And thou shalt make staues for the Altar, staues of Shittim wood, and ouerlay them with brasse. Exodus 27:6 (KJV)
Historical Context:
In Exodus the Israelites are wandering in the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. God gave Moses detailed instructions for constructing the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the courtyard, and the altar. Exodus 27:6 specifically addresses the staves or poles that were to be attached to the altar.
Symbolism of the Altar:
The verse refers to the altar of burnt offering, a central element of the tabernacle. Though the altar itself was made of acacia (shittim) wood and overlaid with bronze, it served as the place where animals were offered as sacrifices to God, symbolizing repentance, atonement, and dedication.
Purpose of the Staves:
The staves were intended to make the heavy altar portable. As the people journeyed toward the Promised Land, the Levites could lift and move the altar from one campsite to another, ensuring that worship could continue wherever the community settled.
Material and Symbolism:
Shittim wood, known for its durability, formed the core of the staves, and the wood was overlaid with brass (bronze) for added strength and protection. Some readers view the materials symbolically: the wood may represent human nature, while the brass overlay can signify divinity or the righteousness required for the sacrifices offered on the altar.
Portable Worship:
The mobility of the altar and the entire tabernacle underscores that worship is not confined to a fixed building. God’s presence can be experienced anywhere, reminding believers that true worship follows the Lord wherever He leads.
Sacrifice and Dedication:
The altar’s function was to facilitate sacrifices, prompting believers to consider the importance of surrendering personal desires, dedicating their lives to God, and seeking forgiveness through Christ’s atoning work on the cross.
Combination of Humanity and Divinity:
The pairing of shittim wood with a brass overlay reflects, for many Christians, the dual nature of Jesus Christ—fully human and fully divine—and serves as a reminder of the incarnation and the redemptive work accomplished on the cross.
Overall, Exodus 27:6 highlights the significance of the altar, the portable nature of worship, and the theological themes of sacrifice, dedication, and the divine‑human relationship embodied in Christ.
