Exodus 38:29
The bronze from the wave offering totaled 70 talents and 2,400 shekels.
The bronze
The Hebrew word for "bronze" is נְחֹשֶׁת (nechosheth), which refers to a metal alloy primarily composed of copper and tin. In the ancient Near East, bronze was a valuable material used for various purposes, including tools, weapons, and religious artifacts. Its mention here signifies the importance and value of the materials contributed by the Israelites for the construction of the Tabernacle. Bronze, being durable and resistant to corrosion, symbolizes strength and endurance, qualities that are spiritually significant in the context of worship and service to God.

from the wave offering
The term "wave offering" comes from the Hebrew תְּנוּפָה (tenuphah), which refers to a specific type of offering where the item is waved before the Lord as a symbolic gesture of dedication and consecration. This act of waving signifies the offering being presented to God and then returned for use in His service. The wave offering of bronze indicates the people's willingness to dedicate their valuable resources to the Lord, reflecting their devotion and commitment to the covenant relationship with Him.

totaled 70 talents
The "talent" is a unit of weight used in ancient times, with one talent approximately equaling 75 pounds or 34 kilograms. The number 70 is often associated with completeness or perfection in the Bible, suggesting that the amount of bronze collected was sufficient and divinely ordained for the purposes of the Tabernacle. This completeness underscores the idea that God provides exactly what is needed for His work, and the people's contributions, when combined, fulfill His divine plan.

and 2,400 shekels
A "shekel" is another unit of weight, with one shekel being roughly equivalent to 0.4 ounces or 11 grams. The specific mention of "2,400 shekels" alongside the talents highlights the meticulous accounting and stewardship of the resources given for the Tabernacle. This precision reflects the importance of integrity and accountability in handling what is dedicated to God. It serves as a reminder that every contribution, no matter how small, is significant in the eyes of the Lord and plays a part in the greater work of His kingdom.

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

4. The Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where God dwelled among His people during their journey through the wilderness.

5. Wave Offering
A type of offering presented before the Lord, symbolizing the dedication of the materials for sacred use.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Generosity
The Israelites' contributions of bronze and other materials highlight the importance of giving willingly and generously to the work of God.

God's Provision and Use of Resources
God provided the necessary resources for the Tabernacle through the people, demonstrating that He equips His people to fulfill His purposes.

Symbolism of the Wave Offering
The wave offering signifies dedication and consecration, reminding believers to dedicate their resources and talents to God's service.

Community Involvement in God's Work
The construction of the Tabernacle was a communal effort, illustrating the importance of unity and collaboration in the body of Christ.

Faithfulness in Stewardship
The careful accounting of the materials used for the Tabernacle serves as a model for faithful stewardship of God's resources.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the willingness of the Israelites to contribute materials for the Tabernacle challenge our own attitudes towards giving to God's work today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our contributions to the church or ministry are given with a cheerful heart, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 9:7?

3. How does the concept of the wave offering in Exodus 38:29 inspire us to dedicate our talents and resources to God?

4. What lessons can we learn from the communal effort of the Israelites in building the Tabernacle that can be applied to our church communities today?

5. How can we practice faithful stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us, as demonstrated by the careful accounting of materials in the construction of the Tabernacle?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the detailed instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, including the materials required.

2 Corinthians 9:7
This verse speaks to the heart of giving, emphasizing that God loves a cheerful giver, which can be related to the willing contributions of the Israelites.

1 Chronicles 29:6-9
This passage describes the generous offerings made by the leaders of Israel for the building of the Temple, paralleling the contributions for the Tabernacle.

Hebrews 9:1-10
This passage discusses the earthly sanctuary and its regulations, providing a New Testament perspective on the significance of the Tabernacle.
The Court and its LessonsJ. Urquhart Exodus 38:1-31
The Enumeration of the Metals UsedJ. Orr Exodus 38:21-31
People
Aaron, Ahisamach, Aholiab, Bezaleel, Dan, Hur, Ithamar, Levites, Moses, Uri
Places
Sinai
Topics
2, 70, 400, Bronze, Contributed, Copper, Hundred, Offering, Seventy, Shekels, Talents, Thousand, Wave, Wave-offering
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 38:29

     5260   coinage
     7480   wave offering

Exodus 38:21-31

     4303   metals

Exodus 38:29-31

     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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