Exodus 38:5

KJV

And he cast four rings for the four ends of the grate of brass, [to be] places for the staves.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he cast {H3332} four {H702} rings {H2885} for the four {H702} ends {H7099} of the grate {H4345} of brass {H5178}, to be places {H1004} for the staves {H905}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He cast four rings for the four ends of the bronze grate to hold the poles.

Berean Standard Bible

At the four corners of the bronze grate he cast four rings as holders for the poles.

American Standard Version

And he cast four rings for the four ends of the grating of brass, to be places for the staves.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 38:5 meticulously details the casting of four rings for the bronze grate of the altar of burnt offering, designed specifically to accommodate the staves for its transport. This seemingly minor architectural detail underscores the profound theological principles of divine precision in worship, the portability of God's presence among His people, and the faithful obedience required in executing His sacred blueprint for the Tabernacle. It highlights the practical ingenuity divinely inspired for Israel's nomadic journey, ensuring that the central place of atonement could accompany them wherever they went.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 38:5 is embedded within a larger narrative block (Exodus 35-40) that meticulously records the actual construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, following the detailed instructions previously given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-31). Specifically, this verse is part of the description of the altar of burnt offering's construction, spanning from [Exodus 38:1](/exodus/38-1 "Exodus 38:1 - Construction of the Altar of Burnt Offering") to [Exodus 38:7](/exodus/38-7 "Exodus 38:7 - Completion of the Altar"). The "grate of brass" mentioned here refers to the bronze network that sat within the altar, designed to allow the ashes of sacrifices to fall through. The divine specifications for this grate, including its rings and staves, were first outlined in [Exodus 27:4-7](/exodus/27-4 "Exodus 27:4-7 - Instructions for the Altar's Grate and Staves"). The narrative emphasizes the faithful execution of God's precise blueprint by the skilled craftsmen, particularly Bezalel and Aholiab, demonstrating their dedication to the divine mandate for His sanctuary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's forty-year wilderness journey, a period characterized by nomadic existence. This transient lifestyle necessitated that every major component of the Tabernacle, including the large and heavy altar of burnt offering, be designed for portability. The rings and staves were not merely practical accessories but critical elements that facilitated the movement of God's dwelling place. This mobility underscored the dynamic nature of God's presence with His people; He was not confined to a static temple but journeyed with them, a tangible sign of His covenant faithfulness. The meticulous instructions for handling and transporting these sacred articles, such as those for the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-13 "Exodus 25:13 - Staves for the Ark of the Covenant"), also highlight the reverence and sanctity required in approaching and carrying anything associated with the divine presence. This context reinforces the idea that God's dwelling was accessible yet holy, mobile yet orderly, reflecting His sovereign control over their journey and their worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rings (Hebrew, _ṭabʿōt_):** These were circular fasteners, specifically cast from bronze in this instance. The mention of "four rings" for "four ends" (corners) indicates a symmetrical and balanced design, ensuring stability and ease of transport. In the Tabernacle, rings were consistently used for portability, appearing on the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and the Altar of Incense, signifying that God's presence and provisions were always intended to be accessible and movable among His people.
* **Grate (Hebrew, _mikhbar_):** Derived from a root meaning "to weave" or "to net," _mikhbar_ refers to a lattice-like or network structure. In the context of the altar, this bronze grating served a crucial functional purpose: it allowed the ashes from the burnt offerings to fall through, keeping the sacrificial fire burning efficiently and cleanly. Its material, brass (bronze), was fitting for an object associated with judgment and sacrifice.
* **Staves (Hebrew, _baddim_):** These were long, sturdy poles specifically designed for carrying the sacred furniture of the Tabernacle. The fact that they were to be inserted into the rings and never removed (as was the case for the Ark of the Covenant, [Exodus 25:15](/exodus/25-15 "Exodus 25:15 - Staves of the Ark Never Removed")) emphasizes the perpetual readiness for movement and the sacred protocol surrounding the handling of God's holy objects. They ensured that the priests or Levites could transport the altar without directly touching it, maintaining its ritual purity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he cast four rings":** The subject "he" refers to Bezalel, the chief craftsman, or the skilled artisans working under him, divinely gifted for the task (cf. [Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30 "Exodus 35:30-35 - Bezalel and Aholiab Called")). The act of "casting" implies a deliberate, precise metallurgical process, transforming raw bronze into perfectly formed rings according to God's specifications. The number "four" signifies completeness and direction, aligning with the four corners of the altar.
* **"for the four ends of the grate of brass":** This specifies the exact placement of the rings – at each of the four corners or extremities of the bronze grating. This precise location was critical for balanced carrying. The "grate of brass" itself was a key component of the altar, indicating that the rings were attached to this internal structure, not the outer frame of the altar, ensuring stability for the grate during transport.
* **"[to be] places for the staves":** This clause explicitly states the purpose of the rings: they were designed as receptacles for the carrying poles. This functional design was paramount for the altar's portability, enabling the Levites to lift and transport the heavy altar of burnt offering as Israel moved through the wilderness. It underscores the practical foresight in God's architectural plan.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 38:5, though a technical description, employs several subtle literary devices. The most prominent is **Precision**, evident in the exact numbers ("four rings," "four ends") and materials ("grate of brass"). This meticulous detail mirrors the divine character, emphasizing God's absolute orderliness and His demand for exactitude in all matters pertaining to His worship. The verse also utilizes **Functional Symbolism**, where the physical components (rings, staves) are not merely utilitarian but symbolize the dynamic, portable nature of God's presence. The altar, the place of atonement, was designed to move with the people, signifying that God's mercy and provision were not static but accessible throughout their journey. Furthermore, there is an element of **Repetition** of the number "four," reinforcing the idea of completeness and the comprehensive nature of the divine design. The emphasis on the "grate of brass" through **Metonymy** allows the part to represent the whole, focusing on a critical component of the altar that facilitated its function and transport.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 38:5, though seemingly a minor detail, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous nature and the intentionality behind every aspect of His dwelling place. The divine blueprint for the Tabernacle, down to the rings for carrying poles, underscores that God cares deeply about order, precision, and the practical means by which His presence is facilitated among His people. This portability of the altar, the central place of sacrifice, signifies that access to God's atonement was not confined to a static location but was available to Israel throughout their journey, a testament to God's continuous provision and faithfulness. The faithful execution of these instructions by the craftsmen also highlights the importance of obedience and the dedication of God-given skills to His glory.

* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Pattern of Heavenly Things"): "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount."
* [Acts 17:24](/acts/17-24 "Acts 17:24 - God Does Not Dwell in Temples Made with Hands"): "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands."
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice"): "And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intricate details of Exodus 38:5 invite us to reflect on the nature of God and our response to His call. Just as God meticulously designed every component of the Tabernacle, down to the rings for portability, we are reminded that He is a God of order who cares about the seemingly small details of our lives and our worship. This verse challenges us to consider whether our own lives and ministries are designed for "portability" – are we ready to carry God's presence and the message of the Gospel wherever He leads, unhindered by static traditions or personal comfort? The altar, the place of sacrifice, was always ready to move, signifying that the means of reconciliation should always be accessible. Furthermore, the faithful craftsmanship of Bezalel and Aholiab serves as a powerful model for our own stewardship of God-given talents. Are we using our skills, no matter how mundane they may seem, with the same precision, dedication, and obedience for God's glory? This verse encourages us to embrace a dynamic faith, always prepared to follow God's leading, knowing that even the smallest acts of obedience contribute to His grand design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction inform our understanding of God's character and His expectations for our worship?**
* **In what ways are we, as believers, called to embody the "portability" of God's presence in our daily lives and interactions?**
* **What "craftsmanship" or skills has God given you, and how can you dedicate them to His glory with the same precision and obedience demonstrated by Bezalel and Aholiab?**

### FAQ
**Why were the rings and staves so important for the Tabernacle furniture?**

Answer: The rings and staves were critically important because they enabled the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, including the heavy altar of burnt offering, to be transported during Israel's nomadic journey through the wilderness. Without these components, the large and weighty items could not have been moved according to divine protocol. The specific design ensured that the holy objects were handled reverently, without direct human touch, by inserting the staves through the rings. This system underscored the practical necessity of a mobile sanctuary for a traveling people, allowing God's presence and the means of atonement to accompany them wherever they went, as mandated in passages like [Exodus 25:13-15](/exodus/25-13 "Exodus 25:13-15 - Staves for the Ark of the Covenant").

**What is the significance of "brass" (bronze) in the Tabernacle's construction?**

Answer: In the Tabernacle, "brass" (more accurately, bronze) held significant symbolic meaning, particularly in relation to judgment and sacrifice. The altar of burnt offering, the laver, and their associated implements were made of bronze. Bronze is durable and resistant to fire, making it suitable for the altar where sacrifices were consumed by fire. Theologically, bronze is often associated with God's judgment against sin, as seen in the bronze serpent in [Numbers 21:9](/numbers/21-9 "Numbers 21:9 - The Bronze Serpent") which brought healing from judgment. Thus, the bronze grate and rings of the altar signify that the place where sin was atoned for was also the place where divine judgment was met, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice that would bear the full weight of God's wrath against sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 38:5, with its focus on the altar's rings and staves, points profoundly to Christ in its emphasis on sacrifice, access, and the portability of God's presence. The brazen altar, where daily sacrifices were offered for the atonement of sins, is a vivid type of Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice for humanity's sin on the cross (cf. [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). The rings and staves, designed to ensure the altar's constant readiness for movement, foreshadow the New Covenant reality where God's presence is no longer confined to a physical structure or a static location. Through Christ's atoning work, the Spirit of God now indwells believers, making each one a "temple of the Holy Ghost" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). This means that the "altar" of God's presence and the "sacrifice" of reconciliation are now perpetually portable, carried within the hearts of His people wherever they go, fulfilling the nomadic nature of the Old Testament Tabernacle. Christ Himself is our ultimate access to God, our High Priest who has passed through the heavens, enabling us to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), making the reality of atonement and God's dwelling infinitely more accessible and personal than the physical Tabernacle could ever convey.

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.