What does Exodus 27:7 mean?
ESV: And the poles shall be put through the rings, so that the poles are on the two sides of the altar when it is carried.
NIV: The poles are to be inserted into the rings so they will be on two sides of the altar when it is carried.
NASB: Its poles shall be inserted into the rings, so that the poles will be on the two sides of the altar when it is carried.
CSB: The poles are to be inserted into the rings so that the poles are on two sides of the altar when it is carried.
NLT: Insert the poles through the rings on the two sides of the altar.
KJV: And the staves shall be put into the rings, and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar, to bear it.
NKJV: The poles shall be put in the rings, and the poles shall be on the two sides of the altar to bear it.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Exodus 27:1–8 records the construction of a bronze sacrificial altar. Israel is to make this of acacia wood overlaid with bronze. Four "horns" protrude from the corners. A grating sits inside and halfway up the altar's height. This altar is carried with bronze-coated poles. This will be known as the "altar of burnt offering" (Leviticus 4:7; 16:18) and placed directly inside the courtyard of the tabernacle.
Chapter Summary:
This passage describes more components of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). These include a bronze altar for burnt sacrifices. The tabernacle itself (Exodus 26) sits inside a courtyard marked by hanging linens. This area is also home to a basin to be explained later (Exodus 30:17–18).
Chapter Context:
The Lord is describing the sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9) and sacred objects which Israel is to build. Chapter 25 included the ark, a sacred table, and a lampstand. Chapter 26 described the tabernacle itself, made of wooden scaffolds, linen, and animal skins. This passage depicts the bronze altar, courtyard walls, and lamp oil. Future chapters will discuss priestly concerns, an incense altar, and other regulations.
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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