(1) The similarities and the difference when comparing with chapter 25-26
(NAC) In chaps. 25–26 the command to build the ark precedes the command to build the tabernacle proper. Here the fulfillment of the command to build the ark follows that of the fulfillment description related to the tabernacle proper.
Why the different order? The answer probably is quite simple: The ark was protected by the curtains of the tabernacle...Therefore Bezalel chose... to ready the protective material first so that the ark would not sit out exposed to the elements for all to see—either type of exposure potentially constituting profanation.
Reflection: Are you a thoughtful worker like Bezalel who made the curtains before the furniture? Do you think for your boss to make your work more efficient? Do you think when you serve to make it better?
(2) The addition
38:8 He made the large basin of bronze and its pedestal of bronze from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance of the tent of meeting.
Scriptures did not tell us a lot of details about these women. But 1 Sam 2:22 they were mentioned again. We can guess that was a common practice from the time of Moses until the time of Eli.
Scriptures did not tell us a lot of details about these women. But 1 Sam 2:22 they were mentioned again. We can guess that was a common practice from the time of Moses until the time of Eli.
a. women who served
[served]=(NET) It means “to serve in a host,” especially in a war. It appears that women were organized into bands and served at the tent of meeting. S. R. Driver thinks that this meant “no doubt” washing, cleaning, or repairing (Exodus, 391). But there is no hint of that (see 1 Sam 2:22; and see Ps 68:11 [12 Hebrew text]). They seem to have had more to do than what Driver said.
b. They gave their bronze mirrors for the construction of the basin of bronze and its pedestal Moses recorded that. The construction should be happening before the serving. Therefore, they were a group of donors who devoted themselves to God to the point that they even gave up their own mirrors (their beauty tools). They must have been very involved in the whole process so that Moses would arrange them to serve when the tent was finished.
Reflection: Are you devoted to God and willing to give even the things that mean a lot to you? Are you willing to not just give but also serve? Are you willing to serve in a team like the women who were organized into bands?
Audrey
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