Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They inserted the poles into the rings so they would be on the sides of the altar for carrying it. They made it hollow, out of boards. New Living Translation He inserted the poles through the rings on the sides of the altar. The altar was hollow and was made from planks. English Standard Version And he put the poles through the rings on the sides of the altar to carry it with them. He made it hollow, with boards. Berean Standard Bible Then he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar for carrying it. He made the altar with boards so that it was hollow. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Then he put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to bear it. He made the altar hollow with boards. New American Standard Bible Then he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. He made it hollow with planks. NASB 1995 He inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. He made it hollow with planks. NASB 1977 And he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. He made it hollow with planks. Legacy Standard Bible He inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. He made it hollow with planks. Amplified Bible He put the poles through the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it; he made it hollow with planks. Christian Standard Bible Then he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar in order to carry it with them. He constructed the altar with boards so that it was hollow. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar in order to carry it with them. He constructed the altar with boards so that it was hollow. American Standard Version And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, wherewith to bear it; he made it hollow with planks. Contemporary English Version put them through the rings for carrying the altar, which was shaped like an open box. English Revised Version And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made it hollow with planks. GOD'S WORD® Translation He put the poles through the rings on the sides of the altar to carry it. He made the altar out of boards so that it was hollow inside. Good News Translation and put them in the rings on each side of the altar. The altar was made of boards and was hollow. International Standard Version And he put the poles through rings on the sides of the altar to carry it. He made it hollow, out of boards. NET Bible He put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. He made the altar hollow, out of boards. New Heart English Bible He put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. He made it hollow with planks. Webster's Bible Translation And he put the staffs into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it with; he made the altar hollow with boards. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar for carrying it. He made the altar with boards so that it was hollow. World English Bible He put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. He made it hollow with planks. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he brings in the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, to carry it with them; he made it hollow [with] boards. Young's Literal Translation and he bringeth in the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it with them; hollow with boards he made it. Smith's Literal Translation And he will bring the bars into the rings upon the ribs of the altar to lift it up by them; he made it hollow. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he drew them through the rings that stood out in the sides of the altar. And the altar itself was not solid, but hollow, of boards, and empty within. Catholic Public Domain Version And he drew them through the rings, which projected from the sides of the altar. But the altar itself was not solid, but hollow, made from panels and empty inside. New American Bible The poles were put through the rings on the sides of the altar for carrying it. The altar was made in the form of a hollow box. New Revised Standard Version And he put the poles through the rings on the sides of the altar, to carry it with them; he made it hollow, with boards. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar to carry it with them; he made the altar hollow with boards. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he brought poles into the rings on the sides of the altar to carry it by them; hollow with boards he made it. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, wherewith to bear it; he made it hollow with planks. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Altar of Burnt Offering…6And he made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with bronze. 7Then he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar for carrying it. He made the altar with boards so that it was hollow. Cross References Exodus 27:6-7 Additionally, make poles of acacia wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze. / The poles are to be inserted into the rings so that the poles are on two sides of the altar when it is carried. Numbers 4:14 and place on it all the vessels used to serve there: the firepans, meat forks, shovels, and sprinkling bowls—all the equipment of the altar. They are to spread over it a covering of fine leather and insert the poles. 1 Kings 8:8 The poles extended far enough that their ends were visible from the Holy Place in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day. 2 Chronicles 5:9 The poles of the ark extended far enough that their ends were visible from in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day. Exodus 25:27 The rings are to be close to the rim, to serve as holders for the poles used to carry the table. Exodus 30:4 And make two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it. Exodus 37:5 He inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark in order to carry it. Numbers 7:9 But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible. 1 Samuel 6:7-8 Now, therefore, prepare one new cart with two milk cows that have never been yoked. Hitch the cows to the cart, but take their calves away and pen them up. / Take the ark of the LORD, set it on the cart, and in a chest beside it put the gold objects you are sending back to Him as a guilt offering. Then send the ark on its way, 1 Chronicles 15:15 And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD. Hebrews 9:4 containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 1 Kings 6:27 And he placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple. Since their wings were spread out, the wing of the first cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the second cherub touched the other wall, and in the middle of the room their wingtips touched. 2 Samuel 6:3 They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart, 1 Chronicles 13:7 So they carried the ark of God from the house of Abinadab on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding the cart. 1 Kings 8:3-4 When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the priests took up the ark, / and they brought up the ark of the LORD and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. So the priests and Levites carried them up. Treasury of Scripture And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it with; he made the altar hollow with boards. to bear it withal Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 1 Corinthians 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Jump to Previous Altar Bear Boarded Boards Carry Carrying Hollow Inserted Lifting Opposite Planks Poles Rings Rods Sides Staffs Staves Wherewith Withal WoodJump to Next Altar Bear Boarded Boards Carry Carrying Hollow Inserted Lifting Opposite Planks Poles Rings Rods Sides Staffs Staves Wherewith Withal WoodExodus 38 1. The altar of burnt offering8. The laver of brass 9. The court, and its hangings 21. The sum of what the people offered, and the use to which it was applied Then he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar for carrying it. This phrase describes the practical aspect of the altar's design, emphasizing its portability. The use of poles and rings is consistent with the instructions given in Exodus 27:6-7, highlighting the importance of mobility for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The altar's portability symbolizes the presence of God moving with His people, a theme that resonates throughout the Exodus narrative. The use of acacia wood for the poles, as specified earlier in Exodus, reflects the durability and availability of materials in the Sinai region. This design also prefigures the concept of God dwelling among His people, which is fully realized in the New Testament with the incarnation of Jesus Christ, who "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14). He made the altar with boards so that it was hollow. Persons / Places / Events 1. Bezalel and OholiabSkilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the altar. 2. The Altar of Burnt Offering A central piece of the Tabernacle where sacrifices were made, symbolizing atonement and worship. 3. The Tabernacle The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. 4. The Israelites The chosen people of God, who were given the Law and instructions for worship through Moses. 5. The Wilderness Journey The period of 40 years when the Israelites traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, during which the Tabernacle was constructed and used. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceThe construction of the altar according to God's specific instructions highlights the importance of obedience in worship. Symbolism of Sacrifice The altar represents the need for atonement and points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Mobility and Presence The design of the altar with poles for carrying signifies God's presence with His people wherever they go. Holiness and Reverence The altar's construction and use remind us of the holiness required in approaching God. Community and Worship The communal aspect of the altar's use underscores the importance of corporate worship and unity among believers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 38:7?2. How does Exodus 38:7 demonstrate obedience to God's specific instructions for construction? 3. What significance do the "poles" and "rings" have in the tabernacle's design? 4. How can we apply the principle of detailed obedience in our daily lives? 5. What other biblical examples show the importance of following God's detailed commands? 6. How does Exodus 38:7 reflect God's desire for order and precision in worship? 7. What is the significance of the bronze altar rings in Exodus 38:7? 8. How does Exodus 38:7 reflect God's instructions for worship? 9. Why were poles used for carrying the altar in Exodus 38:7? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 38? 11. What is the purpose of the Altar of Incense? 12. Exodus 27:1-8: Does the prescribed size and design of the altar align with the volume and frequency of sacrifices mentioned in other biblical texts? 13. Exodus 27:1-8: How could the Israelites feasibly construct and transport such a large bronze-covered acacia wood altar during prolonged desert wanderings? 14. In 1 Chronicles 15:2, where David insists only the Levites may carry the Ark, how do we reconcile this claim with any instances where non-Levites handled it or transported it in other texts? What Does Exodus 38:7 Mean Then he inserted the poles into the rings- Every detail reflects obedience to the pattern God gave Moses (Exodus 27:6-7). - Just as the Ark and the Table of the Presence also had poles (Exodus 25:12-15; 35:12), the altar’s poles declare that holy things are handled only in God-approved ways (cf. 2 Samuel 6:6-7). - The verse models a faith that trusts God enough to follow His instructions exactly, echoing Jesus’ own words, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). on the sides of the altar - Positioning the poles on each side kept the weight balanced, protecting both the carriers and the sacred object, much like the balanced placement of rings on the Ark (Exodus 25:14). - This symmetry points to God’s orderly character (1 Corinthians 14:33) and reminds us that worship should never be haphazard. for carrying it - The altar was never meant to be stationary; Israel’s worship traveled with them. Numbers 4:13-14 assigns the Kohathites to carry the bronze altar, underscoring the priestly responsibility to bear the means of sacrifice. - God’s people were nomads until they reached the Promised Land, yet He made provision for continual atonement along the journey—a picture fulfilled in Christ, who “tabernacled among us” (John 1:14). - Portability also highlights God’s commitment to be present wherever His people go (Deuteronomy 31:6). He made the altar with boards - Unlike the uncut-stone altars of Exodus 20:25, this altar used acacia boards overlaid with bronze (Exodus 27:1-2), showing that God can sanctify crafted materials for His service. - The wooden core speaks of humanity (perishable), while the bronze overlay speaks of judgment withstood (Numbers 16:35). Together they foreshadow Christ, fully man yet able to endure divine judgment for sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). - Building with boards also made repairs feasible during forty years in the wilderness. so that it was hollow - A hollow interior reduced weight, easing transport. God never burdens His servants beyond what He supplies strength to bear (Matthew 11:30). - According to rabbinic tradition, priests could fill the hollow space with earth when the camp paused, complying with God’s earlier directive for “an altar of earth” (Exodus 20:24). - The cavity may also hint at the once-for-all fire of God that later fell on Elijah’s altar (1 Kings 18:38) and, ultimately, on Christ at Calvary, consuming the sacrifice so the sinner could go free. summary Exodus 38:7 records careful, literal fulfillment of God’s blueprint: poles slid into rings on each side of a hollow, board-framed, bronze-covered altar so it could travel with Israel. The verse teaches that worship must follow God’s revealed order, rests on His gracious provision, and moves wherever His people go—truths fully realized in Jesus Christ, the final and mobile meeting place between God and humanity. Hebrew Then he insertedוַיָּבֵ֨א (way·yā·ḇê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go the poles הַבַּדִּ֜ים (hab·bad·dîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 905: Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of into the rings בַּטַּבָּעֹ֗ת (baṭ·ṭab·bā·‘ōṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 2885: A seal, signet, a ring of any kind on עַ֚ל (‘al) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the sides צַלְעֹ֣ת (ṣal·‘ōṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 6763: A rib, a side, a, timber, plank of the altar הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4196: An altar for carrying לָשֵׂ֥את (lā·śêṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take it. אֹת֖וֹ (’ō·ṯōw) Direct object marker | third person masculine singular Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case He made עָשָׂ֥ה (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make [the altar] אֹתֽוֹ׃ (’ō·ṯōw) Direct object marker | third person masculine singular Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case with boards לֻחֹ֖ת (lu·ḥōṯ) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3871: To glisten, a tablet, of stone, wood, metal so that it was hollow. נְב֥וּב (nə·ḇūḇ) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular construct Strong's 5014: To pierce, to be hollow, foolish Links Exodus 38:7 NIVExodus 38:7 NLT Exodus 38:7 ESV Exodus 38:7 NASB Exodus 38:7 KJV Exodus 38:7 BibleApps.com Exodus 38:7 Biblia Paralela Exodus 38:7 Chinese Bible Exodus 38:7 French Bible Exodus 38:7 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 38:7 He put the poles into the rings (Exo. Ex) |
    |