The brazen altar and laver. (1–8)
The court. (9–20)
The offerings of the people. (21–31)Verses 1–8
In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in
their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake,
than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for the tabernacle worship, expressed zeal
by parting with their mirrors, which were polished plates of brass. Before the invention of
looking-glasses, these served the same purposes. (Ex 38:9-20)
Verses 9–20
The walls of the court being of curtains only, intimated that the state of the Jewish church itself
was movable and changeable; and in due time to be taken down and folded up, when the place of
the tent should be enlarged, and its cords lengthened, to make room for the Gentile world.
Verses 21–31
The foundation of massy pieces of silver showed the solidity and purity of the truth upon which
the church is founded. Let us regard the Lord Jesus Christ while reading of the furniture of the
tabernacle. While looking at the altar of burnt-offering, let us see Jesus. In him, his righteousness,
and salvation, is a full and sufficient offering for sin. In the laver of regeneration, by his Holy Spirit,
let our souls be washed, and they shall be clean; and as the people offered willingly, so may our
souls be made willing. Let us be ready to part with any thing, and count all but loss to win Christ.
Chapter 39
Chapter Outline
The priests' garments. (1–31)
The tabernacle completed. (32–43)Verses 1–31
The priests' garments were rich and splendid. The church in its infancy was thus taught by
shadows of good things to come; but the substance is Christ, and the grace of the gospel. Christ is
our great High Priest. When he undertook the work of our redemption, he put on the clothes of
service, he arrayed himself with the gifts and graces of the Spirit, girded himself with resolution
to go through the undertaking, took charge of all God's spiritual Israel, laid them near his heart,