Exodus 38:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 38:7
7 And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.
Chapter Context
Exodus 38 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, judgment, salvation. 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 38:7
7 And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.
Analysis
The altar's hollow construction with boards (נְבוּב לֻחֹת, nevuv luchot) demonstrates that God's design combines strength with lightness—massive appearance, practical portability. This hollow center may picture that sacrificial system, though solid in appearance, contained emptiness requiring fulfillment. The altar's impressive exterior concealed internal void, just as animal sacrifices, though genuinely commanded, couldn't ultimately take away sins (Hebrews 10:4)—they pointed to Christ, the solid sacrifice filling every void. The phrase 'as it was shewed thee in the mount' emphasizes exact correspondence to heavenly pattern (Hebrews 8:5).
Historical Context
The hollow construction with bronze-overlaid boards created a strong yet portable structure. When filled with earth or stones during use (Exodus 20:24-25), the altar became solid, but could be emptied for transport. This engineering balanced theological symbolism with practical necessity for a traveling sanctuary.
Reflection
- What might the hollow construction teach about the sacrificial system's genuine yet incomplete nature?
- How does requiring exact correspondence to the heavenly pattern emphasize the importance of following God's prescribed worship?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Acts 9:15, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 2:2