Exodus 38:27

The hundred talents of silver were used to cast the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil--100 bases from the 100 talents, one talent per base.

Study Bible

The hundred talents of silver
This phrase refers to the substantial amount of silver collected for the construction of the Tabernacle. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a talent was a unit of weight, approximately 75 pounds or 34 kilograms. The use of silver, a precious metal, underscores the value and sacredness of the Tabernacle. Silver in the Bible often symbolizes redemption and purity, reflecting the redemptive work of God among His people. The collection of such a large amount of silver indicates the collective commitment and sacrifice of the Israelites in their worship and service to God.

were used to cast the bases of the sanctuary
The bases, or sockets, were foundational elements of the Tabernacle's structure. Each base was made of silver, providing stability and support for the entire sanctuary. This imagery of a strong foundation is echoed throughout Scripture, where God is often depicted as the foundation of our faith and lives. The use of silver for the bases signifies the purity and holiness required in approaching God, as the Tabernacle was the dwelling place of His presence among the Israelites.

and the bases of the veil
The veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place within the Tabernacle. It was a physical barrier that only the high priest could pass through once a year on the Day of Atonement. The bases of the veil being made of silver highlight the sanctity and separation between God and humanity due to sin. Yet, it also foreshadows the tearing of the veil at Christ's crucifixion, symbolizing the new access to God through Jesus' sacrificial death.

a hundred bases for the hundred talents
This precise allocation of resources reflects the order and intentionality in God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction. Each talent of silver was used purposefully, demonstrating God's provision and the importance of obedience to His commands. The number one hundred, often associated with completeness in the Bible, signifies the completeness of God's plan and the sufficiency of His provision for His people.

one talent per base
The equal distribution of one talent per base emphasizes fairness and equality in God's design. It suggests that each part of the Tabernacle, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant, was essential to the whole. This principle can be applied to the body of Christ, where every member has a unique and vital role to play in the functioning of the church. It reminds believers of the importance of unity and cooperation in fulfilling God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle from God.

2. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

3. The Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where God dwelled among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

4. The Sanctuary and the Veil
The inner parts of the Tabernacle, including the Holy of Holies, separated by the veil.

5. The Israelites
The people of God who contributed materials for the construction of the Tabernacle.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites followed God's specific instructions for the Tabernacle, highlighting the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

God's Provision and Purpose
The use of silver for the bases shows God's provision and the purposeful design of His dwelling place, reminding us that God equips us for His purposes.

Symbolism of the Tabernacle
The Tabernacle serves as a symbol of God's presence and holiness, encouraging us to live lives that reflect His holiness.

Community Contribution
The construction of the Tabernacle was a communal effort, illustrating the importance of each member's contribution to the body of Christ.

Christ as the Fulfillment
The Tabernacle points to Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God among men, encouraging us to find our identity and purpose in Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the construction of the Tabernacle reflect the character and holiness of God?

2. In what ways can we, as believers, contribute to the building up of the church, similar to how the Israelites contributed to the Tabernacle?

3. How does the use of silver in the Tabernacle's construction symbolize God's provision and purpose in our lives today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the obedience of the Israelites in following God's detailed instructions for the Tabernacle?

5. How does the Tabernacle foreshadow the work of Christ, and how can this understanding deepen our relationship with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the detailed instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, including the use of silver for the bases.

Hebrews 9
This New Testament passage discusses the significance of the Tabernacle and its furnishings as a foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Paul speaks of believers as the temple of God, drawing a parallel to the holiness and purpose of the Tabernacle.

1 Peter 2:5
Believers are described as living stones being built into a spiritual house, connecting to the idea of the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for God.