Exodus 27:7

The poles are to be inserted into the rings so that the poles are on two sides of the altar when it is carried.

Study Bible

The poles are to be inserted into the rings
This instruction highlights the importance of mobility for the altar, reflecting the Israelites' nomadic lifestyle during their wilderness journey. The use of poles and rings is consistent with other tabernacle furnishings, such as the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:14), emphasizing the need for portability. This design ensured that the altar could be transported without direct contact, maintaining its sanctity. The poles, often made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, symbolize strength and endurance, qualities necessary for the journey and service to God.

so that the poles are on two sides of the altar
The placement of the poles on two sides suggests a balanced and stable method of transport, ensuring the altar's integrity during movement. This design reflects God's attention to detail and order, which is a recurring theme in the construction of the tabernacle. The symmetry and balance can also be seen as a reflection of God's nature, emphasizing His perfection and the harmony He desires in worship.

when it is carried
The carrying of the altar signifies the Israelites' responsibility to maintain their worship practices wherever they traveled. This portability ensured that the sacrificial system, central to their covenant relationship with God, could continue uninterrupted. The act of carrying the altar also foreshadows the New Testament concept of believers being the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), carrying God's presence with them. Additionally, it points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who bore the weight of sin, paralleling the altar's role in atonement.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the altar.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were to construct the Tabernacle according to the divine instructions given to Moses.

3. Altar
A sacred structure used for sacrifices, central to the worship practices of the Israelites.

4. Poles and Rings
Components of the altar's design that facilitated its transportation, symbolizing the mobility of God's presence with His people.

5. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

Teaching Points

God's Presence is Mobile
The design of the altar with poles and rings signifies that God's presence is not confined to a single location but moves with His people. This reminds us that God is with us wherever we go.

Holiness in Worship
The detailed instructions for the altar's construction and transportation underscore the importance of reverence and holiness in our worship practices today.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The Israelites' adherence to God's specific instructions for the altar serves as a model for our obedience to God's Word in our lives.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The altar, as a place of sacrifice, points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It calls us to live sacrificially, offering our lives as living sacrifices to God.

Community and Responsibility
The communal effort required to carry the altar reflects the shared responsibility of the faith community in upholding and advancing God's work.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the mobility of the altar with its poles and rings reflect the nature of God's presence with His people, and how can this understanding impact our daily walk with God?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship practices today maintain the reverence and holiness exemplified by the Israelites' handling of the altar?

3. How does the concept of obedience to God's specific instructions in constructing the altar apply to our lives today, particularly in areas where we might struggle with obedience?

4. Reflect on the symbolism of the altar as a place of sacrifice. How does this point to the sacrifice of Jesus, and how can we emulate this sacrificial love in our relationships and community?

5. Considering the communal effort required to transport the altar, what responsibilities do we share as a faith community in supporting and advancing God's work in our local church and beyond?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:12-15
These verses describe similar instructions for the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing the importance of mobility and the presence of God with His people.

Numbers 4:13-14
Provides details on the duties of the Levites in transporting the altar, highlighting the sacredness and care required in handling holy objects.

Hebrews 9:1-5
Discusses the earthly sanctuary and its furnishings, drawing a parallel to the heavenly realities and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.