“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.”– Exodus 38:7 (KJV)
“He inserted the poles into the ring at the sides of the altar so it could be carried. He made the altar hollow, out of boards.”– Exodus 38:7 (NLT)
“He put the poles through the rings on the sides of the altar so it could be carried. The altar was made of boards and was hollow.”– Exodus 38:7 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 38:7 Mean?
This verse, embedded in a description of the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, holds deeper meanings than may seem apparent at first glance. The image of the altar is powerful because it symbolizes the place of sacrifice, where the people came to atone for their sins and connect with God. The fact that the altar was made hollow with boards suggests that it was not just a physical structure but had a spiritual dimension. It served a divine purpose, a reminder of God’s presence among His people. The poles that were inserted into the rings of the altar indicate its functional necessity—this was not a permanent structure but one that had to be moved as the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. This mobility emphasizes the journey of faith and the necessity of having a means for sacrifice as they traveled towards the Promised Land.
The hollowness of the altar can also symbolize emptiness; however, it is within this emptiness that God can fill the hearts of the repentant with grace. At the altar, sacrifices were made, and God’s people could experience a heart transformation. The actions surrounding the altar express community as the Israelites came together to perform sacrifices. This community of believers is vital as we assemble today in church gatherings, creating a living altar where we can come together to praise God and offer our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
Exodus 38:7 Explanation and Commentary
In the Old Testament, the altar was central for worship. Exodus 38:7 not only narrates how it was constructed but also highlights the importance of function alongside form. The poles and rings enable the altar to be portable, symbolizing God’s presence being with His people, guiding them wherever they go. The altar serves the purpose of connecting humanity with divinity through sacrifice, reflecting our need for atonement and reconciliation.
In building the altar, we gather clues about how God desires to interact with His people. It signifies a profound commitment—God wanted a way for the Israelites to approach Him. The use of boards to create the altar represents the human effort in worship, while the mobility of the altar illustrates the relationship we need to have with the Lord. Just like they carried the altar, we are to carry our faith into our daily lives. We can’t leave our devotion at home; it needs to be wholly integrated into who we are and what we do.
In essence, the act of constructing the altar demonstrates the importance of creating spaces for encounters with God. Throughout history, altars have evolved into places of worship, where we set aside time and physical spaces to draw nearer to God. Every time we pray, worship, or give thanks to Him, we are building our spiritual altars anew. The physical altar in Exodus was a precursor to the grace we find in Christ, who became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. His fulfilling of the law allowed us to approach God directly, bringing our offerings of praise and thankfulness.
Emphasizing how sacrifices are not just about the ritual but the heart behind them is crucial here. We should approach our altars with intention rather than obligation. Each of us has an altar within our hearts where we can worship, seek forgiveness, and experience love directly from our Creator. This heart connection is what God desires the most, reinforcing that worship isn’t just about the actions we take but the intention behind those actions.
Context of Exodus 38:7
To fully understand Exodus 38:7, we must look at the broader context of the Book of Exodus which details the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt and their journey toward the Promised Land. This specific chapter provides intricate instructions on how to build various components of the Tabernacle, signifying the importance of worship. God specified every detail to ensure that everything was done according to His divine instruction.
The chapter chronologically follows the establishment of God’s covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai. They were called to be a holy nation, set apart for God’s purpose. The altar is a significant piece of this covenant, demonstrating that God-in-the-midst was both protective and obligatory to the people’s practice of faith. This call to holiness demanded sacrifices, reminding them not of their sins alone but also the necessity of atonement to live in harmony with God.
We see in earlier chapters that God provides clear guidelines touching upon who would administer these sacrifices. His chosen priests were called to tend to the altar, symbolizing the mediating role that some serve when it comes to spiritual leadership. Today, we can reflect on how pastors and church leaders maintain our relationship with God by guiding us to worship Him more intimately.
Moving forward, this transitional period in the Israelites’ history signifies the importance of establishing routines and practices to nurture relationships with God. The altar, the rituals surrounding it, and the sacrifices submitted there create familiar pathways to God’s grace. For us today, initiating these spiritual practices is essential to our faith journey.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 38:7
The phrase “he put the staves into the rings” carries deep meaning as it references the responsibility of God’s servants. The staves were not just arbitrary items of construction; they were essential for the altar’s purpose. In our lives today, what are the poles that we are using to connect with God? They serve as guidance, holding up our faith as we move through the uncertainties of life.
This passage also introduces us to the significance of “the altar,” the place where the community would offer sacrifices. Just as the altar was intended for the people to connect with God, our churches serve as a modern altar. They are where we come together as a body to worship, reflect, and receive teaching and encouragement. In this community setting, we fulfill God’s command to love one another while drawing closer to Him.
The description that the altar was made hollow encourages us to reflect on our own lives. Are we inviting God into our emptiness? Just like the altar, we might feel hollow sometimes. But it is in our brokenness, in those vulnerable moments, that we most need to turn to God. Offering those empty spaces to Him can lead us to a fuller experience of His love and grace.
When God instructed the altar to be made hollow with boards, He seemed to communicate that He does not need grand, elaborate displays to connect with us; He desires sincerity and openness. Being honest about our struggles, our journey of faith, and our desire for closeness with God is crucial. We can even think of our hearts as altars where we can lay down our burdens and experiences before God.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 38:7
This verse teaches us several lessons that are applicable today. The first is the importance of community and collaboration. The Israelites came together to build the Tabernacle, which shows us it is often better when we put our hands and hearts together to fulfill God’s mission. We thrive in community as we gather, pray, and support one another, much as the early church did in Acts 2:42-47.
We also learn about the importance of humble sacrifices. The significance of offering from our own abundance, just as the Israelites did, can transform our worship life. It reflects a heart that recognizes God’s provision and grace. Each time we give of our time and resources, we are following the example set forth in this verse to prioritize God and His mission. Being generous isn’t just about finances; it can also mean offering love, understanding, and compassion to others.
We should remember the need for a mobile faith. Just as the altar could be carried, we are reminded that our faith should be active in every aspect of our lives. As we transition between different phases of life, our connection to God is constant. We should cultivate a lifestyle of praising and seeking Him regardless of where we are or what we face.
Ultimately, the altar in Exodus 38:7 serves as a reflection of God’s desire for connection. He wants to meet us, not just in splendid buildings but in our everyday lives. This can look like a quiet time of prayer at home, gathering at a church or community center, or even a simple conversation over coffee with a fellow believer. Each of these moments becomes our altar where we might encounter the grace and mercy of God.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 38:7 is a small but powerful reminder of God’s care for His people and His desire for us to have intentional interactions with Him. It invites us to recreate altars in our lives, places where we can lay our burdens down and seek His presence. As we reflect on this verse, let’s build our faith with intention, ensuring that our hearts remain open and eager to experience His love. Just as the altar was created for sacrifices, our lives are called to be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), reflecting our gratitude for God’s immeasurable grace.
If you are encouraged by this discussion, we invite you to explore more topics that can deepen your understanding of the Bible. Check out our resources on Matthew 11, or consider reading about the fascinating events in Genesis 18 as we continue to grow in our collective faith.