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.

And the staves {H905} shall be put {H935} into the rings {H2885}, and the staves {H905} shall be upon the two {H8147} sides {H6763} of the altar {H4196}, to bear {H5375} it.

Its poles are to be put into the rings; the poles are to be on both sides of the altar for carrying it.

The poles are to be inserted into the rings so that the poles are on two sides of the altar when it is carried.

And the staves thereof shall be put into the rings, and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar, in bearing it.

Commentary

Exodus 27:7 details a crucial design element of the Altar of Burnt Offering (also known as the Brazen Altar), ensuring its portability during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. This verse specifies the method by which the altar, a central piece of the Tabernacle courtyard, was to be carried from one encampment to another.

Context

This verse is part of God's meticulous instructions to Moses for constructing the Tabernacle, Israel's portable sanctuary. The Altar of Burnt Offering stood in the outer court, serving as the place where animal sacrifices were made for atonement and fellowship with God. Its design, including the rings and staves, emphasized that God's presence and the means of forgiveness were not confined to a fixed location but accompanied His people on their journey through the desert. This portability was a consistent feature across many holy objects within the Tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant, which was also carried by staves.

Key Themes

  • Portability of Worship: The design of the altar, with its staves and rings, highlights that the center of Israel's worship and the means of atonement were not static. God's presence and the provision for sin moved with His people, signifying His constant fellowship and accessibility.
  • Divine Order and Detail: Every aspect of the Tabernacle, down to how its components were carried, was precisely commanded by God. This underscores His sovereignty and the importance of obedience to His specific instructions for worship and service.
  • Accessibility of Atonement: The fact that the altar could be carried meant that the place of sacrifice and reconciliation was always available to the Israelites, wherever they encamped. This points to God's continuous provision for sin and His desire for His people to remain in covenant relationship.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "staves" is baddim (ื‘ึทึผื“ึดึผื™ื), which consistently refers to carrying poles for sacred objects in the Tabernacle. "Rings" is tabba'ot (ื˜ึทื‘ึผึธืขึนืช), meaning loops or rings, into which these poles were inserted. These terms simply describe the practical components necessary for the mobility of the altar, ensuring it could be borne by the Levites as specified in other parts of the Mosaic Law.

Practical Application

Exodus 27:7 reminds us that God is not confined to temples or specific locations; He desires to be present with His people wherever they are. For believers today, the ultimate sacrifice for sin has been made once for all through Christ as the ultimate sacrifice. Just as the altar was always accessible to the Israelites, so too is the grace and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ always available to us, regardless of our physical location or circumstances. This verse also teaches us the importance of diligence and obedience in handling spiritual matters, reflecting the carefulness God commanded in every detail of the Tabernacle's construction and use.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 30:4 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Exodus 25:28 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt make the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.

  • Numbers 4:13 (2 votes)

    And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:

  • Numbers 4:14 (2 votes)

    And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, [even] the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.