Exodus 38:5
And he cast four rings for the four ends of the grate of brass, to be places for the staves.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּצֹ֞ק
And he cast
H3332
וַיִּצֹ֞ק
And he cast
Strong's:
H3332
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard
טַבָּעֹ֛ת
rings
H2885
טַבָּעֹ֛ת
rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
הַנְּחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
H5178
הַנְּחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
7 of 9
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
Historical Context
The rings attached to the grating allowed staves to be inserted for carrying. The bronze altar, though heavy and bulky, needed portability for wilderness travels. Kohathite Levites bore responsibility for transporting it (Numbers 4:13-14), using these rings and poles.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the portable judgment-altar teach about believers needing continual awareness of sin's seriousness and Christ's atonement?
- How do four rings at four ends illustrate the comprehensive reach of both judgment and atonement?
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Analysis & Commentary
Four rings of bronze at the four ends of the grate for carrying-staves teach that even the altar of judgment accompanies God's people through their journeys. The gospel includes both God's love and His wrath, both mercy and judgment. A portable judgment-altar demonstrates that awareness of sin's seriousness travels with believers—we never journey beyond need for cross-centered living. The four rings (universality) at four ends (completeness) suggest that judgment and atonement reach every corner of human experience.