“And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with brass.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah, which includes the first five books of the Old Testament. Exodus covers the account of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses. This particular verse is part of a detailed description of the construction of the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that the Israelites built to worship and commune with God during their time in the wilderness.
In Exodus 38:6, the verse mentions the “staves of shittim wood” that were overlaid with brass. Let’s break down the significance of these elements:
Staves:Staves were long, slender poles or rods used for carrying and transporting certain items. In the context of the tabernacle, these staves were used to carry the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred items.
Shittim Wood (Acacia Wood):Shittim wood, also known as acacia wood, was a type of wood commonly used in the construction of the tabernacle. It was highly valued for its durability and ability to withstand harsh desert conditions, making it ideal for a portable structure like the tabernacle.
Brass (Bronze):Brass, in this case, is referring to bronze—an alloy of copper and tin. Bronze was used extensively in the construction of the tabernacle due to its strength, malleability, and ability to hold up well against exposure to the elements.
Spiritual Lessons:As with many verses in the Bible, there are several spiritual lessons we can glean from Exodus 38:6:
- Practicality and Aesthetics:The use of shittim wood and brass in the construction of the tabernacle shows that God is not only concerned about the spiritual aspects of worship but also about practicality and aesthetics. He desires that the place of worship be well-built, beautiful, and orderly.
- Symbolism of Materials:Each material used in the tabernacle’s construction holds symbolic significance. The shittim wood represents the humanity of Christ, as it was a common and sturdy wood. The brass/bronze symbolizes judgment and strength. It reminds us that God is both merciful and just, and that we should approach Him with reverence and humility.
- The Portability of Worship:The tabernacle being a portable sanctuary reminds us that worship is not confined to a specific location. Even today, our bodies are considered temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). We can worship God anywhere, and He desires to dwell in our hearts and lives.
- The Ark of the Covenant:The staves mentioned in this verse were used to carry the Ark of the Covenant, which housed the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments. This points to the importance of God’s Word in our lives. We should carry His commandments in our hearts and allow them to guide our actions and decisions.
Application:As we reflect on Exodus 38:6 and the construction of the tabernacle, there are several practical applications for our lives today:
- Dedicated Worship:Just as the Israelites carefully constructed the tabernacle, we should approach our worship of God with dedication and attention to detail, giving our best to Him.
- Holiness and Strength:The combination of shittim wood and brass teaches us about the balance of holiness and strength in our lives. We should strive for spiritual purity while relying on the strength and judgment of God in our daily walk.
- Worship Anywhere:Remember that we can worship God anywhere, not just in a specific building. Let’s carry His presence with us wherever we go and be mindful of living a life that honors Him.
- God’s Word in Our Hearts:Just as the staves carried the Ark, let’s carry God’s Word in our hearts. Study the Scriptures, meditate on them, and allow them to shape your character and actions.
In conclusion, Exodus 38:6 offers us insights into the construction of the tabernacle and the materials used. Through this verse, we learn about practicality, symbolism, and the importance of God’s Word in our worship and daily lives. Let these lessons inspire us to approach our relationship with God with reverence, dedication, and a desire to carry His presence wherever we go.
