washing, emphasizing the importance of purity and preparation before approaching God.

The Courtyard
Verses 9-20 detail the construction of the courtyard, including its dimensions and materials. The courtyard served as a boundary, setting apart the sacred space and reminding the Israelites of the holiness of God.

The Inventory of Materials
Verses 21-31 provide an account of the materials used in the construction of the Tabernacle, underscoring the generosity and willingness of the people to contribute to God's work.Commitment to Worship
Just as the Israelites dedicated their resources and skills to build the Tabernacle, we are called to commit our time, talents, and treasures to the service of God.

Pursuit of Holiness
The emphasis on purity and preparation in the Tabernacle's construction reminds us of the importance of living a life set apart for God, striving for holiness in our daily actions.

Generosity in Giving
The willingness of the Israelites to give freely for the construction of the Tabernacle challenges us to be generous in supporting our local church and community.1. Bezalel
Bezalel is mentioned in Exodus 38:22. He is the chief artisan responsible for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Bezalel is from the tribe of Judah and is described as being filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship. The Hebrew root for his name, בְּצַלְאֵל (Betsal'el), means "in the shadow of God," indicating divine protection and inspiration.

2. Oholiab
Oholiab is mentioned alongside Bezalel in Exodus 38:23. He is from the tribe of Dan and serves as Bezalel's assistant. Oholiab is skilled in engraving, designing, and embroidering with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. His name, אָהֳלִיאָב (Oholi'av), can be translated as "father's tent," which may symbolize his role in the creation of the sacred space of the Tabernacle.1. The Tabernacle
The central place described in Exodus 38 is the Tabernacle, which is the portable sanctuary constructed by the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. The chapter details the making of the altar of burnt offering, the bronze basin, and the courtyard, all of which are part of the Tabernacle complex. The Hebrew term for Tabernacle is "מִשְׁכָּן" (mishkan), meaning "dwelling place," signifying its role as the dwelling place of God among His people.

While Exodus 38 does not mention other specific geographical locations, the Tabernacle itself is a significant and central place in the narrative of the Israelites' journey and worship practices.1. Construction of the Altar of Burnt Offering (Exodus 38:1-7)
Bezalel made the altar of burnt offering from acacia wood. It was square, five cubits long and five cubits wide, and three cubits high. The altar had horns on its four corners, which were of one piece with it, and it was overlaid with bronze. Bezalel also made all the utensils of the altar—pots, shovels, basins, meat forks, and firepans—from bronze. A bronze grating, a network under the ledge of the altar, was cast and placed beneath the altar, halfway up from the base. Poles of acacia wood overlaid with bronze were made to carry the altar.

2. Making the Bronze Basin (Exodus 38:8)
Bezalel made the bronze basin and its stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. The Hebrew word for "mirrors" (מַרְאוֹת, mar'ot) indicates polished metal surfaces used for reflection.

3. Construction of the Courtyard (Exodus 38:9-20)
The courtyard was constructed with hangings of fine twisted linen, 100 cubits long on the south and north sides, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and silver hooks and bands. The west side was 50 cubits long with ten posts and bases. The east side was also 50 cubits, with hangings on either side of the entrance. The entrance curtain was made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely spun linen, embroidered with needlework. The courtyard's posts were banded with silver, and their hooks were silver, while the bases were bronze.

4. Inventory of Materials (Exodus 38:21-31)
Moses recorded the inventory of materials used for the Tabernacle, as commanded by the LORD. Ithamar, son of Aaron the priest, was responsible for the accounts. The total amount of gold used was 29 talents and 730 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. The silver collected from the community was 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, used for casting the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the curtain. The bronze from the wave offering was 70 talents and 2,400 shekels, used for the altar, its utensils, and the bases of the courtyard.Hebrews 9:11-14
This passage connects the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who entered the greater and more perfect tabernacle.

1 Peter 2:5
Believers are described as living stones being built into a spiritual house, highlighting our role in God's ongoing work.

2 Corinthians 9:7
Encourages cheerful giving, reflecting the spirit of generosity seen in the contributions for the Tabernacle. Thanksgiving for God's Provision
Thank God for His provision and the resources He has entrusted to us, asking for wisdom in using them for His glory.

Desire for Holiness
Pray for a deeper desire to pursue holiness and purity in our lives, seeking to honor God in all we do.

Willingness to Serve
Ask God to cultivate a heart of service and generosity, willing to contribute to His work in our communities and beyond.

As we reflect on Exodus 38, may we be inspired by the dedication and devotion of the Israelites, seeking to honor God with our lives and resources.

1. What is the significance of Bezalel's role in constructing the sacred structures?

2. How does the construction of the altar of burnt offering symbolize the purpose of worship?

3. What is the significance of the bronze basin and its origin from the mirrors of the serving women?

4. Why are the details of the courtyard, its posts, bases, and curtains, important to the overall narrative?

5. How do the blue, purple, and scarlet yarns used in the entrance curtain reflect the holiness of the space within?

6. What does the inventory of the tabernacle signify about the value of every element used in worship?

7. How do the contributions of the congregation emphasize the role of community in worship?

8. What can we learn from the detailed descriptions of the construction process? How can we apply these lessons to our own spiritual lives?

9. What is the significance of the sanctuary being constructed by the community's offerings?

10. In what ways does this chapter symbolize the relationship between God and His people?

11. How does the concept of crafting sacred spaces translate into our contemporary worship contexts?

12. What can we learn from the unity and cooperation among Bezalel, Oholiab, and the rest of the community?

13. How do the different items used in the sanctuary represent aspects of our relationship with God?

14. How do the actions of Bezalel and Oholiab serve as an example of using one's skills for God's glory?

15. In what ways can we relate the communal participation in building the tabernacle to the modern-day church community?

16. How might the concept of the burnt offering altar resonate with today's concept of sacrifice?

17. How can the transparency in the accounting of the contributions inspire integrity in our present-day dealings within our worship communities?

18. How can we understand the transformation of the women's mirrors into a basin in a symbolic sense?

19. What role does artistic beauty and aesthetic value play in our worship spaces and practices today?

20. How can we use our own skills and resources to contribute to our communities and honor God today?