Exodus 30:5

Exodus 30:5 describes the construction details for the staves (carrying poles) of the Altar of Incense, specifying the materials to be used: "And thou shalt make the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlay them with gold." This seemingly simple instruction carries deep theological and practical significance within the context of the Tabernacle and Israel's wilderness journey.

Context

This verse is part of God's detailed instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings (Exodus chapters 25-31). Specifically, it pertains to the Altar of Incense, which was situated in the Holy Place, just before the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place. The purpose of the staves was to allow the altar, like other key elements such as the Ark of the Covenant and the Table of Showbread, to be carried by the Levites as the Israelites journeyed through the desert.

Key Themes

• Portability and Divine Presence: The inclusion of staves for carrying signifies that the Tabernacle was not a static temple but a mobile sanctuary. This underscored the reality that God's presence was not confined to a single location but accompanied His people wherever they went during their wilderness wanderings, a powerful symbol of His faithfulness.
• Holiness and Preciousness: The command to "overlay them with gold" emphasizes the sacredness and divine value of the Altar of Incense and its components. Gold, a metal associated with purity, royalty, and divinity, elevates the common shittim wood to a holy purpose, symbolizing that everything dedicated to God must be of the highest standard and consecrated for His glory.
• God's Precise Instructions: The meticulous detail in God's commands—down to the specific type of wood and its gold overlay—highlights His desire for worship to be conducted according to His exact will. This teaches us the importance of obedience and reverence in approaching the Divine.

Linguistic Insights

The term "shittim wood" refers to the wood of the acacia tree (Hebrew: `shiṭṭāh` or `šiṭṭîm`). This tree was common in the Sinai desert region, making it a readily available material for the Israelites. Acacia wood is known for its remarkable durability, hardness, and resistance to decay and insects, making it an ideal choice for constructing sacred objects that needed to withstand the harsh desert environment and endure for generations. The use of this sturdy wood, combined with the precious gold overlay, speaks to both the practical endurance and the spiritual significance of the Tabernacle furnishings.

Practical Application

Exodus 30:5, though detailing ancient construction, offers timeless principles. It reminds us that God desires our worship and service to be both practical (durable, able to move with us) and precious (offered with purity and reverence). Like the Tabernacle, which was designed to accompany Israel, God's presence is meant to be dynamic in our lives, moving with us through different seasons and challenges. We are called to offer our "staves"—our gifts, talents, and resources—to God, not just as they are, but refined and consecrated, overlaid with the "gold" of devotion and purity, so that our lives can be used for His glory, just as the Tabernacle was a dwelling place for God among His people (Exodus 40:34).