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Commentary on Exodus 37 verses 25–29
Here is, 1. The making of the golden altar, on which incense was to be burnt daily, which signified both the prayers of saints and the intercession of Christ, to which are owing the acceptableness and success of those prayers. The rings and staves, and all the appurtenances of this altar, were overlaid with gold, as all the vessels of the table and candlestick were of gold, for these were used in the holy place. God is the best, and we must serve him with the best we have; but the best we can serve him with in his courts on earth is but as brass, compared with the gold, the sinless and spotless perfection, with which his saints shall serve him in his holy place above. 2. The preparing of the incense which was to be burnt upon this altar, and with it the holy anointing oil (Exo 37:29), according to the dispensatory, Exo 30:22, etc. God taught Bezaleel this art also; so that though he was not before acquainted with it yet he made up these things according to the work of the apothecary, as dexterously and exactly as if he had been bred up to the trade. Where God gives wisdom and grace, it will make the man of God perfect, thoroughly furnished to every good work.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 37:27 provides a meticulous description of the two golden rings affixed to the Altar of Incense, positioned precisely beneath its crown, at two of its corners, and upon two of its sides. These rings were not merely ornamental but functionally critical, serving as the designated receptacles for the staves by which the altar would be reverently carried. This specific detail underscores the divine imperative for both the sacred integrity and the practical mobility of the Tabernacle furnishings, reflecting God's desire for His active and accompanying presence among His people throughout their wilderness journey.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Exodus 37 is situated within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, which meticulously follows the divine blueprints revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai. This chapter specifically details Bezalel's faithful execution of God's commands in crafting the sacred furnishings, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense. Verses 25-26 describe the Altar of Incense's dimensions, its composition of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, and the golden molding, or crown, that encircled its top. Verse 27, therefore, builds upon this foundation by adding the crucial element of the rings, which were indispensable for the altar's portability. The subsequent verse, Exodus 37:28, confirms the insertion of the staves, completing the design for its intended mobility. The entire section of Exodus 37 emphasizes the meticulous adherence to God's precise instructions, highlighting the sacredness and divine origin of every component within His dwelling place.
Historical & Cultural Context: The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during the Israelites' forty-year sojourn in the wilderness, a period defined by constant movement and nomadic existence. Consequently, the divine command for portability for all significant Tabernacle elements—including the Ark, the Table, the Lampstand, and both altars—was not merely a logistical necessity but a profound theological declaration. It signified that God's presence was not static or confined to a fixed geographical location but was dynamic, actively accompanying His covenant people wherever they journeyed. The precise instructions for the rings and staves, exemplified here for the Altar of Incense, ensured that these holy objects could be transported securely and with utmost reverence by the Levites, without direct human contact, thereby preserving their ritual purity and sanctity. This mobile sanctuary served as the central hub of worship, divine communication, and sacrificial atonement for a people on the move, embodying a God who intimately engaged with His community on their pilgrimage toward the Promised Land. The extraordinary craftsmanship, divinely empowered as seen in Exodus 31:1-6, underscored the paramount importance and sacred nature of every single component.
Key Themes: Exodus 37:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of Divine Prescription and Human Obedience. Every detail, no matter how small, is divinely ordained, demanding meticulous adherence from the craftsmen. This highlights God's sovereignty and His expectation of precise obedience in matters of worship and covenant relationship. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the theme of God's Dwelling Presence. The portability of the Altar of Incense, like other Tabernacle furnishings, signifies that God is not confined but actively journeys with His people, making His presence accessible and dynamic. This contrasts with static pagan deities and emphasizes the relational nature of Israel's God. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of Holiness and Separation. The rings and staves ensured that the sacred objects were handled reverently, without direct human touch, maintaining their ritual purity and underscoring the profound holiness of God and the objects consecrated to His service. This separation was crucial for a people learning to approach a holy God. Finally, the Altar of Incense itself points to the theme of Prayer and Intercession, as it was the place where fragrant incense, symbolic of the prayers of the saints, ascended to God (Psalm 141:2).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Rings (Hebrew, ṭabbaʻath', H2885): This term refers to a circular fastener, specifically a signet or ring, often used for sealing. In the context of the Tabernacle, these rings were meticulously crafted from gold and served a crucial functional purpose: to provide secure attachment points for the carrying poles. Their repeated mention for various Tabernacle furnishings (e.g., for the Ark in Exodus 25:12 and the Table in Exodus 25:27) underscores their indispensable role in facilitating portability while maintaining the sanctity of the holy objects. The material—gold—symbolized divine glory, purity, and the enduring nature of God's covenant.
Gold (Hebrew, zâhâb', H2091): This word denotes the precious metal gold, often associated with shimmering or brightness. Throughout the Tabernacle's construction, gold is consistently used for the most sacred elements, signifying divine glory, purity, holiness, and the preciousness of God's presence. Its incorruptible nature also speaks to permanence and the eternal character of God. The use of gold for these functional rings elevates their significance beyond mere utility, imbuing them with theological weight as components of God's holy dwelling.
Bear (Hebrew, nâsâʼ', H5375): This primitive root is rich in meaning, encompassing "to lift," "to carry," "to support," or "to take away." In Exodus 37:27, the infinitive form lāśēʾṯ (to bear/carry) highlights the ultimate purpose of the rings and staves: to enable the physical transportation of the Altar of Incense. This verb emphasizes the practical functionality embedded within the divine design, ensuring that the means of worship could accompany the migrating community. Beyond mere physical transport, _nâsâʼ _ can also imply bearing a burden or responsibility, subtly hinting at the solemn duty of the Levites in carrying these sacred objects.
Verse Breakdown
"And he made two rings of gold for it under the crown thereof": This clause initiates the description of Bezalel's craftsmanship, specifically concerning the Altar of Incense. He fashioned two distinct rings from pure gold, emphasizing both their precious material and their specific number. Their placement "under the crown thereof" indicates they were situated beneath the decorative golden molding that adorned the altar's top edge. This precise positioning ensured that the rings were securely integrated into the altar's structure without impeding the primary function of burning incense on its surface. The act of "making" (Hebrew, ʻâsâh H6213) highlights the intentionality and skilled execution of the divine blueprint.
"by the two corners of it, upon the two sides thereof": This phrase provides meticulous spatial orientation for the rings. They were placed at two of the altar's four corners, implying a diagonal or opposing placement (e.g., front-left and back-right, or simply on two adjacent sides, but most likely on opposing sides for balance during transport). This detailed instruction underscores the divine precision required in all aspects of the Tabernacle's construction, where every element had a specific, divinely ordained purpose and position to ensure both functionality and symbolic integrity.
"to be places for the staves to bear it withal": This concluding clause explicitly states the ultimate purpose of the rings: they were designed as secure receptacles for the golden staves (Hebrew, baddîm H905). This ensured that the Altar of Incense, a holy object central to the offering of prayers and intercession, could be easily, reverently, and safely transported by the Levites during the Israelites' wilderness journeys. The functionality was paramount, allowing the sacred ritual of incense offering to continue seamlessly wherever God's people encamped, thereby maintaining continuous communion with the divine.
Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices, primarily Precision, Symbolism, and Repetition. The meticulous detailing of the rings' material ("gold"), quantity ("two"), and exact placement ("under the crown thereof, by the two corners of it, upon the two sides thereof") exemplifies the device of Precision. This granular level of instruction emphasizes the divine origin of the blueprint and the absolute necessity of faithful adherence to God's design. It signals that every aspect of worship and divine interaction is profoundly significant, down to the smallest component. Furthermore, the rings and staves function as powerful Symbolism of God's dynamic and accompanying presence. The portability they enable symbolizes that God is not confined to a static temple but journeys intimately with His people. The gold material itself is Symbolic of divine glory, purity, and the preciousness of the worship offered on the altar. The Repetition of "two" (Hebrew, shᵉnayim H8147) in describing the rings, corners, and sides reinforces the intentionality and symmetry of the design, contributing to the overall sense of order and divine completeness in the Tabernacle's construction. The very act of carrying the altar, facilitated by these rings, ultimately foreshadows a more mobile and accessible relationship with God, culminating in the New Covenant where God's Spirit dwells within believers, making them a portable sanctuary.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 37:27, though seemingly a minute detail in the grand design of the Tabernacle, carries profound theological weight. The rings for the Altar of Incense, facilitating its portability, powerfully underscore the truth that God's presence is not static or geographically bound, but dynamic, relational, and actively accompanies His people wherever they journey. This inherent mobility of worship foreshadows the New Covenant reality where God's Spirit indwells believers, making every Christian a "portable temple" and their prayers a continuous, unceasing offering. The meticulousness of the divine instructions, extending even to these seemingly small rings, highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for precise obedience in worship. It reveals that every detail matters in approaching a holy God, emphasizing His perfect order and the sacredness of His presence. The Altar of Incense itself, where prayers ascended as a fragrant aroma, points to the constant and vital need for intercession, communion, and spiritual fellowship with the divine.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly small detail of gold rings for carrying the Altar of Incense offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. First, it serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of meticulous detail. Just as He cared about the precise placement, material, and function of these rings for His dwelling place, He cares about the intricate details of our lives, our character, and our service to Him. Our obedience and faithfulness in seemingly insignificant matters can be profoundly meaningful and significant in His eyes, reflecting a heart devoted to His will. Second, the inherent portability of the Altar of Incense signifies that true worship is not confined to a building, a specific time, or a particular place; it is dynamic, living, and moves with God's people. Our "altar of incense" today is our prayer life, which should be a continuous, fragrant offering, accompanying us in every circumstance and location. We are called to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), carrying the aroma of our devotion, intercession, and thanksgiving wherever we go. Finally, the preparation for carrying the altar speaks directly to our readiness for service and mission. Just as the altar was equipped for constant movement, believers are to be prepared and equipped by the Holy Spirit to carry the message of God's presence, truth, and transforming grace into a world in desperate need, serving as His ambassadors in every sphere of influence.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were rings necessary for the Altar of Incense, and what is their significance?
Answer: The rings on the Altar of Incense, along with those on other Tabernacle furnishings like the Ark and the Table of Showbread, were absolutely necessary for their portability. During the Israelites' forty-year wilderness journey, the Tabernacle and all its components had to be regularly disassembled, transported, and reassembled. The rings served as secure attachment points for the golden staves, allowing the Levites to carry the sacred altar without directly touching it, thus maintaining its holiness and preventing defilement. Their significance is multifaceted: they underscore God's meticulousness in divine design, ensuring both optimal functionality and unwavering sanctity; they symbolize God's dynamic and accompanying presence, demonstrating that He journeys intimately with His people wherever they go; and they highlight the profound preciousness of the altar itself, as it was the sacred place for offering incense, which symbolized the prayers of the saints ascending to God (Revelation 8:3-4).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The rings on the Altar of Incense, enabling its portability and constant movement with God's people, find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Altar of Incense, a place where prayers and intercession ascended to God, powerfully foreshadowed Christ as our ultimate High Priest and Intercessor, the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). In the Old Covenant, God's presence was localized within the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, necessitating physical transportation through these rings. However, in Christ, God's presence became fully embodied and infinitely portable. Jesus, the eternal Word made flesh, "dwelt among us" (John 1:14), bringing God's very presence directly into humanity and making Him accessible to all. Furthermore, through His perfect atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus abolished the need for a physical altar or a localized earthly sanctuary for prayer and worship, opening a "new and living way" into the very presence of God the Father (Hebrews 10:19-20). Now, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers themselves become "temples of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19), making God's presence and the ability to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and prayer fully portable, accessible anywhere, and at any time. The physical rings on the Altar of Incense thus point to the glorious spiritual reality of Christ's omnipresent mediation and the universal, unhindered access to God He provides for all who believe.