Exodus 38: The Outer Court and the Bronze Altar

Key Verse: Exodus 38:8"He made the basin of bronze and its stand of bronze, from the mirrors of the women who ministered in the entrance of the tent of meeting."

The Tabernacle is nearly complete.

So far, the most sacred items—the Ark of the Covenant, the Table for the Bread of Presence, the Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense—have been crafted. Now, the focus shifts to the outer court, where the people will come to worship.

The Bronze Altar: A Place of Sacrifice

The first thing an Israelite would see when entering the Tabernacle was the Bronze Altar.

Bezalel builds it from acacia wood, overlaid with bronze. It is seven and a half feet wide, four and a half feet tall, and has horns on each corner.

This is where sacrifices for sin would be made. Blood would be sprinkled on the altar as a sign of atonement, covering the sins of the people.

Before they could enter God’s presence, their sin had to be dealt with.

"Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins." (Hebrews 9:22)

The Bronze Basin: A Place of Cleansing

Next, Bezalel crafts the Bronze Basin.

It is made from the mirrors of the women who ministered at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. These women willingly gave up their mirrors—symbols of self-focus—to be used for God’s house.

The basin is filled with water, where the priests would wash their hands and feet before serving.

No one could enter the Tabernacle without cleansing first. This was a reminder that God is holy, and those who serve Him must be purified.

The Courtyard: A Place of Worship

Finally, Bezalel constructs the courtyard of the Tabernacle.

• It is enclosed with linen curtains, standing seven and a half feet high.

• The entrance faces east, a reminder to turn away from darkness and toward God.

• Bronze bases hold the posts in place, signifying strength and endurance.

Everything about the courtyard points to God’s holiness and the need for a mediator. The people could come near, but only the priests could enter the sanctuary.

Jesus: The Ultimate Sacrifice and Cleanser

• The Bronze Altar – Jesus became the final sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

• The Bronze Basin – Jesus washes us clean. “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” (John 13:8)

• The Courtyard – Jesus tore the veil, opening the way for us to come into God’s presence. (Hebrews 10:19-20)

A Lesson for Us

The Tabernacle’s courtyard reminds us that approaching God requires sacrifice and cleansing.

• Are we daily confessing our sins and receiving Christ’s sacrifice?

• Are we allowing Jesus to cleanse us, removing anything that keeps us from Him?

• Are we living in the freedom that Christ has given us, knowing that the way to God is now open?

The Israelites could only go so far—but through Jesus, we can enter boldly into God’s presence.

Are we drawing near?