THEOSISWlastow G.K.
The bronze basin (v. 16). Notably, in various Western translations, such as those of Gerlach, Luther, Osterwald, Sassy, and the Anglicized narrow Bible, verse 8 of chapter 38 is interpreted as stating that "Bezaleel made a basin out of the brass from the mirrors of the women who were at the entrance of the tabernacle." Similarly, our Slavonic version conveys that "a basin of brass was made from the mirrors of the women who fasted, positioned at the door of the tabernacle." Many scholars assert that devout women in the temple engaged in temporary or lifelong vows, akin to those of the Nazirites, as seen in Luke 2:36-37, regarding Anna the prophetess present in the temple. However, some contend that all Israelite women contributed their mirrors as part of their offerings to the temple.
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In antiquity, mirrors were typically made of metal, often copper. Gerlach proposes that the act of donating mirrors also signified a departure from certain Egyptian practices and superstitions; for instance, it is known that during Isis celebrations, numerous women participated in processions dressed in white while holding mirrors. To ancient women, mirrors appeared to be an essential item for personal care. Nonetheless, while acknowledging this viewpoint, it is important to note that copper was readily available to the Israelites, and they possessed the necessary skills to work with it. It has been indicated that the Israelites had access to Egyptian copper mines and their associated facilities during their journey. Therefore, the women's contribution of mirrors may not have been critically necessary.