Exodus 38:21 is a summary statement following a detailed inventory of the materials used to build the Tabernacle. Let's break it down piece by piece:
"This is the amount of material used for the tabernacle...": This clearly introduces that what follows is a list (found in the preceding verses) of the quantities of gold, silver, and bronze used in the construction.
"...even the Tabernacle of the Testimony...": This is another name for the Tabernacle, emphasizing its purpose as the place where the Ark of the Covenant (containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments – the "Testimony") was housed. It's a way of reinforcing the sacredness and importance of the structure.
"...as they were counted...": Highlights the careful and meticulous record-keeping. The materials weren't just used haphazardly; they were tallied to ensure accountability and proper management of the resources dedicated to God.
"...according to the commandment of Moses...": This emphasizes that the accounting was done under Moses' direction, underscoring the divine authority behind the project. Moses, as God's appointed leader, ensured everything was done according to His will.
"...for the service of the Levites...": The Levites were the tribe chosen to perform the sacred duties associated with the Tabernacle. The materials were ultimately for their use in conducting the worship and maintaining the holy place.
"...by the hand of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest.": Ithamar, being the son of Aaron (the high priest), was responsible for overseeing the Levites in their tasks related to the Tabernacle. This indicates that the accounting was done under the supervision of a high-ranking and trusted individual from the priestly lineage. Ithamar was responsible for keeping accurate records.
In essence, the verse serves to:
Summarize and introduce: It provides a concluding statement for the detailed list of materials.
Emphasize accuracy and accountability: It highlights the careful accounting of the resources.
Reinforce divine authority: It states that the project was carried out according to God's instructions through Moses.
Establish responsibility: It identifies Ithamar as the individual in charge of overseeing the accounting and management of the materials.
Highlight the purpose: To note that the materials were for the Tabernacle's construction for the Levites' services and worship, highlighting its significance.
Exodus 38:21 is a summary statement following a detailed inventory of the materials used to build the Tabernacle. Let's break it down piece by piece:
"This is the amount of material used for the tabernacle...": This clearly introduces that what follows is a list (found in the preceding verses) of the quantities of gold, silver, and bronze used in the construction.
"...even the Tabernacle of the Testimony...": This is another name for the Tabernacle, emphasizing its purpose as the place where the Ark of the Covenant (containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments – the "Testimony") was housed. It's a way of reinforcing the sacredness and importance of the structure.
"...as they were counted...": Highlights the careful and meticulous record-keeping. The materials weren't just used haphazardly; they were tallied to ensure accountability and proper management of the resources dedicated to God.
"...according to the commandment of Moses...": This emphasizes that the accounting was done under Moses' direction, underscoring the divine authority behind the project. Moses, as God's appointed leader, ensured everything was done according to His will.
"...for the service of the Levites...": The Levites were the tribe chosen to perform the sacred duties associated with the Tabernacle. The materials were ultimately for their use in conducting the worship and maintaining the holy place.
"...by the hand of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest.": Ithamar, being the son of Aaron (the high priest), was responsible for overseeing the Levites in their tasks related to the Tabernacle. This indicates that the accounting was done under the supervision of a high-ranking and trusted individual from the priestly lineage. Ithamar was responsible for keeping accurate records.
In essence, the verse serves to:
Summarize and introduce: It provides a concluding statement for the detailed list of materials.
Emphasize accuracy and accountability: It highlights the careful accounting of the resources.
Reinforce divine authority: It states that the project was carried out according to God's instructions through Moses.
Establish responsibility: It identifies Ithamar as the individual in charge of overseeing the accounting and management of the materials.
Highlight the purpose: To note that the materials were for the Tabernacle's construction for the Levites' services and worship, highlighting its significance.