Exodus 38:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 38:6
6 And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with brass.
Chapter Context
Exodus 38 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, worship, wisdom. 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 21-31: 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 38:6
6 And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with brass.
Analysis
Staves of shittim wood overlaid with bronze (not gold) distinguish this furniture from interior pieces. Bronze-overlay for judgment-tools versus gold-overlay for presence-tools teaches that different ministries require appropriate preparation. Those ministering at the bronze altar (bearing others' judgment) need bronze-character (endurance, strength), while those ministering within (priestly worship) need gold-character (glory, purity). Yet both require the same base: shittim wood (humanity)—all ministry, whether dealing with sin or celebrating holiness, requires genuine humanity clothed in appropriate divine character.
Historical Context
The staves were long enough for multiple bearers to carry the heavy bronze altar. Using bronze overlay rather than gold matched the altar's function and metal, maintaining consistency in materials—practical recognition that gold would be inappropriate for carrying an object associated with blood, fire, and judgment.
Reflection
- What does bronze-overlay (versus gold) for judgment-tools teach about different preparations for different ministries?
- How does the common base (shittim wood) under different overlays illustrate varied ministries sharing common humanity?
Cross-References
- Creation: Deuteronomy 10:3