Exodus 38:29 (KJV)

What does Exodus 38:29 mean?

Exodus 38:29 reports that the people of Israel contributed a total of seventy talents and two thousand four hundred shekels of bronze as part of their offerings for constructing the Tabernacle. This verse records the exact amount of bronze collected, emphasizing the careful accounting of materials given for the sanctuary.

The verse is part of a section where Moses, or the narrator, lists the materials gathered from the Israelites for building the Tabernacle in the wilderness. The focus here is on the bronze, which would be used for various furnishings and structural elements. By stating the precise quantities, the text highlights both the generosity of the people and the organized management of the resources for this sacred project.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 38:29

• "brass" (נְחֹשֶׁת, neḥoshet): This word is often understood as "bronze" rather than modern "brass," referring to a copper alloy used in ancient times. Its mention points to the practical and valuable nature of the materials used in the Tabernacle.
• "offering" (תְּרוּמָה, terumah): This term means a contribution or offering set apart for a special purpose, highlighting that the materials were given voluntarily for God's dwelling place.
• "talents" (כִּכָּר, kikkar) and "shekels" (שֶׁקֶל, sheqel): These are ancient units of weight, not coins. A "talent" was a large measure, while a "shekel" was much smaller, showing the scale and precision of the record.

Why Exodus 38:29 matters

• The verse shows the transparency and accountability in handling resources dedicated to a sacred purpose, which would have reassured the community that their offerings were used properly.
• By listing the exact amount of bronze, Exodus 38:29 connects to the broader theme of communal participation and generosity in building the Tabernacle.
• The careful record-keeping here helps readers appreciate the logistical effort involved in constructing the Tabernacle and the collective commitment of the Israelites.