Exodus 38: Altar and Courtyard Construction

Exodus 38 describes the construction of the tabernacle's furnishings and courtyard as instructed by Moses. Bezalel, assisted by Oholiab, builds the bronze altar for burnt offerings, measuring 5 cubits square and 3 cubits high, with horns, utensils, and a grating. The bronze basin and its stand are made from mirrors donated by women. The courtyard is formed with a 100-cubit-long, 50-cubit-wide enclosure of linen curtains, supported by bronze pillars and silver hooks, with specific measurements for the east and west sides. The chapter details the materials used: 29 talents and 730 shekels of gold, 100 talents and 1,775 shekels of silver (including a half-shekel tax from 603,550 men), and 70 talents and 2,400 shekels of bronze. All work follows God’s commands to Moses.