Exodus 27:6
And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with brass.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ
And thou shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בַּדֵּ֖י
staves
H905
בַּדֵּ֖י
staves
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
בַּדֵּ֖י
staves
H905
בַּדֵּ֖י
staves
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
Historical Context
The Kohathite Levites carried the bronze altar using these staves during Israel's wilderness journeys (Numbers 4:13-14). Though massive and heavy, the altar's mobility ensured sacrificial worship could continue wherever Israel camped—God's provision followed His people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the altar's 'mobility' show that God's grace follows you wherever you wander?
- What does bronze-covered (judgment-bearing) staves teach about approaching atonement?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Staves for the altar—acacia wood overlaid with bronze. Again the pattern: wood (humanity) covered with bronze (judgment). The altar must be transportable, following God's people through wilderness wanderings. Sin's consequences travel with fallen humanity; we carry guilt wherever we go. But the altar (atonement provision) also travels with us—God's grace matches our need. The staves prefigure how Christ's atonement has historical particularity yet universal availability.