381 He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood. It was square. Its length was five cubits, its breadth was five cubits, and its height was three cubits. 2 He made its horns on its four corners. Its horns were of one piece with it, and he overlaid it with brass. 3 He made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the fire pans. He made all its vessels of brass. 4 He made for the altar a grating of a network of brass, under the ledge around it beneath, reaching halfway up. 5 He cast four rings for the four ends of brass grating, to be places for the poles. 6 He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with brass. 7 He put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. He made it hollow with planks. 8 He made the basin of brass, and its base of brass, out of the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 38:1-8

Commentary on Exodus 38:1-8

(Read Exodus 38:1-8)

In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for the tabernacle worship, expressed zeal by parting with their mirrors, which were polished plates of brass. Before the invention of looking-glasses, these served the same purposes.