Exodus 38:8
Next he made the bronze basin and its stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
Next, he made
This phrase indicates a continuation of the construction process of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The Hebrew verb used here, "עשה" (asah), means "to make" or "to do," emphasizing the craftsmanship and intentionality behind the creation of sacred objects. This reflects the meticulous obedience to God's instructions, highlighting the importance of following divine guidance in our endeavors.

the basin of bronze
The basin, or laver, was a crucial element in the Tabernacle, used for ceremonial washing by the priests. The Hebrew word "כיור" (kiyor) refers to a large vessel. Bronze, a durable and reflective metal, symbolizes strength and judgment. The use of bronze here signifies the purification necessary before approaching God, reminding believers of the need for spiritual cleansing.

and its stand
The stand, or base, provided stability and elevation for the basin. This detail underscores the importance of a firm foundation in our spiritual practices. Just as the stand supported the basin, our faith must be grounded in the truth of God's Word to sustain our spiritual growth and service.

from the mirrors of the women
Mirrors in ancient times were made of polished metal, often bronze. The Hebrew word "מראות" (marot) indicates these reflective surfaces. The women who donated their mirrors demonstrated selflessness and devotion, sacrificing personal items for the sake of worship. This act of giving reflects the call for believers to offer their resources and talents for God's purposes.

who served
The Hebrew term "צבא" (tsaba) implies organized service or ministry. These women were not merely present but actively engaged in service at the Tabernacle. Their dedication exemplifies the role of women in ministry and the value of their contributions to the faith community.

at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, or Tabernacle, was the designated place for encountering God. The entrance represents the threshold between the secular and the sacred. Serving at this location signifies a position of honor and responsibility, as these women facilitated the worship and spiritual life of the Israelite community. This highlights the importance of creating spaces where people can meet with God and the role of believers in maintaining such environments.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bezalel
The chief artisan of the Tabernacle, appointed by God to oversee its construction, including the making of the bronze basin.

2. Women who served
These women contributed their mirrors for the making of the basin, indicating their dedication and service at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

3. Bronze Basin
A significant piece of the Tabernacle used for ceremonial washing by the priests, symbolizing purification.

4. Tent of Meeting
The sacred place where God met with Moses and where the Israelites worshiped during their wilderness journey.

5. Mirrors
Made of polished bronze, these were valuable personal items that the women willingly gave up for the construction of the basin.
Teaching Points
Sacrificial Giving
The women gave up their valuable mirrors for the construction of the basin, teaching us about the importance of sacrificial giving for God's work.

Purification and Holiness
The bronze basin symbolizes the need for purification before approaching God, reminding us of the importance of spiritual cleanliness and holiness in our lives.

Role of Women in Ministry
The contribution of the women highlights the significant role women play in ministry and service to God.

Transformation through Service
Just as the mirrors were transformed into a basin, our lives can be transformed through service and dedication to God's purposes.

Reflecting God's Glory
The mirrors, once used for personal reflection, became a tool for divine service, encouraging us to reflect God's glory in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the sacrificial giving of the women’s mirrors teach us about our own willingness to give to God’s work?

2. How does the role of the bronze basin in the Tabernacle relate to the concept of spiritual purification in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can we see the role of women in ministry reflected in both the Old and New Testaments?

4. How can the transformation of the mirrors into a basin inspire us to allow God to transform our lives for His purposes?

5. How can we apply the concept of reflecting God’s glory in our daily lives, as seen in the transformation of the mirrors?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 30:17-21
Provides instructions for the use of the bronze basin, emphasizing its role in the purification process for the priests before they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar.

1 Samuel 2:22
Mentions women who served at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, highlighting the ongoing role of women in the religious life of Israel.

2 Corinthians 3:18
Discusses transformation and reflection of God's glory, which can be metaphorically linked to the mirrors used in the basin, symbolizing the reflection and transformation of the believers.

James 1:23-25
Compares the Word of God to a mirror, encouraging believers to not only hear the Word but also act upon it, similar to how the mirrors were transformed into a tool for purification.
Old Things Turned to New UsesJ. Parker, D. D.Exodus 38:8
The Laver and Looking-GlassesDr. Talmage.Exodus 38:8
The Looking-Glass and the LaverH. Macmillan, D. D.Exodus 38:8
The Mirrors of the WomenJ. Orr Exodus 38:8
The Brazen Altar, the Laver, and the CourtJ. Orr Exodus 38:1-21
The Court and its LessonsJ. Urquhart Exodus 38:1-31
People
Aaron, Ahisamach, Aholiab, Bezaleel, Dan, Hur, Ithamar, Levites, Moses, Uri
Places
Sinai
Topics
Assembled, Assembling, Base, Basin, Brass, Bronze, Congregation, Copper, Crowded, Crowds, Door, Doors, Doorway, Entrance, Foot, Laver, Lookingglasses, Looking-glasses, Maketh, Meeting, Ministered, Ministering, Mirrors, Moreover, Opening, Polished, Served, Service, Serving, Stand, Tabernacle, Tent, Thereof, Using, Washing-vessel, Women
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 38:8

     5411   mirror

Exodus 38:8-11

     4312   bronze

Library
The Unmerciful Servant.
"Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Doctrine of the Scriptures.
I. NAMES AND TITLES. 1. THE BIBLE. 2. THE TESTAMENTS. 3. THE SCRIPTURES. 4. THE WORD OF GOD. II. INSPIRATION. 1. DEFINITION. 2. DISTINCTIONS. a) Revelation. b) Illumination. c) Reporting. 3. VIEWS: a) Natural Inspiration. b) Christian Illumination. c) Dynamic Theory. d) Concept Theory. e) Verbal Inspiration. f) Partial Inspiration. g) Plenary Inspiration. 4. THE CLAIMS OF THE SCRIPTURES THEMSELVES: a) The Old Testament. b) The New Testament. 5. THE CHARACTER (OR DEGREES) OF INSPIRATION. a) Actual
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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