Exodus 27:7

KJV

And the staves shall be put into the rings, and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar, to bear it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the staves {H905} shall be put {H935} into the rings {H2885}, and the staves {H905} shall be upon the two {H8147} sides {H6763} of the altar {H4196}, to bear {H5375} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Its poles are to be put into the rings; the poles are to be on both sides of the altar for carrying it.

Berean Standard Bible

The poles are to be inserted into the rings so that the poles are on two sides of the altar when it is carried.

American Standard Version

And the staves thereof shall be put into the rings, and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar, in bearing it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 27:7 provides precise instructions for the portability of the Altar of Burnt Offering, detailing how its carrying staves were to be inserted into rings affixed to its sides, enabling its transportation. This verse underscores the meticulous nature of God's design for the Tabernacle furnishings, ensuring that this central instrument of atonement and worship could accompany the Israelites throughout their nomadic journey in the wilderness, thereby maintaining the accessibility of God's presence and the means of reconciliation to His people wherever they encamped.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within God's comprehensive blueprint for the Tabernacle and its courtyard, as revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-31). Specifically, Exodus 27 focuses on the design of the Tabernacle's outer court, commencing with the detailed specifications for the Altar of Burnt Offering in [Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - Design of the Altar of Burnt Offering"). Following descriptions of the altar's dimensions, materials, and bronze grate, verse 7 addresses the critical practical aspect of its mobility. This emphasis on portability is a recurring motif throughout the Tabernacle's construction, evident in the design of other sacred furnishings such as the Ark of the Covenant, which was equipped with permanent carrying poles ([Exodus 25:12-15](/exodus/25-12-15 "Exodus 25:12-15 - Ark of the Covenant's Carrying Poles")), and the Table of Showbread ([Exodus 25:27-28](/exodus/25-27-28 "Exodus 25:27-28 - Table of Showbread's Carrying Poles")). The consistent inclusion of rings and staves highlights the Tabernacle's function as a mobile sanctuary, designed to accompany Israel's wilderness wanderings.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions for the Tabernacle reflect the unique historical circumstances of the Israelites as a newly liberated, nomadic people journeying from Egyptian bondage to the Promised Land. Unlike the fixed temples and altars common in the ancient Near East, the Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary, signifying that the presence of Yahweh was not confined to a static geographical location but actively accompanied His covenant people. The Altar of Burnt Offering, positioned prominently in the Tabernacle's outer court, was the central locus for animal sacrifices, serving as the primary means of atonement, purification, and fellowship with God. The provisions for its portability in [Exodus 27:7](/exodus/27-7 "Exodus 27:7 - Portability of the Altar") ensured the continuous availability of reconciliation and worship to the Israelites regardless of their physical encampment. The sacred duty of transporting these holy objects, including the altar, was specifically assigned to the Kohathite clan of the Levites, underscoring the profound reverence and order required in handling divine things ([Numbers 4:1-15](/numbers/4-1-15 "Numbers 4:1-15 - Duties of the Kohathites")).

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 27:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes God's **meticulousness and sovereignty** in all matters pertaining to worship; every detail, no matter how seemingly minor, is divinely ordained. This reflects God's holiness and His demand for precise obedience. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **God's immanence and accessibility**. The Tabernacle, with its portable altar, demonstrates that God desires to dwell among His people and make Himself accessible to them, providing a continuous means of approaching Him for forgiveness and fellowship. This contrasts sharply with the localized deities of pagan cultures. Thirdly, it underscores the **dynamic nature of God's covenant relationship** with Israel; He is not a static deity but one who journeys with His people, providing for their spiritual needs throughout their pilgrimage. This mobility also subtly **foreshadows** a future where God's presence and the means of salvation would transcend physical structures and geographical boundaries, pointing towards a more universal and spiritual worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Staves (Hebrew, בַּד, _bad_):** From H905, meaning "separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying." In this context, "staves" specifically refers to the carrying poles, likely made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze as specified for the altar in [Exodus 27:6](/exodus/27-6 "Exodus 27:6 - Materials for the Altar's Staves"). Their consistent use for transporting all major Tabernacle furnishings (e.g., Ark, Table, Altar) underscores their critical function in ensuring the proper, reverent, and hands-off movement of holy objects, thereby maintaining their sanctity and preventing defilement.
* **Rings (Hebrew, טַבָּעַת, _ṭabbaʻath_):** From H2885, derived from a root meaning "to sink into," signifying "a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e. signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind." These were loops or sockets, likely cast bronze, securely affixed to the altar's sides. Their purpose was to provide stable anchor points for the staves, allowing the heavy altar to be lifted and carried without direct human contact, reinforcing the sacredness of the object and the divine command for its handling.
* **Bear (Hebrew, נָשָׂא, _nâsâʼ_):** From H5375, a primitive root meaning "to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative." Here, it explicitly denotes the physical act of carrying or transporting the altar. Beyond mere physical movement, the verb implies the responsibility and reverence associated with handling such a sacred object, which symbolized the very means of atonement for the nation. The act of "bearing" the altar was a sacred duty, not a mundane task.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the staves shall be put into the rings":** This clause provides the initial instruction for assembling the altar for transport. It specifies the precise and secure method of attaching the carrying poles to the altar's structure. The use of "put into" (from H935, _bôwʼ_, "to go or come") implies a deliberate, firm insertion, ensuring a snug fit that would prevent the staves from slipping or dislodging during movement. This detail emphasizes God's demand for order, stability, and exactness in all aspects of His worship and the handling of His holy things.
* **"and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar":** This clarifies the exact placement of the staves. Rather than being attached haphazardly or on a single side, they were to be positioned along both long sides of the rectangular altar. This arrangement ensured a balanced distribution of the altar's weight, facilitating stable carrying by multiple individuals (typically four, two on each side). This detail further highlights the practical wisdom and orderly design inherent in God's instructions, ensuring both efficiency and reverence in the altar's transportation.
* **"to bear it":** This concluding phrase explicitly states the overarching purpose of the preceding instructions regarding the rings and staves. The entire design feature was solely for the function of transporting the altar. It underscores the altar's essential mobility, a characteristic vital for a nomadic people whose sanctuary, and thus their access to atonement and worship, had to move seamlessly with them throughout their wilderness journey.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device evident in Exodus 27:7, and indeed throughout the Tabernacle instructions, is **Precision and Detail**. The meticulous enumeration of every component, material, and method of construction and use underscores the divine origin and sacredness of the Tabernacle. This granular detail reflects God's absolute sovereignty and His expectation of strict obedience in worship, leaving no room for human improvisation. Furthermore, there is a profound element of **Symbolism** present. The portability of the Altar of Burnt Offering, facilitated by the staves and rings, symbolizes God's dynamic presence and the accessibility of atonement. It conveys that God is not confined to a fixed location but is willing to move with His people, making Himself and the means of reconciliation available wherever they are on their journey. This mobility also subtly **Foreshadows** a future where God's presence would not be limited to physical structures or geographical locations, pointing towards a more universal and spiritual worship, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 27:7, with its emphasis on the portability of the Altar of Burnt Offering, profoundly illustrates God's immanence and accessibility. The design ensures that the means of atonement and the presence of God were not static or confined to a single location but accompanied His people through their wilderness journey. This speaks to a God who actively desires to be with His people, providing continuous access to forgiveness and fellowship regardless of their circumstances or geographical location. It underscores the dynamic nature of the covenant relationship, where God's provision for sin is always available to those who seek Him according to His prescribed ways, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people.

* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites to Carry Holy Things")
* [Deuteronomy 23:14](/deuteronomy/23-14 "Deuteronomy 23:14 - God Walks Among His People")
* [Hebrews 13:10](/hebrews/13-10 "Hebrews 13:10 - We Have an Altar")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The portability of the Altar of Burnt Offering in Exodus 27:7 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is not confined to church buildings or specific sacred spaces; He desires to be present with His people wherever they are, in every sphere of life. Just as the altar was always accessible to the Israelites, so too is the grace and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ always available to us, regardless of our physical location or circumstances. This challenges us to consider our lives as "portable altars" of worship, carrying God's presence and the message of reconciliation into our homes, workplaces, and communities. Furthermore, the meticulous detail of God's instructions for the Tabernacle components, down to how they were carried, teaches us the importance of diligence, reverence, and obedience in handling spiritual matters. Our faith should not be casual but marked by carefulness and intentionality, reflecting the seriousness with which God approaches His relationship with humanity and the provision for our redemption. We are called to embody His holiness and make His truth known through our lives, wherever we may be.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the portability of the Altar of Burnt Offering challenge our modern conceptions of worship spaces and God's presence?**
* **In what ways do we, as believers, "bear" the presence of God and the message of reconciliation in our daily lives, making it accessible to those around us?**
* **What does the meticulous detail of God's instructions for the Tabernacle teach us about the importance of obedience and reverence in our spiritual walk and service?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Altar of Burnt Offering designed to be portable?**

Answer: The Altar of Burnt Offering was designed to be portable because the Israelites were a nomadic people, journeying through the wilderness after their liberation from Egypt. God's presence, manifested in the Tabernacle, and the means of atonement were intended to accompany them wherever they encamped. This ensured that the people always had access to the place of sacrifice and fellowship with God, reinforcing His continuous provision and desire for an ongoing relationship with His covenant people. This portability contrasted sharply with the fixed altars and temples of surrounding pagan nations, highlighting the unique, dynamic, and immanent nature of Israel's God, who moves with His people.

**Who was responsible for carrying the Altar and other Tabernacle items?**

Answer: The responsibility for carrying the sacred objects of the Tabernacle, including the Altar of Burnt Offering, fell to the Kohathites, a specific clan within the tribe of Levi. After the priests had carefully covered the holy articles, the Kohathites were to bear them on their shoulders using the designated staves ([Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Duties of the Kohathites"); [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites to Carry Holy Things")). This was a highly sacred duty, and direct contact with the holy objects was forbidden under penalty of death, emphasizing the holiness of God and the profound reverence required in His service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The portability of the Altar of Burnt Offering, meticulously detailed in [Exodus 27:7](/exodus/27-7 "Exodus 27:7 - Portability of the Altar"), finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical altar, designed to move with a nomadic people, profoundly foreshadows Christ as the ultimate "portable" presence of God, who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the Lamb of God, the perfect and final sacrifice, whose atonement is not confined to a single physical location or historical moment but is universally accessible to all people, in all places, for all time ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The need for a physical altar, where sacrifices were repeatedly offered, is entirely fulfilled in Christ, who, as both our High Priest and the sacrificial Lamb, "entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption" ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, Our High Priest")). His finished work on the cross means that the "altar" of salvation is always "borne" to us, allowing us to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). The portability of the Old Testament altar thus beautifully prefigures the boundless and unconstrained nature of salvation and God's presence available through Christ to all who believe, transcending all geographical and temporal limitations.

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.

Exodus 25:28

And thou shalt make the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.

Numbers 4:13

And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:

Numbers 4:14

And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, [even] the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.