Exodus 27:6

KJV

And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves [of] shittim wood, and overlay them with brass.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} staves {H905} for the altar {H4196}, staves {H905} of shittim {H7848} wood {H6086}, and overlay {H6823} them with brass {H5178}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Make poles of acacia-wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze.

Berean Standard Bible

Additionally, make poles of acacia wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of acacia wood, and overlay them with brass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 27:6 provides precise divine instructions for the construction of the Altar of Burnt Offering, specifically detailing the creation of its staves from durable shittim wood overlaid with brass (bronze). This seemingly technical detail is profoundly significant, ensuring the altar's portability as a central element of the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's accessible presence among His pilgrim people, and pointing to the nature of divine judgment, the necessity of atonement, and the means by which a holy God makes Himself approachable to a sinful humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 27 is situated within a comprehensive section of Exodus (chapters 25-31) that meticulously outlines God's detailed blueprints for the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary designed for His dwelling among the Israelites. Specifically, verses 1-8 focus on the design and materials for the Altar of Burnt Offering, often referred to as the brazen altar, which was strategically placed in the outer court of the Tabernacle. This altar served as the primary site for animal sacrifices, indispensable for atonement, purification, and facilitating communion with God. The command for staves in [Exodus 27:6](/exodus/27-6 "Exodus 27:6 - Staves for the Altar of Burnt Offering"), mirroring similar instructions for other Tabernacle furnishings such as the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10 - Construction of the Ark") and the [Table of Showbread](/exodus/25-26 "Exodus 25:26 - Rings and Poles for the Table"), underscores the entire complex's fundamental nature as a movable structure, meticulously engineered to accompany Israel throughout their wilderness journeys.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The divine instructions for the Tabernacle were imparted to the Israelites while they were encamped at Mount Sinai, a pivotal moment as they prepared for their arduous, nomadic journey through the wilderness en route to the Promised Land. In stark contrast to the fixed temples prevalent in other ancient Near Eastern cultures, the Tabernacle was uniquely designed for mobility, reflecting the dynamic and intimate relationship God desired with a people on the move. The selection of "shittim wood" (acacia) was not arbitrary; this exceptionally durable, decay-resistant hardwood was abundant in the Sinai region, making it an ideal and practical material for sacred items that would endure harsh environmental conditions and frequent transport. The overlay of "brass" (more accurately, bronze, an alloy of copper and tin) was equally significant. Bronze was a common and valuable metal in the ancient world, frequently associated with strength, divine judgment, and purification, particularly through fire. The Altar of Burnt Offering, where sacrifices were consumed by fire as an act of judgment against sin and purification, perfectly embodied this symbolism, distinguishing it from the gold-overlaid items in the Holy Place, which signified divine glory and presence.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 27:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. The most prominent theme is God's **desire for accessible presence** among His people, as evidenced by the Tabernacle's portability. The very design of the altar, with its staves, means that the means of atonement and worship were not static but accompanied Israel, symbolizing God's commitment to dwelling with them wherever they went, a concept echoed in the divine promise of [Exodus 29:45](/exodus/29-45 "Exodus 29:45 - God's Dwelling Among Israel"). Another crucial theme is the **holiness of God and the necessity of atonement**. The materials, especially the bronze, emphasize God's fiery holiness and the severity of sin, which demands a perfect sacrifice for reconciliation. This theme is central to the sacrificial system detailed in [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1-7 "Leviticus 1-7 - Laws of Offerings"). Finally, the meticulous divine instructions highlight the theme of **divine order and obedience**. Every detail, from the wood to the metal, was divinely ordained, underscoring the importance of precise obedience in worship and service to God, a principle reiterated throughout the giving of the Law in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **make (Hebrew, _‘âsâh'_):** This primitive root is broadly defined as "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In the context of Exodus 27:6, it signifies the divine imperative for precise construction. God is not merely suggesting, but commanding the creation of these staves, underscoring His sovereignty over the Tabernacle's design and the meticulous nature of the worship He requires. This word highlights the active role of humanity in carrying out God's will.
* **staves (Hebrew, _bad'_):** Derived from a root meaning "separation," _bad_ here refers to a "bar for carrying." These were long poles designed to be inserted into rings on the altar, enabling it to be carried. The term emphasizes the altar's inherent portability, signifying that God's presence and the means of atonement were not confined to a static location but were accessible to His people wherever they journeyed. This mobility underscored God's dynamic relationship with Israel, accompanying them through their wilderness wanderings.
* **brass (Hebrew, _nᵉchôsheth'_):** While translated "brass" in the KJV, the Hebrew term more accurately denotes "copper" or, more commonly in this context, "bronze" (an alloy of copper and tin). In the Tabernacle's symbolism, bronze is consistently associated with divine judgment, fire, and purification. It is the metal used for all items in the outer court, where sin was confronted and dealt with through sacrifice. The bronze overlay on the Altar of Burnt Offering vividly conveyed that this was the place where sin met divine wrath, and where the penalty for sin was paid through substitutionary sacrifice, often consumed by fire.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make staves for the altar":** This initial command establishes the functional necessity of the staves. They are not merely decorative but integral to the altar's design, ensuring it can be moved. This highlights the practical requirements for a portable sanctuary intended for a nomadic people, emphasizing that God's worship and the means of approaching Him were to accompany Israel throughout their pilgrimage. It underscores the divine foresight in providing for a mobile worship center.
* **"staves [of] shittim wood":** This specifies the core material for the staves. The choice of shittim wood (acacia) underscores its remarkable durability, resistance to decay, and availability in the desert, ensuring the staves could withstand the rigors of transport and the harsh desert environment. Symbolically, the wood represents the earthly, human element, providing the structural basis for the sacred object, a natural foundation for divine purpose.
* **"and overlay them with brass":** This instruction dictates the protective and symbolic covering for the shittim wood staves. The "brass" (bronze) overlay not only reinforced the wood, making the staves more robust for carrying, but also imbued them with the rich symbolism of judgment and purification associated with bronze throughout the Tabernacle. This signifies that even the means of transporting the altar were consecrated and bore the marks of divine justice and the seriousness with which sin was to be addressed.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 27:6, while appearing as a technical instruction, is profoundly rich in **Symbolism**. The very existence of the **staves** symbolizes God's desire for His presence and the means of atonement to be accessible and portable, accompanying His people wherever they go, rather than being confined to a static location. The **shittim wood** serves as a potent symbol of humanity or the earthly realm, representing the natural material that God uses and transforms for sacred purposes. The **brass (bronze) overlay** powerfully symbolizes divine judgment, the fiery wrath against sin, and the purification that results from atonement. The altar itself, with its specified materials and design, functions as a **Type**, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous attention to detail and specific materials throughout the Tabernacle instructions also employs **Precision** and **Repetition** to reinforce their theological significance and the divine order required in worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 27:6, in its meticulous detail, reveals profound theological truths about God's nature and His relationship with humanity. The portability of the Altar of Burnt Offering, facilitated by its staves, underscores God's desire to dwell with and accompany His people through all circumstances, signifying that access to Him and His provision for sin are not geographically bound. This speaks to God's immanence and His commitment to His covenant people. The choice of materials—shittim wood overlaid with bronze—is deeply symbolic of the atonement process: the earthly, human element (wood) must encounter and be covered by divine judgment (bronze) for sin to be dealt with. This prefigures the ultimate divine solution to the problem of human sin, highlighting that God's holiness demands a response to unrighteousness, yet He graciously provides the means for reconciliation and restoration.

* [Numbers 4:13](/numbers/4-13 "Numbers 4:13 - Covering and Carrying the Altar")
* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation for Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions for the Altar of Burnt Offering's staves in Exodus 27:6 offer a powerful invitation to reflect on the nature of God's presence and the means of our salvation. Just as the altar was designed for portability, reminding Israel that God was with them on their journey, so too does God's grace and presence accompany us today, no longer confined to a physical structure but accessible through faith in Christ. This verse reminds us that true worship is not bound by location but by a heart submitted to God, acknowledging His omnipresence and loving pursuit of His people. It also starkly portrays the cost of sin, symbolized by the bronze judgment, and the divine provision for atonement. We are called to remember that our access to God comes through a sacrificial act, prompting us to live lives of gratitude and holiness, continually seeking purification and reconciliation. The durability of the shittim wood reminds us of the steadfastness required in our faith and the enduring nature of God's plan, while the bronze overlay points to the necessity of confronting sin and seeking purification through the divinely appointed means.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the portability of the altar, facilitated by its staves, inform our understanding of God's desire for an intimate and accessible relationship with us today?**
* **In what ways do the materials—shittim wood and brass (bronze)—speak to the nature of sin and God's provision for atonement in our personal spiritual journey, prompting us to deeper repentance and faith?**
* **How does this verse deepen our appreciation for the universal accessibility of God's grace, no longer requiring a physical pilgrimage to an altar, but available through Christ wherever we are?**

### FAQ
**Why were staves needed for the Altar of Burnt Offering?**

Answer: The staves were essential because the Altar of Burnt Offering, like other key elements of the Tabernacle, was designed to be portable. The Israelites were a nomadic people journeying through the wilderness, and the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's dwelling among them, had to be movable. The staves allowed the Levites to carry the altar, ensuring that the central place of sacrifice and atonement could accompany the people wherever they went, signifying God's ever-present accessibility. This is consistent with the instructions for carrying other sacred items, such as the [Ark of the Covenant](/numbers/4-6 "Numbers 4:6 - Carrying the Ark of the Covenant") and the [Table of Showbread](/numbers/4-8 "Numbers 4:8 - Carrying the Table of Showbread").

**What is "shittim wood" and why was it chosen for the staves?**

Answer: "Shittim wood" is acacia wood, a tree native to the desert regions of the Sinai Peninsula. It was chosen for its exceptional properties: it is remarkably durable, hard, and resistant to decay and insects, making it ideal for the construction of sacred objects that needed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and frequent transport. Symbolically, as a natural, earthly material, shittim wood often represents humanity or the physical creation, serving as the foundation upon which divine glory and purpose are manifested through the overlaying metals. Its use for the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10 - Ark of the Covenant made of Shittim Wood") and other significant Tabernacle furnishings highlights its importance and suitability for God's sacred purposes.

**What is the significance of the "brass" overlay on the staves?**

Answer: The term "brass" in the King James Version typically refers to bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) in ancient contexts. In the Tabernacle's symbolism, bronze is consistently associated with divine judgment, fire, and purification. It was the metal used for all the implements in the outer court, where sin was confronted and dealt with through sacrifice. The bronze overlay on the Altar of Burnt Offering, and by extension its staves, indicated that this was the place where sin met divine justice, and where the penalty for sin was paid through substitutionary sacrifice. It visually communicated the severity of sin and the fiery holiness of God, alongside His gracious provision for atonement. This contrasts with the gold used for items in the Holy Place, which signified divine glory and presence, demonstrating a clear symbolic distinction between the areas of judgment and glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 27:6, with its detailed description of the Altar of Burnt Offering's staves made of shittim wood overlaid with brass, profoundly foreshadows the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The shittim wood, representing humanity, points to Christ's full humanity, His incarnation as the [Son of Man](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - Jesus as the Son of Man"), who perfectly identified with humanity yet was without sin. The brass (bronze) overlay, symbolizing divine judgment and the fiery wrath against sin, points to Christ's divine nature and His ultimate role as the one who bore the full weight of God's judgment for humanity's sins on the cross. He became the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), thereby fulfilling the purpose of all the sacrifices offered on the brazen altar. Just as the altar's staves made it portable, signifying God's presence accompanying His people, Christ's "once for all" sacrifice (as highlighted in [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")) makes God's forgiveness and presence universally accessible. Through His completed work, the means of atonement are no longer confined to a physical structure or location, but are available to all who believe, wherever they are, fulfilling the ultimate portability of salvation. His work ensures that God's grace is not static but dynamically present with His people, a profound truth celebrated throughout the New Testament, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, the High Priest").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 30:4

And two golden rings shalt thou make to it under the crown of it, by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it shalt thou make [it]; and they shall be for places for the staves to bear it withal.

Numbers 4:44

Even those that were numbered of them after their families, were three thousand and two hundred.

Exodus 35:13

The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread,

Exodus 35:15

And the incense altar, and his staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle,