“And the staves were put into the rings, and the staves were brought on the two sides of the altar, to bear it.”
Context:In this verse, we find ourselves in the midst of the detailed description of the construction of the tabernacle, which was a portable dwelling place for God during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. The tabernacle was a central part of Israel’s worship and represented God’s presence among His people.
The Altar of Incense:Exodus 37:12 specifically mentions the altar, which was called the Altar of Incense. This altar was made of acacia wood and covered with pure gold (Exodus 37:25-26). It was located inside the Holy Place, just before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Exodus 30:6-7). The priests burned incense on this altar daily, symbolising the prayers of the people going up to God (Exodus 30:7-8).
The Staves and Rings:The verse mentions “staves” being put into “rings” and being brought on the two sides of the altar. Staves were long poles or bars used for carrying the various components of the tabernacle when it needed to be moved. The rings served as holders or sockets that kept the staves in place. These staves allowed the priests to carry the altar safely and efficiently whenever the Israelites needed to move from one location to another.
Spiritual Lessons:
Importance of Worship and Prayer:
The Altar of Incense was a place of worship and prayer. It reminds us of the significance of communicating with God regularly through prayer and offering Him our worship and praise. Just as the priests burned incense on the altar, our prayers are like incense before God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8). Prayer should be an integral part of our lives, enabling us to draw near to God and experience His presence.
Portability of God’s Presence:
The fact that the tabernacle was designed to be portable emphasises God’s willingness to be with His people wherever they went. God didn’t restrict Himself to a fixed location but chose to dwell among His people in a way that they could carry with them. This symbolises God’s desire for a personal and intimate relationship with each individual believer. It also foreshadows the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians after Jesus’ ascension (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20).
Holiness and Awe:
The careful construction and handling of the altar reflect the holiness and reverence with which God’s dwelling place was to be treated. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God’s purposes (1 Peter 1:15-16). The reverence shown in handling the altar should remind us of the respect and awe we should have in approaching God and engaging in worship.
Conclusion:Exodus 37:12 teaches us about the Altar of Incense in the tabernacle and the importance of worship, prayer, God’s presence, holiness, and reverence. As we study the details of the tabernacle, we see God’s meticulous design and His desire to be in fellowship with His people. The altar serves as a beautiful symbol of our ongoing relationship with God, where we can come to Him in prayer, experience His presence, and live lives dedicated to His service and glory.
