Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Exodus Ch.38 / 40 Ch.s
EX:38
* The brazen altar and laver. (1-8) The court. (9-20) The
offerings of the people. (21-31)
#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.
#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.
#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.