Exodus 38-39

These two chapters near the end of the book of Exodus describe how Bezalel and Oholiab finished the furnishings for the tabernacle and made the garments that the priests would wear while “ministering in the Holy Place” (39:1). A recurring theme in these chapters is the reality that these skilled craftsmen did “as the LORD had commanded Moses” (39:1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31, 32, 42). 

One specific item constructed just as God had instructed was the bronze basin and its stand for ceremonial washing, and its contents were provided by women who gave their own mirrors for the purpose. David Guzik comments, “It is wonderful to think that these women gave up their ability to measure their own physical beauty to make this reservoir for the water of ceremonial washing. By analogy, it may be said that some are so focused on looking at themselves that they fail to look to Jesus. It is always time to surrender such a mirror to Jesus.”[i] How about you? Have you given up your self-serving mirror so that you may fix your gaze on our Lord and Savior? If not, what are you waiting for? 

There were two other takeaways I would offer to you as you read today:

·       First, notice how specific this account from Scripture is. God, through His Word, could have merely summarized these chapters by saying, “The people did all that was commanded of them in making the tabernacle and its furnishings.” But instead, we read details about everything from the amount of the offering to the putting together of each element. Let this remind us that God is concerned about every facet of our daily service to Him, not just the end result. Therefore, we must give careful consideration to each detail, big and small, of our lives, as God delights in such things (Psalm 37:23).

·       Second, take note of how disciplined the skilled craftsmen were in their work. Undoubtedly, these tasks had to take some time, and lesser men may have been likely to skimp on some of the more “minor” instructions. However, the two men leading these efforts seemed eager to work wholeheartedly unto God (Colossians 3:23). Service to our Lord requires self-control and self-discipline to execute His call in a manner that brings Him glory and honor. Recall, we cannot sustain this in our own strength, which is why we must daily deny ourselves and lean upon the Holy Spirit to help us.  

Tomorrow, you will finish the book of Exodus. As you do, I hope you are realizing that God delivering His people also comes with an expectation that we are called to a higher standard of living than those who do not know the LORD. With the Spirit’s empowering, we are to be distinct citizens of heaven, making our way through this fallen world to the land God has promised us, so that others will see our works and glorify our Father (Matthew 5:16). 

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Journal responses to the following prompts:

·       Have you given up your self-serving mirror so that you may fix your gaze on our Lord and Savior? If not, what are you waiting for? 

·       Do you give careful consideration to the details of your daily service to God? 

[i] Study Guide for Exodus 38. (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. Retrieved March 29, 2026, from 

https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/exodus/exodus-38.cfm