Exodus 37:27
He made two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it.
He made two gold rings

Gold marked the altar of incense as a holy furnishing devoted to the worship of the Lord. Its use corresponded to the gold overlay and gold utensils associated with the Holy Place, where the priests ministered before God’s presence.

Exo 30:4 And make two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides…
Exo 25:26 Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them…
Exo 38:5 At the four corners of the bronze grate he cast……

below the molding

The rings were placed beneath the ornamental gold border that crowned the altar. Every feature followed the pattern God gave Moses, joining beauty with practical provision for the altar’s sacred use.

Exo 25:27 The rings are to be close to the rim, to serve as holders…
Exo 30:3 Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns…
Exo 25:25 And make a rim around it a handbreadth wide…

on opposite sides

The balanced placement allowed the altar to be carried securely and upright. God’s instructions provided order for Israel’s worship and protected the holy furnishings from careless handling.

Exo 27:4 Construct for it a grate of bronze mesh,…
Exo 25:12 Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them…

to hold the poles

Acacia-wood poles overlaid with gold were inserted through these rings. The priests could then move the altar without touching it directly, honoring the holiness of an object set apart for service before the Lord.

Exo 30:5 Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.
Exo 27:7 The poles are to be inserted into the rings…
Exo 25:13 And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.

used to carry it.

Israel carried the altar throughout the wilderness journeys whenever the Tabernacle was moved. Its portability testified that the Lord dwelt among His covenant people wherever He led them, while the altar’s incense pointed to the continual prayers and intercession offered before Him.

1Ch 15:15 And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders…
1Ki 8:8 The poles extended far enough that their ends were visible…
2Ch 5:9 The poles of the ark extended far enough…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bezalel
The skilled craftsman chosen by God to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the altar of incense.

2. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

3. Altar of Incense
A sacred piece of furniture in the Tabernacle, used for burning incense as a symbol of prayer and worship ascending to God.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Incense
The incense represents the prayers of the people, reminding us of the importance of prayer in our daily lives.

Holiness and Reverence
The construction and use of the altar of incense teach us about approaching God with reverence and purity.

God's Detailed Instructions
The specific instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings show God's desire for order and obedience in worship.

Carrying God's Presence
The poles for carrying the altar signify the portability of God's presence, encouraging us to carry His presence in our lives wherever we go.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the construction of the altar of incense reflect the importance of prayer in our relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship is reverent and pure, as symbolized by the altar of incense?

3. How do the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle challenge us to be obedient to God's commands in our own lives?

4. What does the portability of the altar of incense teach us about carrying God's presence in our daily activities?

5. How can we connect the symbolism of incense in the Old Testament to our understanding of prayer in the New Testament, as seen in Revelation 8:3-4?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 30:1-10
Provides the original instructions for building the altar of incense, highlighting its significance in worship and its placement before the veil.

Revelation 8:3-4
Describes the incense as representing the prayers of the saints, connecting the Old Testament practice to New Testament worship.

Hebrews 9:4
Mentions the altar of incense in the context of the Tabernacle, emphasizing its role in the worship and sacrificial system.
The Furnishing of the TabernacleJ. Orr Exodus 37:1-28
The Altar of IncenseJ. Orr Exodus 37:25-29
People
Bezaleel, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Bear, Below, Border, Carry, Corners, Crown, Edge, Gold, Golden, Hold, Holders, Lifting, Molding, Opposite, Places, Placing, Poles, Receptacles, Ribs, Rings, Rods, Sides, Sides-as, Sides-on, Staffs, Staves, Thereof, Wherewith, Withal, Wreath
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 37:27

     5176   ring

Exodus 37:25-28

     7302   altar

Exodus 37:25-29

     7386   incense

Library
Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
(at Jerusalem. Probably b.c. 6.) ^C Luke I. 5-25. ^c 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa [a Jewish proselyte, an Idumæan or Edomite by birth, founder of the Herodian family, king of Judæa from b.c. 40 to a.d. 4, made such by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Mark Antony and Octavius Cæsar], a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course [David divided the priests into twenty-four bodies or courses, each course serving in rotation one week in the temple
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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