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.
Original Language Analysis
וְהוּבָ֥א
shall be put
H935
וְהוּבָ֥א
shall be put
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבַּדִּ֗ים
And the staves
H905
הַבַּדִּ֗ים
And the staves
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
בַּטַּבָּעֹ֑ת
into the rings
H2885
בַּטַּבָּעֹ֑ת
into the rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
וְהָי֣וּ
H1961
וְהָי֣וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַבַּדִּ֗ים
And the staves
H905
הַבַּדִּ֗ים
And the staves
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
צַלְעֹ֥ת
sides
H6763
צַלְעֹ֥ת
sides
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
9 of 12
a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje
Historical Context
The rings were attached to opposite sides of the altar, allowing the staves to pass through and distribute weight evenly. This design enabled four Levites (two on each side) to carry the substantial bronze altar during Israel's travels.
Questions for Reflection
- Why must even the 'altar of judgment' be approached with holy reverence?
- How does approaching the cross require both gratitude and solemnity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The staves are inserted through rings on the altar's sides for carrying—maintaining the pattern seen with the ark and table. Holy things must not be touched directly; God provides the prescribed means of transport. The altar, though bronze (judgment) rather than gold (deity), still requires reverent handling. Even judgment's instrument, when consecrated for God's atoning purposes, demands holy approach. We approach the cross with reverence, not presumption.