God’s Holy Dwelling: The Altar and Court

What You'll Learn

• The significance of the altar’s design and materials in worship
• How the court’s structure reflects God’s order and holiness
• The role of skilled craftsmen in fulfilling God’s commands
• The importance of precise obedience in God’s service

God’s holiness demands careful, obedient construction of His dwelling and worship practices.

Bible Translation Note Scripture Verse-by-Verse Study Chapter Synopsis Prayer Personal Application Weekly Actions Chapter Summary

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Exodus 38:1 And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; it was foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.

Exodus 38:2 And he made the horns thereof on the four corners of it; the horns thereof were of the same: and he overlaid it with brass.

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.

Exodus 38:4 And he made for the altar a brasen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath unto the midst of it.

Exodus 38:5 And he cast four rings for the four ends of the grate of brass, to be places for the staves.

Exodus 38:6 And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with brass.

Exodus 38:7 And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.

Exodus 38:8 And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Exodus 38:9 And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, an hundred cubits:

Exodus 38:10 Their pillars were twenty, and their brasen sockets twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver.

Exodus 38:11 And for the north side the hangings were an hundred cubits, their pillars were twenty, and their sockets of brass twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

Exodus 38:12 And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

Exodus 38:13 And for the east side eastward fifty cubits.

Exodus 38:14 The hangings of the one side of the gate were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

Exodus 38:15 And for the other side of the court gate, on this hand and that hand, were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

Exodus 38:16 All the hangings of the court round about were of fine twined linen.

Exodus 38:17 And the sockets for the pillars were of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver; and the overlaying of their chapiters of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.

Exodus 38:18 And the hanging for the gate of the court was needlework, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court.

Exodus 38:19 And their pillars were four, and their sockets of brass four; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their chapiters and their fillets of silver.

Exodus 38:20 And all the pins of the tabernacle, and of the court round about, were of brass.

Exodus 38:21 This is the sum of the tabernacle, even of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest.

Exodus 38:22 And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 38:23 And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen.

Exodus 38:24 All the gold that was occupied for the work in all the work of the holy place, even the gold of the offering, was twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

Exodus 38:25 And the silver of them that were numbered of the congregation was an hundred talents, and a thousand seven hundred and threescore and fifteen shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

Exodus 38:26 A bekah for every man, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men.

Exodus 38:27 And of the hundred talents of silver were cast the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the vail; an hundred sockets of the hundred talents, a talent for a socket.

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.

Exodus 38:29 And the brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels.

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,

Exodus 38:31 And the sockets of the court round about, and the sockets of the court gate, and all the pins of the tabernacle, and all the pins of the court round about.

Exodus 38:1

And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; it was foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.

Study: The altar of burnt offering was made from shittim wood, a durable and incorruptible wood, symbolizing strength and permanence. Its perfect square shape and specific dimensions reflect God’s order and holiness, showing that worship must be approached with reverence and exactness.

Exodus 38:2

And he made the horns thereof on the four corners of it; the horns thereof were of the same: and he overlaid it with brass.

Study: The horns on the altar’s four corners served as symbols of strength and refuge, where sacrifices could be laid and mercy sought. Overlaying the altar with brass, a metal associated with judgment, highlights the altar’s role in atonement and God’s righteous justice.

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.

Study: All the vessels used for the altar’s service were made of brass, emphasizing durability and the seriousness of the sacrificial system. These tools were essential for maintaining the altar’s function, showing that worship requires proper preparation and care.

Exodus 38:4

And he made for the altar a brasen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath unto the midst of it.

Study: The brasen grate under the altar allowed ashes to fall through, maintaining cleanliness and order in the sacrificial process. This detail illustrates God’s concern for purity and the proper handling of what is holy.

Exodus 38:5

And he cast four rings for the four ends of the grate of brass, to be places for the staves.

Study: The four rings cast for the grate’s ends were practical for carrying the altar, symbolizing that God’s presence and holiness are to be carried faithfully by His people. This also shows the importance of community responsibility in worship.

Exodus 38:6

And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with brass.

Study: The staves made of shittim wood and overlaid with brass combined strength with beauty, enabling the altar to be portable yet holy. This teaches that worship is both steadfast and adaptable as God leads His people.

Exodus 38:7

And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.

Study: Making the altar hollow with boards allowed for lighter weight and easier transport, reflecting God’s provision for His people’s journey. The careful assembly shows that God’s commands are practical and purposeful.

Exodus 38:8

And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Study: The laver, made from the women’s looking glasses, symbolizes the use of personal offerings for communal holiness. Washing at the laver was essential for priests to approach God clean, teaching the necessity of purity in service.

Exodus 38:9

And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, an hundred cubits:

Study: The court’s hangings on the south side were made of fine twined linen, representing purity and separation from the outside world. The large size of the hangings shows the importance of setting apart a holy space for God.

Exodus 38:10

Their pillars were twenty, and their brasen sockets twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver.

Study: Twenty pillars and brass sockets supported the south hangings, with silver hooks and fillets adding beauty and strength. This combination of metals symbolizes the blending of judgment (brass) and redemption (silver) in God’s sanctuary.

Exodus 38:11

And for the north side the hangings were an hundred cubits, their pillars were twenty, and their sockets of brass twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

Study: The north side mirrored the south with identical hangings and supports, demonstrating symmetry and balance in God’s design. This reflects God’s perfect order in His dwelling place.

Exodus 38:12

And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

Study: The west side’s hangings were half the length of the south and north sides, indicating the rectangular shape of the court. This proportion shows God’s intentional design in creating a defined space for worship.

Exodus 38:13

And for the east side eastward fifty cubits.

Study: The east side matched the west in length, completing the court’s enclosure. This side faced the tabernacle entrance, symbolizing the way into God’s presence.

Exodus 38:14

The hangings of the one side of the gate were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

Study: The gate’s hangings on one side were fifteen cubits with three pillars, marking the entrance to the court. The gate’s size and structure highlight the importance of access points in approaching God.

Exodus 38:15

And for the other side of the court gate, on this hand and that hand, were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

Study: The other side of the gate matched the first, ensuring symmetry and completeness in the court’s entrance. This balance reflects God’s perfect order in worship.

Exodus 38:16

All the hangings of the court round about were of fine twined linen.

Study: All the court’s hangings were made of fine twined linen, symbolizing purity and holiness. This consistent material choice teaches that God’s dwelling is to be set apart from impurity.

Exodus 38:17

And the sockets for the pillars were of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver; and the overlaying of their chapiters of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.

Study: The pillars’ brass sockets and silver hooks and fillets combined strength and beauty, showing that God’s sanctuary is both secure and adorned. The silver overlaying the chapiters points to redemption and glory.

Exodus 38:18

And the hanging for the gate of the court was needlework, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court.

Study: The gate’s hangings were needlework of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen, colors associated with royalty and priesthood. This colorful entrance signifies the majesty and sacredness of approaching God.

Exodus 38:19

And their pillars were four, and their sockets of brass four; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their chapiters and their fillets of silver.

Study: Four pillars with brass sockets and silver hooks supported the gate’s hangings, emphasizing stability and preciousness. The use of silver and brass again points to God’s justice and mercy.

Exodus 38:20

And all the pins of the tabernacle, and of the court round about, were of brass.

Study: All the pins of the tabernacle and court were made of brass, symbolizing strength and endurance. These pins secured the entire structure, teaching that God’s presence is firmly established and protected.

Exodus 38:21

This is the sum of the tabernacle, even of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest.

Study: The detailed accounting of the tabernacle’s construction by Ithamar, son of Aaron, shows the importance of faithful stewardship and record-keeping in God’s service. This accountability honors God’s commands.

Exodus 38:22

And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.

Study: Bezaleel, from the tribe of Judah, was the chief craftsman who made all that God commanded Moses, highlighting God’s gifting of skills for His purposes. This shows that God equips His people to serve Him.

Exodus 38:23

And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen.

Study: Aholiab, from the tribe of Dan, assisted as an engraver and embroiderer, demonstrating the diversity of talents used in worship. Their work in colors and fine linen points to the beauty God desires in His sanctuary.

Exodus 38:24

All the gold that was occupied for the work in all the work of the holy place, even the gold of the offering, was twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

Study: The gold used in the holy place was carefully measured, showing the value and sacredness of the materials dedicated to God. This precise accounting reflects reverence and responsibility.

Exodus 38:25

And the silver of them that were numbered of the congregation was an hundred talents, and a thousand seven hundred and threescore and fifteen shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

Study: The silver collected from the congregation was also measured, representing the communal contribution to God’s dwelling. This teaches that worship involves the whole community’s participation.

Exodus 38:26

A bekah for every man, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men.

Study: Each man over twenty gave a half shekel, a fair and equal offering, emphasizing personal responsibility in supporting God’s work. This law ensured that all contributed to the sanctuary’s maintenance.

Exodus 38:27

And of the hundred talents of silver were cast the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the vail; an hundred sockets of the hundred talents, a talent for a socket.

Study: The silver was used to cast the sockets for the sanctuary and veil, showing that even the foundation and separation within the tabernacle were precious and holy. This highlights God’s care in every detail.

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.

Study: Hooks, chapiters, and fillets were made from the remaining silver, demonstrating that no part of the offering was wasted but used to beautify the sanctuary. This teaches stewardship and honor in worship.

Exodus 38:29

And the brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels.

Study: The brass offering was also measured and used for the altar’s sockets and vessels, symbolizing God’s judgment and the seriousness of sacrifice. This metal’s use throughout the tabernacle underscores God’s holiness.

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,

Study: The brass was fashioned into sockets, the altar, grate, and vessels, showing the unity and purpose of the materials in service to God. This unity reflects the harmony required in worship.

Exodus 38:31

And the sockets of the court round about, and the sockets of the court gate, and all the pins of the tabernacle, and all the pins of the court round about.

Study: Brass was also used for the court’s sockets, gate, and pins, securing the entire tabernacle complex. This final detail emphasizes God’s protection over His dwelling and those who worship Him.

Exodus 38 provides a detailed account of the construction of the altar of burnt offering and the surrounding court of the tabernacle. Every element, from materials to measurements, was made according to God’s precise instructions, reflecting His holiness, justice, and desire for orderly worship. The skilled craftsmanship of Bezaleel and Aholiab, along with the faithful contributions of the people, demonstrate the communal and sacred nature of approaching God. This chapter teaches us the importance of reverence, obedience, and the beauty of God’s dwelling among His people.

Lord, help us to approach You with reverence and obedience, just as the altar and court were carefully constructed according to Your commands. Teach us to honor Your holiness in our worship and daily lives. Equip us with the skills and heart to serve You faithfully, and may our offerings be pleasing in Your sight. Amen.

• Pray daily for a heart of reverence and obedience in your worship.
• Memorize Exodus 38:1-2 to remember the altar’s significance.
• Reflect in your journal on how you can offer your gifts and talents to God’s service.
• Cleanse your heart through repentance, seeking purity as symbolized by the laver.
• Discuss with your family or community the importance of order and holiness in worship.
• Identify and thank someone who uses their skills to serve God faithfully.
• Worship God with songs or prayers that focus on His holiness and presence.

Exodus 38 reveals the careful and holy construction of the altar and court, emphasizing God’s demand for reverence, order, and purity in worship. The chapter teaches that every detail matters when approaching God, and that faithful service and offerings are essential. It reminds believers that God’s presence is both majestic and accessible, carried by His people as they journey in obedience.

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