Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 38:6 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 38:6 in the King James Version (KJV) reads: “And they made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the looking glasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.” (Exodus 38:6, KJV)
This verse is part of a section in Exodus that deals with the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary built by the Israelites under God’s detailed instructions. The verse mentions the creation of the laver (a large basin for washing) and the materials used to make it, particularly noting the involvement of women and their contribution of “looking glasses” (mirrors) for the construction. While Exodus 38:6 may seem to focus on a physical object used in the Tabernacle, it also carries deeper spiritual significance that can inform our understanding of worship, purification, and the role of women in God’s service.
In this article, we will break down Exodus 38:6 by exploring its context, meaning, and application, while also comparing it with other biblical texts and examining its relevance in modern life.
The Context of Exodus 38:6 KJV
The context of Exodus 38:6 lies in the broader section of Exodus that describes the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 35-40). In these chapters, the Israelites follow God’s specific instructions to create a sacred space where He would dwell among them. The Tabernacle was a place of worship, atonement, and community.
Exodus 38 details the building of the Tabernacle’s outer structures and furnishings. It is in this chapter that the laver is introduced. The laver was a large basin used by the priests for ritual washing before entering the holy places to perform their duties. This act of washing symbolized purification, as the priests were to be ceremonially clean before approaching God.
The verse specifically mentions the use of brass (or bronze) for the laver and its foot, and it tells us that the women contributed their “looking glasses” (mirrors), which were made of polished metal, for its construction. This detail is particularly significant because it highlights the communal effort in building the Tabernacle, as well as the important role of women in this sacred task.
The Exodus 38:6 Meaning
The Laver: A Symbol of Purification
The laver, as described in Exodus 38:6, was not just a functional basin for washing but a powerful symbol. In the Old Testament, purification rituals were essential for maintaining the holiness and cleanliness required in God’s presence. The laver was used by the priests to wash their hands and feet before performing sacrifices or entering the Tabernacle. This act of purification represented the need for cleansing before one could approach a holy and righteous God. It was a physical reminder that, without cleanliness, no one could come before God.
In the New Testament, this concept of purification finds its fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross offers believers spiritual cleansing (1 John 1:7), and baptism serves as a physical symbol of this purification (Acts 22:16).
The brass laver, like the sacrifices on the altar, pointed to the ultimate need for purification from sin. Without the washing of sin, there could be no relationship with God. Thus, Exodus 38:6 encapsulates the spiritual principle of needing to be washed and cleansed before coming into the presence of the Lord.
The Role of the “Looking Glasses”
The fact that the laver was constructed using the polished brass mirrors of women is a striking detail. In the ancient world, mirrors were typically made of highly polished metal, often brass or bronze. These mirrors were a precious possession, and it is significant that the women in Israel contributed them to the construction of the Tabernacle.
While mirrors were primarily used for personal grooming, in the context of Exodus 38:6, they take on a spiritual meaning. The act of using mirrors to create a vessel for washing points to the necessity of self-examination and reflection before God. Just as a mirror reflects the physical state of one’s appearance, the laver, made from mirrors, symbolized the need for self-reflection and purification of the heart before approaching God.
Moreover, the women’s contribution of their mirrors also signifies their active participation in the Tabernacle’s construction. This is an important recognition of the value and involvement of women in God’s work, a theme we will explore further below.
Exodus 38:6 Application in Life
Purification and Holiness
The application of Exodus 38:6 in the Christian life revolves around the concepts of purification and holiness. As believers, we are called to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). The laver serves as a reminder that we must regularly cleanse ourselves from sin and impurity through repentance and confession. While the laver in Exodus was a physical cleansing, in the Christian faith, we experience spiritual cleansing through the blood of Christ (1 John 1:9).
The principle behind the laver is relevant to Christians today: before we can engage in the sacred act of worship, we must first come before God with clean hands and a pure heart. This involves regular self-examination, asking God to reveal areas of our lives that need cleansing, and turning away from sin.
Active Participation in God’s Work
Another key application of Exodus 38:6 is the recognition of the women’s active participation in the work of the Tabernacle. In ancient Israel, women were often relegated to supporting roles, yet in the building of the Tabernacle, women played a significant part. This speaks to the inclusivity of God’s calling. God does not reserve His service for any one gender, class, or group of people. All are called to participate in His work, and all contributions, whether large or small, are significant in His eyes.
In modern life, this principle can be applied to the Church and the Christian community. Every believer has a role to play, and no contribution is too small. Women, like men, are called to serve in various capacities, whether in leadership, teaching, hospitality, or serving behind the scenes. This passage affirms the dignity and importance of every believer’s role in God’s kingdom.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Titus 2:3-5
In the New Testament, women’s roles in the Church are clearly defined, but they are not limited to traditional roles of domesticity or subservience. In Titus 2:3-5, the apostle Paul encourages older women to teach younger women to live godly lives, to love their husbands and children, and to be keepers of the home. This passage emphasizes that women have a vital role in shaping the next generation of believers.
Exodus 38:6, in which women contribute their mirrors to the construction of the Tabernacle, can be seen as a reflection of the active role women played in God’s work. Just as women were involved in the physical construction of the Tabernacle, so too are women called to be active participants in the spiritual building up of the Church today.
1 Peter 3:3-4
In 1 Peter 3:3-4, Peter writes: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
While Exodus 38:6 does not specifically mention outward beauty, the contribution of women’s mirrors to the Tabernacle can be viewed symbolically. The act of using mirrors—objects that reflect outward appearance—to build the laver, a vessel for purification, may suggest the importance of internal beauty and purification over external appearance. God values the purity of the heart above external adornment, and this is an important principle that applies to both women and men today.
Romans 12:1-2
In Romans 12:1-2, Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices to God and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. The act of purification before service in the Tabernacle, symbolized by the laver, parallels this call to transformation. Just as the priests had to wash their hands and feet before performing their duties, Christians today are called to present themselves in a state of spiritual purity before God, offering themselves fully in service to Him.
Modern-Day Relevance
Purity and Repentance
In a world that often celebrates impurity and self-centeredness, Exodus 38:6 reminds us of the importance of spiritual purity. Christians today are called to a life of repentance, constantly returning to God for forgiveness and cleansing. The laver symbolizes the ongoing need for this purification, reminding us that we cannot approach God with sin in our hearts. This message is especially relevant in the age of grace, where the blood of Jesus Christ has already cleansed us from sin (1 John 1:7), yet we are still called to live lives of holiness.
Women’s Role in the Church
The involvement of women in the construction of the Tabernacle in Exodus 38:6 underscores the dignity and importance of women’s roles in God’s service. In today’s Church, women continue to play vital roles in ministry, whether in leadership, teaching, or supporting roles. This passage encourages women to see their contributions as valuable and necessary for the work of God’s kingdom. It also challenges the Church to ensure that women have equal opportunities to serve in all aspects of ministry.
Conclusion
Exodus 38:6 holds deep significance in the larger narrative of Israel’s worship and God’s holiness. The laver, made from the polished mirrors of women, symbolizes the need for spiritual purification before entering God’s presence. This passage also reminds us of the importance of self-examination and the active participation of all people, regardless of gender, in God’s work. In applying this passage to our lives today, we are reminded to continually seek purity, to actively engage in God’s work, and to value the contributions of everyone in the body of Christ.
In a world that is often distracted by external appearances, the deeper lesson of Exodus 38:6 calls us to focus on the purification of our hearts and minds, offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God in service and worship.
Exodus 38:6 Commentary
Exodus 38:6 is a remarkable verse in the narrative of the Tabernacle’s construction. It highlights the essential role of women in Israel’s worship of God and underscores the importance of purification before God. The verse teaches that both men and women have a part in God’s redemptive plan and that purification and holiness are essential components of that plan.
Related Topics:
- What Does Exodus 38:5 Mean?
- Exodus 38:4 Meaning, Context & Commentary
- What Does Exodus 38:3 Mean?