Monday, January 22, 2018

The Tabernacle Cost A Fortune

Detailed Accounting of Gold, Silver, and Bronze
Exodus 38:24-31:
This is an account of how much gold, silver, and bronze was used in the construction of the Tabernacle and the specific aspects each one was applied to.
Thoughts on the Passage
In verse 24, we read that over 29 talents of gold were used. Some estimate each talent to be worth 32 kilograms. That equates to a total of about 2030 pounds (or 32,480 ounces) as a minimum. At today’s value for gold ($1,333.15 U.S. per ounce), that’s a value of $43.3 Million U.S. today.  And that’s just the gold.
When it came to silver, Robert Jamieson cites Hewlett, and writes, “It may seem difficult to imagine how the Israelites should be possessed of so much wealth in the desert; but it should be remembered that they were enriched first by the spoils of the Egyptians, and afterwards by those of the Amalekites. Besides, it is highly probable that during their sojourn they traded with the neighboring nations who bordered on the wilderness.”  Although, we are not sure exactly what it is that they traded in exchange for any silver.
Matthew Henry tells us that while the gold came from a “free-will offering”, the silver was collected via a tax or levy. Every man was assessed a certain amount (half a shekel). It was from this that they made the sockets into which the boards of the tabernacle were let, and on which they rested, to form the foundation of the Tabernacle.
So, the combination of a free-will offering and a tax levy indicates, for Henry, that either way is acceptable to cover expenses of the mission or church today, provided that neither is done with partiality.
The less valuable brass was used not only for the brazen altar but for the sockets of the court. Henry points out that in other tents these were likely made of wood, but here in the Tabernacle, brass was used.  Interestingly Isaiah 60:17 referring to the glory of Israel in the Kingdom, makes a reference to substituting brass for wood.  (Look it up.)
There is no doubt that the Israelites were very liberal in their giving to the construction of the Tabernacle. They set an early example for churches and congregations that would make an impact on people – both inside and outside the structure itself.

We could well ask ourselves how liberal we are with our giving to the Lord’s work and service?  While we may spend millions on our homes and cars and trips and invest heavily in our businesses, are we just as prone to contribute liberally ‘with a joyful heart’ to the work and worship of God?  

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

1 comment:

  1. Anonymous19/7/23 05:26

    Thanks, I heard the whole tabernacle cost about 100billion dollar

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your comment.