Exodus 37:27
And he made two rings of gold for it under the crown thereof, by the two corners of it, upon the two sides thereof, to be places for the staves to bear it withal.
Original Language Analysis
טַבְּעֹ֨ת
rings
H2885
טַבְּעֹ֨ת
rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
זָהָ֜ב
of gold
H2091
זָהָ֜ב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
3 of 18
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
עָֽשָׂה
And he made
H6213
עָֽשָׂה
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִתַּ֣חַת
H8478
מִתַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
6 of 18
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
לְזֵר֗וֹ
for it under the crown
H2213
לְזֵר֗וֹ
for it under the crown
Strong's:
H2213
Word #:
7 of 18
a chaplet (as spread around the top), i.e., (specifically) a border moulding
עַ֚ל
H5921
עַ֚ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
צַלְעֹתָ֔יו
corners
H6763
צַלְעֹתָ֔יו
corners
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
10 of 18
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
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לְבָתִּ֣ים
thereof to be places
H1004
לְבָתִּ֣ים
thereof to be places
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
14 of 18
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לְבַדִּ֔ים
for the staves
H905
לְבַדִּ֔ים
for the staves
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
לָשֵׂ֥את
to bear
H5375
לָשֵׂ֥את
to bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
16 of 18
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
Historical Context
The rings positioned on two sides (likely north and south) allowed staves to be inserted for carrying. The altar, like other tabernacle furniture, was portable—carried by Levites during wilderness travels. This portability ensured that the means of prayer and worship moved with Israel throughout their journey.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the portable incense altar teach about prayer accompanying believers through all life circumstances?
- How does the combination of royal privilege (crown) and divine accompaniment (portability) encourage believers in prayer?
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Analysis & Commentary
Two golden rings on opposite sides (שְׁתֵּי צְלָעֹת, shetei tsela'ot) beneath the crown for carrying-staves teach that even the altar of prayer accompanies God's people through their journeys. Prayer isn't confined to sacred spaces but travels with believers through wilderness wanderings. The rings beneath the crown suggest that royal privilege (crown) includes divine accompaniment (portability). God's people never journey where prayer cannot reach.