What does Exodus 35:16 mean?
ESV: the altar of burnt offering, with its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils, the basin and its stand;
NIV: the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grating, its poles and all its utensils; the bronze basin with its stand;
NASB: the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grating, its poles, and all its utensils, the basin and its stand;
CSB: the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grate, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin with its stand;
NLT: the altar of burnt offering; the bronze grating of the altar and its carrying poles and utensils; the washbasin with its stand;
KJV: The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,
NKJV: the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grating, its poles, all its utensils, and the laver and its base;
Verse Commentary:
Please see our chapter commentary on Exodus 35; verse-level content coming soon!
Verse Context:
Exodus 35:10–19 summons competent workers to make the tabernacle's components. These artisans will work under the supervision of Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 31:1–6; 35:30, 34). Moses repeats these instructions to Israel after receiving them from God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25—31).
Chapter Summary:
The tabernacle-building project begins with a reminder about Sabbath-keeping. The subtext is that even temple-building work is still "work," and cannot be done on the Sabbath. Using nearly the exact same words from prior passages, Scripture records the people donating materials. Moses assigns Bezalel and Oholiab as project managers, training and overseeing as Israelites create sacred objects.
Chapter Context:
The Lord gave Moses extensive designs for the tabernacle (Exodus 25—31). He has just renewed the covenant (Exodus 34) broken by Israelite sin (Exodus 32). Now, Moses begins repeating these instructions to the people. The next several chapters will record Israel following God's directions closely, completing the sanctuary.
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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