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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Exodus 38:21-31

Here we have a breviat of the account which, by Moses's appointment, the Levites took and kept of the gold, silver, and brass, that was brought in for the tabernacle's use, and how it was employed. Ithamar the son of Aaron was appointed to draw up this account, and was thus by less services trained up and fitted for greater, Exod. 38:21. Bezaleel and Aholiab must bring in the account (Exod. 38:22, 23), and Ithamar must audit it, and give it in to Moses. And it was thus:?1. All the gold was a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 38:24

All the gold that was occupied for the work, in all the work of the place ,.... That was expended in making the mercy seat and cherubim, and the candlestick, which were all of pure gold; besides other things belonging to the ark and shewbread table; and the plates, with which the ark and many other things were covered or glided: even the gold of the offering ; which the people brought and offered freely; as their bracelets, earrings, and jewels of gold, Exodus 35:22 . was twenty... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 38:24

All the gold that was occupied for the work, etc. - To be able to ascertain the quantum and value of the gold, silver, and brass, which were employed in the tabernacle, and its different utensils, altars, etc., it will be necessary to enter into the subject in considerable detail. In the course of my notes on this and the preceding book, I have had frequent occasion to speak of the shekel in use among the ancient Hebrews, which, following Dean Prideaux, I have always computed at 3s... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 38:1-31

The Court and its lessons. I. THE FURNISHING AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE COURT 2 . The construction of the court . 3 . The order in which they were made . The altar first, then the laver, and, last of all, the enclosing of the court. First, Christ and his sacrifice; next, the washing of regeneration by him through the Spirit; and, last of all, the gathering together of the Church. This is the Divine order. The true Church has ever this history. None have a right to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 38:21-31

The enumeration of the metals used. This served a useful purpose— 1 . As an account rendered to the people of what had been done with their gifts. 2 . As gratifying a very laudable wish of the contributors to know how much the sum-total of their contributions amounted to. 3 . As giving a just idea of the splendour and costliness of the building. 4 . As a testimony to the liberality, willingness, and unstinting self-sacrifice of all classes in the congregation. 5 . As... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 38:24

The gold . The value of the gold has been estimated by Canon Cook at £175,075 13s. 0d. of our money; by Thenius at 877,300 Prussian thalers, or about £131,595. It was certainly under £200,000. De Wette and others have argued that the possession of so large a sum in gold at this time by the Hebrew nation is inconceivable. But most critics are of a different opinion. Gold was very abundant in Egypt at the period, being imported from Ethiopia, a rich gold-producing country (Herod. 3.23; Diod.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 38:24-31

Great wealth worthily employed. I. THE AMOUNT EXPENDED BY THE ISRAELITES WAS GREAT ABSOLUTELY . Although the materials contributed for the construction of the tabernacle are quite within the estimate which would reasonably be formed of the wealth of the Israelites from the general tenor of the narrative, yet they certainly reach altogether to such an amount of value as would constitute a very serious call on the resources of such a people. The worth of the metals alone... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 38:24

Of the holy place - Rather, of the sanctuary. The gold was employed not only in the holy place, but in the most holy place and in the entrance to the tent Exodus 36:38.The gold of the offering - The gold of the wave offering.Talents ... the shekel of the sanctuary - The shekel was the common standard of weight and value with the Hebrews: and is probably to be estimated at 220 English grains (just over half an ounce avoirdupois) and its value in silver as 2s. 7d. The shekel of the sanctuary (or,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Exodus 38:1-31

35:1-40:38 CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLEThis section largely repeats the instruction given on the mountain in Chapters 25-31. It emphasizes that the people had to do God’s work according to his covenant requirements. Therefore, they were to keep the Sabbath (35:1-3; cf. 31:16). If they wanted God to accept their offerings for the building of the tabernacle, they had to present those offerings in a spirit of joy and willingness (35:4-29). Though all could give offerings, only those with the... read more

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