Exodus 25:3

Exo 25:3 And this [is] the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,

Ver. 3. Gold, and silver, and brass.] No mention of iron. Compare 1Ki 6:7; 1Ki 8:51.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

For the building and use of the Tabernacle.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

this is the offering which ye shall take of them--the articles of which the offerings should consist.

brass--rather copper, brass being a composite metal.

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Verse 3. This is the offering] There were three kinds of metals:

1. GOLD, זהב zahab, which may properly signify wrought gold; what was bright and resplendent, as the word implies. In Job 28:15-17, Job 28:19, gold is mentioned five times, and four of the words are different in the original.

(1) סגור SEGOR, from סגר sagar, to shut up; gold in the mine, or shut up in its ore.

(2) כתם KETHEM, from כתם catham, to sign, seal, or stamp; gold made current by being coined; standard or sterling gold, exhibiting the stamp expressive of its value.

(3) זהב ZAHAB, wrought gold, pure, highly polished gold; probably what was used for overlaying or gilding.

(4) פז PAZ, denoting solidity, compactness, and strength; probably gold formed into different kinds of plate, as it is joined in Ex 25:17 of the above chapter with כלי keley, vessels. The zahab, or pure gold, is here mentioned, because it was in a state that rendered it capable of being variously manufactured for the service of the sanctuary.

2. SILVER, כסף keseph, from casaph, to be pale, wan, or white; so called from its well-known colour.

3. BRASS, נחשת nechosheth, copper; unless we suppose that the factitious metal commonly called brass is intended: this is formed by a combination of the oxide or ore of zinc, called lapis calaminaris, with copper. Brass seems to have been very anciently in use, as we find it mentioned Ge 4:22; and the preparation of copper, to transform it into this factitious metal, seems to be very pointedly referred to Job 28:2: Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone; אבן יצוק נחושה eben yatsuk nechushah, translated by the Vulgate, Lapis, solutus calore, in aes vertitur, "The stone, liquefied by heat, is turned into brass." Is it going too far to say that the stone here may refer to the lapis calaminaris, which was used to turn the copper into brass? Because brass was capable of so fine a polish as to become exceedingly bright, and keep its lustre a considerable time, hence it was used for all weapons of war and defensive armour among ancient nations; and copper seems to have been in no repute, but for its use in making brass.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

(3) Gold, and silver, and brass.—The Israelites had brought out of Egypt (1) their ancestral wealth—the possessions of Abraham and the accumulations of Joseph, and (2) the rich gifts received from the Egyptians at the moment of their departure. They had added to their wealth by the plunder of the Amalekites. Thus they possessed a considerable store of the precious metals; and there is no difficulty in supposing that they furnished the gold needed for the tabernacle without seriously impoverishing themselves. The silver, which was of small amount comparatively, appears ultimately to have been furnished in another way (Exo_30:12-16; Exo_38:25-28) The brass, or rather bronze, for brass seems to have been unknown at this time, was small in amount (Exo_38:29), and of no great value. It would have constituted no serious drain on the resources of the people.

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

3. The metals. Gold, silver, and copper are specified, the gold being prescribed, in accordance with a significant gradation, for those vessels and parts of the sanctuary which were nearest to Jehovah, the silver and the copper for those which were further off and less important. Of gold there was a superior kind, called pure (lit. clean) gold, i.e. gold more carefully freed from silver or alloy than ordinary gold. ‘Pure gold’ is thus prescribed for the gilding of the ark, and for the mercy-seat (vv. 11, 17); for the gilding of the table of Presence-bread, and for its vessels (vv. 24, 29); for the candlestick and its utensils (vv. 31, 36 ff.); for the gilding of the altar of incense (Exo_30:3); and for the chains for the sacred pouch, and the plate on the mitre, in the high priest’s dress (Exo_28:14; Exo_28:22; Exo_28:36). Ordinary gold is prescribed for the rim and rings, and for the gilding of the staves, of the Ark, table of Presence-bread, and incense altar (Exo_25:11-13; Exodus 24, 25, 26, 28; Exo_30:3-5); for the cherubim on the mercy-seat (Exo_25:18); for the clasps of the curtains (Exo_26:6); for the gilding of the frames and of the bars outside, and of the pillars for the veil and for the screen (Exo_26:29; Exo_26:32; Exo_26:37); for the rings outside the frames for the bars (Exo_26:29); for the hooks attaching the veil and the screen to their pillars (Exo_26:32; Exo_26:37); and for the gold thread, rosettes, rings for the sacred pouch, and bells, in the high priest’s dress (Exo_28:6; Exo_28:8; Exo_28:15; Exodus 11, 13, 20; Exodus 23, 26, 27; Exodus 33). Silver is prescribed for the sockets of the frames, and of the pillars for the veil (Exo_26:19; Exo_26:25; Exo_26:32); and for the hooks and fillets of the pillars of the court (Exo_27:10-11; Exo_27:17); and copper for the altar of burnt-offering (Exo_27:2-4; Exo_27:6); the sockets and pins of the court (Exo_27:10 f., 17–19); and the laver (Exo_30:18).

brass] bronze, or copper (Gen_4:22 RVm.), which, indeed, was the meaning of ‘brass’ in old English: in Holland’s Pliny, for instance, mention is made of ‘mines of brass’ (cf. Deu_8:9). The alloy of copper and zinc which we call ‘brass’ was not known to the ancients. ‘Bronze,’ i.e. copper hardened by tin, was much used anciently for weapons and other implements, before iron came into general use.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And this is the offering which ye shall take of them,.... That is, some one or other of the following things were to be taken of each of them that had a heart, and it was in the power of their hands to give; it was not expected that something of each of these should be had of everyone, but every man was to give, and it was to be received of him, what of these would suit him best to bestow, some one thing, some another, as they were possessed of, and had a heart to give; and for which service many of them were abundantly supplied with what they had brought out of Egypt; and as it was the Lord that gave them favour in the eyes of the Egyptians to lend or give them the riches they had, they were under the greater obligation to part with somewhat of it freely for his service; and especially as it would be to the spiritual profit and advantage both of them and theirs:

gold and silver, and brass; "gold", for those things that were to he made of gold; as the mercy seat and cherubim, the candlestick, &c. or were covered with it, as the ark, the shewbread table, and other things; and silver, for those that were made of that, as the silver sockets to the boards of the tabernacle, the silver trumpets, &c. and "brass" for the altar of burnt offering, its pans, shovels, basins, rings, and staves, and other things: Aben Ezra rightly observes, that no mention is made of iron, there being no use of that for anything in the tabernacle to be made of it; as also there was not in the temple of Solomon, and where there was not so much as a tool of iron heard in it while it was building, Kg1 6:7 it may be, because instruments of war, slaughtering weapons, were made of iron; and to show that God is the God of peace in his sanctuary, and so in all the churches: gold and silver vessels the Israelites borrowed or begged of the Egyptians, and brought them with them when they came out of Egypt, Exo 11:2.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

3. Gold, and silver, and brass — Sceptics have been fond of asking whence the Hebrews in the wilderness could have obtained such quantifies of the precious metals as the tabernacle required. It is not difficult to answer: (1.) They probably possessed some of the treasures which belonged to their ancient fathers, and of which they had not been despoiled in Egypt. (2.) They obtained great quantities of gold and silver from the Egyptians on their departure from their land. See Exo_12:35-36, and notes on Exo_3:22, and Exo_11:2. (3.) Much spoil of the Egyptian army probably fell into their hands at the Red sea. See Exo_14:30, note. (4.) They doubtless obtained much spoil of the defeated Amalekites, (Exo_17:8-13.) (5.) Finally, we are not to imagine that in the Sinaitic peninsula the Hebrews were cut off from all communication with other peoples. Great caravans frequently traversed these deserts, (comp. Gen_37:25; Gen_37:28,) and doubtless then, as in a later time merchantmen of “all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country,” (1Ki_10:14-17,) carried to and fro with them large quantities of precious metals; and these, as well as other material needed for any of their purposes, could have been obtained by the Israelites.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

This is the offering gold and silver and brass. Gold was needed for the overlaying of the boards, whereof the ark was composed (ver. 11); for the "crown of gold," which surmounted it (ibid. ); for the "rings" (ver. 12); the "mercy-seat" (ver. 17) the cherubim (ver. 18); the dishes, the spoons, the covers, the bowls (ver. 29); the candlestick (ver. 31); the tongs and snuff dishes (ver. 28); the hooks and taches; (Exo_26:6, Exo_26:32) for the covering of the table of shew bread; (Exo_25:24) and of the staves and pillars (ib, 28:; Exo_26:32, Exo_26:37) and also for many parts of the dress of the High Priest. (Exo_28:6, Exo_28:8, Exo_28:11, Exo_28:14, etc.) Silver was required for the sockets which supported the hoards of the Tabernacle; (Exo_26:19) and for the "hooks" and "fillets" of the pillars of the court. (Exo_27:10) Brass, or rather bronze, was wanted for the "taches" which coupled together the curtains of the tent; (Exo_26:11) for the "sockets" which received the pillars or tent-poles (ib, 37); for the external coating of the altar; (Exo_27:2) for the vessels and utensils of the altar (ib, 3); for the covering of its staves (ib, 6); for the sockets of the pillars of the Court; (Exo_27:10) for the "pins" of the Court (ib, 19); and generally for the vessels of the Tabernacle (ibid. ). To understand how the Israelites could supply all that was wanted, we must remember,

1. That they had a certain amount of ancestral wealth, as that which Josephhad accumulated, and what Jacob and his sons had brought with them into Egypt.

2. That they had received large presents of gold and silver from theEgyptians just before their departure; (Exo_12:35) and

3. That they had recently defeated, and no doubt despoiled, the Amalekites. (Exo_16:8-13) Whether they had further made money by trade since they entered the Sinaitic peninsula, may be doubted. The supposition is not at all needed in order to account for their wealth.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

blue, purple, and scarlet material

Possible meanings are 1) "material that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet," probably wool yarn, or 2) "blue, purple and scarlet dye" to dye the linen.

scarlet

bright red

sea cow

a large animal that lives in the sea and eats plants

spices

dried plants that people grind into a powder and put in oil or food to give it a nice smell or flavor (See: Translate Unknowns)

onyx

a valuable stone that has layers of white and black, red or brown. (See: Translate Unknowns)

precious stones to be set

This can be stated in active form. AT: "precious stones for someone to set" (See: Active or Passive)

precious stones

"valuable gems" or "treasured gems"

translationWords

sacrifice

gold

silver

bronze

goat

ewe

acacia

oil

sanctuary

lamp

anoint

incense

ephod

breastplate

unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.

זהב וכסף ונחשת וגו׳ GOLD AND SILVER AND COPPER etc. — All these came (were brought) as voluntary gifts, each man giving as his heart prompted him, except that silver which was brought by all in equal quantities (cf. Rashi above), a half shekel by each person. For we do not find in the account of the entire work connected with the Tabernacle that any silver was needed for the work there described in detail over and above this, for it is said, (Exodus 38:25-26) “And the silver of them who were numbered of the congregation [was an hundred talents, etc.] … a beka for every man etc.” and vv. 27 and 28 inform us that of this silver were made the Sockets and the hooks. Of the other silver which came (was brought) there, as a free-will gift they made the holy vessels (lit., vessels for service), and it is this silver that is referred to in this verse and which is stated in the preceding verse as having been brought voluntarily.

Rashi on the Tanakh — English translations: “The Judaica Press complete Tanach with Rashi, translated by A. J. Rosenberg” (CC BY 4.0); “Pentateuch with Rashi's commentary by M. Rosenbaum and A.M. Silbermann, 1929-1934” (public domain); “The Metsudah Tanach series, Lakewood, N.J” (CC BY 4.0); and “The Book of Joshua, Metsudah Publications, 1997” (CC BY 4.0). Text via Sefaria.

V’ZOTH’ (AND THIS) IS THE OFFERING. By way of the Truth, [the mystic lore of the Cabala], this is like the expression, And the Eternal gave Solomon wisdom. Cabalists saw an allusion to the Divine Glory. It is also written: ‘v’zoth’ (and this) is it that their father spoke unto them and blessed them; ‘v’zoth’ (and this) is the blessing; the Eternal’s doing is ‘zoth’ (this). The Rabbis have already alluded to this in Bereshith Rabbah on the basis of the verse, I understand from the elders. The discerning student will understand.And in Eileh Shemoth Rabbah the Rabbis have said: “And this is the offering which ye shall take of them — this refers to the congregation of Israel, which is the heave-offering, as it is said, Israel is the Eternal’s hallowed portion, His first-fruits of the increase.” And it is also said there: “The Holy One, blessed be He, said to Israel: I have sold you My Torah; and I, as it were, was sold with it, for it is said, ‘v’yikchu li terumah’” [which the Midrash takes to mean: “and they shall acquire Me as an offering”]. For the offering shall be Mine, and I am with it, similar to: My beloved is mine, and I am his. Similarly, He said, according to all that I show thee, for it is I who show [the pattern of the Tabernacle, and the pattern of all its vessels]. The statement, it hath been shown to thee, 27:8. also alludes to the word “I”; similarly, which is being shown to thee. And so did David say, All this [do I give thee] in writing, as the Eternal hath made me wise by His hand upon me, for the hand of G-d was upon David [to show him the pattern of the Sanctuary and of all its works].

Ramban (Nachmanides) on the Tanakh — English translation: “Commentary on the Torah by Ramban (Nachmanides). Translated and annotated by Charles B. Chavel. New York, Shilo Pub. House, 1971-1976” (CC BY 4.0). Text via Sefaria.