Exodus 27:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 27:6
6 And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with brass.
Chapter Context
Exodus 27 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, discipleship, redemption. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 27:6
6 And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with brass.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice