Exodus Chapter 38

Exodus 38 — “The Court of Sacrifice and the Price of Redemption”

Exodus 36 built the dwelling.
Exodus 37 furnished it with throne, table, and light.
Exodus 38 now surrounds that dwelling with sacrifice and separation.

God may dwell among His people,
but no sinner approaches Him without passing through blood.

This chapter teaches a permanent truth of salvation:

God’s nearness is always guarded by sacrifice.

1. The Bronze Altar: Where Sin Is Met

“He made the altar of burnt offering…” (Ex 38:1)

The first object encountered when entering God’s court is the altar.

Before prayer.
Before communion.
Before light.

There is sacrifice.

The Fathers were clear:
No one approaches God without atonement.

St Augustine writes:

“The altar stands at the entrance so that man may remember his guilt before he dares to approach God’s mercy.”
(Sermons)

The altar is made of bronze — the metal of judgment and endurance.
It bears fire, blood, and heat.

It proclaims: holiness is costly.

2. The Horns and the Grate

The horns of the altar are part of it — not added later.

They signify refuge and power.

In Israel, even criminals would cling to these horns seeking mercy.

St Ambrose writes:

“The horns of the altar foreshadow the outstretched arms of Christ, where sinners find refuge.”
(On the Sacraments)

The grate holds the sacrifice above the fire,
just as Christ is lifted on the Cross between heaven and earth.

3. The Bronze Basin from Mirrors

“He made the basin of bronze… from the mirrors of the ministering women.” (v. 8)

This is one of the most beautiful lines in Exodus.

Mirrors — instruments of self-regard — become a basin for purification.

Vanity is transformed into holiness.

St Gregory of Nyssa writes:

“What once reflected the self now cleanses the soul; thus grace transforms pride into repentance.”
(Life of Moses)

The priests wash here before serving.

No one ministers without purification.

4. The Courtyard: God’s Holy Boundary

“He made the court…” (v. 9)

God’s dwelling is not open ground.

It is enclosed.

The linen walls proclaim:

This is holy ground.

The Church still guards sacred space because God is holy.

St Augustine says:

“The boundary of the sanctuary teaches the boundary of the heart.”
(Sermons)

5. The Eastward Gate

The entrance faces east — toward the rising sun.

The Fathers saw Christ here.

St Ambrose writes:

“The soul enters God’s dwelling by turning toward the rising Light, who is Christ.”
(On the Mysteries)

Worship is always a turning toward God.

6. The Silver of Atonement

“The silver from those who were numbered…” (v. 25)

Every Israelite paid a ransom.

No one belonged to God by birthright alone.

Redemption had a price.

This silver becomes the sockets of the sanctuary —
the foundation of God’s dwelling.

St Augustine explains:

“The house of God rests upon redemption, for no man stands before Him without the price of blood.”
(City of God)

The Church is built on Christ’s ransom.

7. The Accounting of the Holy Things

God orders Moses to count every piece of gold, silver, and bronze.

Nothing is wasted.

Everything given to God matters.

This reveals divine care.

God does not despise small offerings.

Theological Summary

ElementMeaning
Bronze altarAtonement
HornsRefuge
BasinPurification
CourtyardHoliness
GateChrist the way
SilverRedemption

Christ in Exodus 38

The Fathers saw Christ everywhere here:

• Altar → the Cross
• Horns → His arms
• Basin → Baptism
• Gate → Christ
• Silver → His ransom

St John Chrysostom says:

“All who enter God’s dwelling pass through Christ crucified.”
(Homilies)

Spiritual Application

  • Approach God through repentance.
  • Wash your heart.
  • Enter by Christ.
  • Remember you were bought.
  • Live as one redeemed.

Closing Prayer

Lord God,
You placed the altar before Your dwelling
so that mercy might meet our sin.
Through Jesus Christ,
our true sacrifice and eternal gate,
cleanse us, redeem us, and bring us into Your holy presence,
that we may live forever in Your courts.
Amen.