Exodus 30:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And two {H8147} golden {H2091} rings {H2885} shalt thou make {H6213} to it under the crown {H2213} of it, by the two {H8147} corners {H6763} thereof, upon the two {H8147} sides {H6654} of it shalt thou make {H6213} it; and they shall be for places {H1004} for the staves {H905} to bear {H5375} it withal {H1992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Make two gold rings for it under its molding at the two corners on both sides; this is where the carrying-poles will go.

Berean Standard Bible

And make two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it.

American Standard Version

And two golden rings shalt thou make for it under the crown thereof; upon the two ribs thereof, upon the two sides of it shalt thou make them; and they shall be for places for staves wherewith to bear it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 30:4 meticulously details the construction and precise placement of two golden rings on the Altar of Incense. These rings were to be affixed "under the crown of it, by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides," serving as essential receptacles for the staves. This design ensured the altar's portability, allowing it to be reverently carried during Israel's wilderness journeys. The verse underscores God's demand for absolute adherence to His divine blueprint for the Tabernacle furnishings, emphasizing both their sacredness and their functional necessity in the nomadic sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 30:4 is an integral component of God's comprehensive instructions for the construction of the Altar of Incense, detailed in [Exodus 30:1-10](/exodus/30-1-10 "Exodus 30:1-10 - Instructions for the Altar of Incense"). This section is strategically placed within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, following the detailed commands for the laver and its basin ([Exodus 30:17-21](/exodus/30-17-21 "Exodus 30:17-21 - The Bronze Laver and Its Use")) and preceding the specific recipes for the anointing oil and sacred incense. The Altar of Incense itself was positioned in the Holy Place, just before the veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place, directly in front of the Ark of the Covenant. The inclusion of rings and staves for carrying is a recurring motif for the most sacred objects, such as the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-13 "Exodus 25:13 - Staves for the Ark of the Covenant") and the [Table of Showbread](/exodus/25-27 "Exodus 25:27 - Staves for the Table of Showbread"), highlighting their mobile nature within a nomadic sanctuary and the divine precision required for every aspect of God's earthly dwelling place.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following their miraculous liberation from Egyptian bondage, the Israelites were a nomadic community traversing the wilderness en route to the Promised Land. Their entire religious and communal life revolved around the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary meticulously designed by God to accompany them. Unlike the static, localized temples prevalent in surrounding pagan cultures, the God of Israel was not confined to a fixed edifice but dynamically moved with His people. The rings and staves on the Altar of Incense, along with those on other crucial furnishings, were indispensable for this portability. This ingenious design ensured that these sacred objects, embodying God's manifest presence, could be transported without direct human contact, thereby preserving their holiness and reinforcing the profound reverence required in approaching the divine. This constant movement underscored God's dynamic presence and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people throughout their pilgrimage.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the Tabernacle's construction details, contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Order and Precision**, illustrating God's meticulous attention to every minute detail of worship and His dwelling place. This underscores the absolute necessity of human obedience to divine commands. Secondly, the design for portability highlights God's **Dynamic and Immanent Presence**, demonstrating that He is not a static deity but one who journeys with His people, adapting to their nomadic existence. This contrasts sharply with the fixed deities of surrounding nations. Thirdly, the careful handling required by the staves reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Reverence**, teaching Israel the sacredness of God's presence and the appropriate distance and respect required in His service. This theme is pervasive, from the instructions for the priests' garments in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments") to the consecration of the Tabernacle itself in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Erection and Consecration of the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rings (Hebrew, טַבָּעַת, _ṭabbaʻath'_):** From a root meaning "to sink," this term properly refers to a seal or signet, and by extension, any ring. In this context, it denotes circular loops or fasteners, specifically designed to receive and secure the carrying poles. Their inclusion on the Altar of Incense, like on other Tabernacle furnishings, signifies a deliberate design for portability. The material, gold (H2091, _zâhâb_), consistently used for the most sacred elements, signifies the altar's purity, sacredness, and immense value, consistent with its placement in the Holy Place.
* **Places (Hebrew, בַּיִת, _bayith'_):** This word primarily means "house," but carries a wide range of applications, including a dwelling, family, temple, or, as here, a designated "place" or receptacle. In Exodus 30:4, it refers to the specific housing or sockets provided by the rings for the staves. This emphasizes that the rings were not merely decorative but served a crucial, functional purpose, providing a secure and proper "place" for the poles to be inserted for transport.
* **Bear (Hebrew, נָשָׂא, _nâsâʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to lift," this verb encompasses a great variety of applications, including to carry, sustain, or endure. Here, it specifically denotes the act of carrying the Altar of Incense. The use of staves to "bear" the altar ensured that this sacred object was transported reverently, without direct human contact, thereby preserving its ritual purity and the sanctity of the divine presence it represented. This verb underscores the physical action of transport, which was central to the Tabernacle's mobile design.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And two golden rings shalt thou make to it":** This initial clause specifies the exact number and precious material of the rings. The "two" rings imply a symmetrical and balanced design, vital for stable transport. The designation "golden" immediately elevates the altar's status, emphasizing its preciousness, its sacred function within the Holy Place, and its association with the divine glory and purity, consistent with other primary furnishings.
* **"under the crown of it, by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it shalt thou make [it];":** This segment provides highly precise and unyielding instructions for the placement of these rings. "Under the crown" indicates their position relative to the decorative molding that encircled the altar's upper rim. "By the two corners thereof, upon the two sides" further clarifies that the rings were to be affixed at the upper part of the altar's two opposing sides, ensuring both stability and ease of insertion for the staves. This level of meticulous detail underscores God's absolute sovereignty over the design and the paramount importance of exact obedience in its execution.
* **"and they shall be for places for the staves to bear it withal.":** This concluding phrase explicitly states the functional purpose of the rings: to serve as secure receptacles for the carrying poles. This underscores the altar's intended portability, a critical and recurring aspect of the entire Tabernacle's design. This mobility allowed God's manifest presence to accompany Israel throughout their wilderness wanderings, signifying His unwavering commitment to His covenant people wherever they journeyed.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device evident in Exodus 30:4, and indeed pervading the entire Tabernacle instructions, is **Precision** and **Detail**. The verse meticulously outlines the number, material, and exact placement of the rings, leaving absolutely no room for human improvisation or interpretation. This intense focus on minute specifications serves to emphasize the divine authorship of the design and the absolute necessity of human obedience in constructing God's dwelling place. Furthermore, profound **Symbolism** is at play: the rings and staves represent God's dynamic and portable presence, His willingness to journey with His people, and the required reverent distance and careful handling of all things pertaining to His holiness. The consistent design of rings and staves across multiple sacred objects also employs a form of **Repetition**, reinforcing the overarching themes of portability, sacredness, and divine order throughout the Tabernacle's construction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous instructions for the Altar of Incense, particularly its rings and staves, reveal profound theological truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. God is a God of order, precision, and absolute holiness, demanding that even the smallest details of worship reflect His glory and sacred nature. The portability of the altar signifies that God's presence is not static or confined to a single location, but is dynamic and accompanies His people wherever they go, adapting to their journey. This design foreshadows a deeper truth that God desires to dwell *with* His people, not merely *among* them in a fixed structure. The careful handling required by the staves also emphasizes the sacredness of divine things and the profound reverence due to God, teaching His people that His holiness demands careful approach and handling.

* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites Bearing Holy Things")
* [1 Kings 8:6](/1_kings/8-6 "1 Kings 8:6 - Ark Brought into the Temple")
* [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 30:4, though a technical detail for an ancient artifact, offers timeless and profound principles for contemporary believers. God's meticulous attention to every aspect of the Altar of Incense reminds us that no detail in our lives, especially concerning our worship, obedience, and walk with Him, is too small for His notice or too insignificant for His divine design. Just as the altar was designed for mobility, our faith journey is rarely static; we are called to follow God wherever He leads, trusting that His presence accompanies us through every transition, challenge, and unknown path. This verse encourages us to cultivate intentionality, precision, and profound reverence in our spiritual practices, understanding that our "altars" of prayer, devotion, and service are not bound by physical location but are portable expressions of our intimate relationship with a God who is always present. We are invited to carry the essence of worship with us, making every place a sanctuary and every moment an opportunity to connect with the divine, living out our faith as a dynamic, mobile, and ever-present reality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's design speak to His character and His active involvement in the minute aspects of our lives today?**
* **In what ways does the portability of the Altar of Incense challenge our understanding of God's presence, especially when we face transitions, uncertainties, or feel "out of place"?**
* **Considering the sacredness of the altar and its careful handling, how can we cultivate a deeper sense of reverence, intentionality, and purity in our personal and corporate worship practices?**

### FAQ

**Why were the rings and staves made of gold?**

Answer: The use of gold for the rings and the overlaying of the staves (which were typically acacia wood) profoundly signified the immense value, purity, and sacredness of the Altar of Incense. Gold is consistently associated with divinity, glory, and holiness throughout the Tabernacle's design, reflecting God's holy presence. Its preciousness also underscored the paramount importance of the altar's function in offering prayers and intercession before God, symbolizing the invaluable nature of communion with the divine.

**What was the purpose of the "crown" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "crown" (Hebrew: _zêr_) was a decorative molding or rim that encircled the top of the Altar of Incense, as well as other sacred furnishings like the [Table of Showbread](/exodus/25-25 "Exodus 25:25 - Table of Showbread Crown"). Its purpose was likely twofold: primarily aesthetic, enhancing the beauty, dignity, and regal appearance of the altar, and secondarily functional, possibly serving as a border or slight barrier to prevent items from easily falling off. It symbolized the altar's consecrated status and its unique, elevated role in the divine service.

**Were all Tabernacle furnishings carried with staves?**

Answer: Most of the primary, highly sacred furnishings within the Tabernacle were indeed designed with rings and staves for transport. This included the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-13 "Exodus 25:13 - Staves for the Ark of the Covenant"), the [Table of Showbread](/exodus/25-27 "Exodus 25:27 - Staves for the Table of Showbread"), and the Altar of Burnt Offering (though its staves were bronze, indicating its outdoor placement and different function, as described in [Exodus 27:6-7](/exodus/27-6-7 "Exodus 27:6-7 - Staves for the Altar of Burnt Offering")). This consistent design ensured that these holy objects were handled with the utmost reverence and never touched directly by human hands during their frequent movements, thereby maintaining their ritual purity and the sanctity of God's presence among His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed instructions for the Altar of Incense, particularly its rings and staves, find their ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The portability of the altar, designed to accompany Israel through their wilderness journey, powerfully foreshadows the incarnate God who "tabernacled among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus is the living, portable presence of God, not confined to a static temple or a specific geographical location, but moving among humanity, bringing God's presence directly to the people. As our great High Priest, Christ offers perfect and eternal intercession, fulfilling the symbolic function of the Altar of Incense, for "He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor")). Through His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, the veil separating humanity from God's presence was torn from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), and a "new and living way" was opened into the Most Holy Place ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")), rendering the physical Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Altar of Incense, no longer necessary. Now, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers themselves become living temples of God ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), embodying God's presence that is not merely portable but universally accessible and internal, confirming that true worship is no longer about a place but about spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

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 25:27

Over against the border shall the rings be for places of the staves to bear the table.

Exodus 25:12

And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put [them] in the four corners thereof; and two rings [shall be] in the one side of it, and two rings in the other side of it.

Exodus 27:4

And thou shalt make for it a grate of network [of] brass; and upon the net shalt thou make four brasen rings in the four corners thereof.

Exodus 27:7

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

Exodus 25:14

And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.

Exodus 26:29

And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings [of] gold [for] places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold.