Exodus 38:7

And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.

And he put {H935} the staves {H905} into the rings {H2885} on the sides {H6763} of the altar {H4196}, to bear {H5375} it withal; he made {H6213} the altar hollow {H5014} with boards {H3871}.

He put the carrying-poles into the rings on the sides of the altar; he made it of planks and hollow inside.

Then he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar for carrying it. He made the altar with boards so that it was hollow.

And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, wherewith to bear it; he made it hollow with planks.

Commentary

Exodus 38:7 describes a crucial detail in the construction of the Altar of Burnt Offering, a central piece of furniture in the Tabernacle. It highlights the meticulous design and functional requirements for this sacred object, emphasizing both its portability and its purpose within Israel's worship system.

Context

This verse is part of the larger narrative in Exodus detailing the actual construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, meticulously following the divine blueprint given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Chapters 35-40 recount the skilled craftsmanship of Bezalel, Aholiab, and the other artisans as they brought God's instructions to life. The Altar of Burnt Offering, situated in the outer court, was the primary place for animal sacrifices, symbolizing atonement for sin and communion with God. The provisions for its transport, as described in this verse, were essential for the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, ensuring that the means of worship could always accompany God's people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Design and Obedience: The detailed instructions for the altar, including its staves and hollow construction, underscore God's precision and the absolute necessity of faithful obedience in carrying out His commands. Every element of the Tabernacle was designed with purpose.
  • Portability of Worship: The inclusion of "staves" (carrying poles) and the instruction to make the altar "hollow with boards" ensured it could be easily moved. This signifies that God's presence and the framework for worship were not static but designed to accompany His people wherever they journeyed, adapting to their nomadic existence.
  • Continuous Atonement: The altar's constant readiness for use, even during movement, emphasizes the ongoing need for atonement and the perpetual accessibility of God's provision for sin through sacrifice.

Linguistic Insights

The term "staves" (Hebrew: baddim) refers to poles specifically designed for carrying sacred objects, a feature common to many of the Tabernacle's furnishings, such as the Ark of the Covenant and the Table of Showbread. The command to make the altar "hollow with boards" (first given in Exodus 27:8) ensured it was lightweight enough for transport across varied terrain, yet structurally sound for its heavy and significant function.

Practical Application

Exodus 38:7 reminds us that God desires worship that is both precise in its adherence to His revealed will and adaptable to our life's journey. Just as the brazen altar was portable, our faith and our means of approaching God should be able to accompany us wherever we go, not confined to a single location or rigid structure. This verse also underscores the importance of intentionality and careful execution in serving God, reflecting His own meticulous nature. The constant availability of the altar, even on the move, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which made atonement and access to God perpetually available for all who believe.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 1:24

    But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

  • Acts 9:15

    But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

  • 1 Corinthians 2:2

    For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
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