Who were the women assembling at the tabernacle in Exodus?

 Women assembling at the tabernacle (Exod. 38:8) are those who ministered at the door of the tent meeting place. In a description of the building of the tabernacle after the Israelites had come out of Egypt, we are told that near the altar there was a laver or vessel of metal made from the polished copper or bronze "looking glasses of the women assembling.'' These women who ministered at the door probably assisted the Levites in the preparations for the service. This is one of the earliest examples of women's ministry in the house of God.