Exodus 38:21-31
Through the Levites God requires a precise inventory to be kept of all that has been done and given for His house. He forgets nothing; even to the last pin and the smallest hook, knowing how much it cost each one who brought the particular object. The Lord Jesus, seated opposite the Temple treasury, was watching the crowds throwing in their gifts, and highly appreciated the two mites of a poor widow. For this offering meant a complete surrender for her, it was "all her living" (Mark 12:41-44).
The laver of brass mentioned here speaks in a similar way. It was made with the looking glasses of the women, who, following Moses, had gone out towards the tabernacle of the congregation (v. 8). In the presence of God, and through zeal for His house, their hearts had led them to give up not only a vain object, but also occupation with themselves, suggested by the use of the mirror (Matthew 16:24-25). That is also something God appreciates and mentions in His Word. As to the silver collected from the numbering of the people it served to form the bases of the pillars and boards. Everything rests on the glorious redemption of which silver is the symbol (see Numbers 3:48) and it is on this also that each saint individually rests so that he is able to stand by faith.