“And he put the rods into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.”
Context:The verse is part of the detailed description of the construction of the Tabernacle, which was a portable sanctuary for worship used by the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt. The Tabernacle was the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people, and it consisted of various elements, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Altar of Burnt Offering, the Table of Showbread, and the Lampstand, among others. The verse specifically talks about the construction of the Altar of Burnt Offering.
Explanation and Key Points:
Altar of Burnt Offering:The Altar of Burnt Offering was a significant part of the Tabernacle. It was the place where sacrifices were offered to God by the priests on behalf of the people. These offerings symbolised the people’s surrender to God, their need for forgiveness, and their desire for a relationship with Him.
Transporting the Altar:Verse 7 describes how the Altar of Burnt Offering was designed to be portable. It was constructed in a way that allowed it to be carried from place to place as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness. This portability was important because the Tabernacle needed to be moved whenever the cloud of God’s presence, known as the Shekinah glory, lifted and moved.
The Rods and Rings:To facilitate the transportation of the Altar, it was equipped with rings on its sides. These rings provided attachment points for the carrying rods. The rods were inserted through the rings, and they allowed the priests to lift and carry the Altar with ease whenever the Israelites had to move to a new location.
The Altar’s Construction:The verse also mentions that the Altar was made hollow with boards. This indicates that the Altar was not a solid structure, but rather a frame made of wooden boards filled with earth or stones. This design made it lighter for transportation while still providing stability and strength for the sacrifices offered upon it.
Spiritual Application:
Surrender and Sacrifice:The Altar of Burnt Offering is a powerful symbol of surrender and sacrifice. In a spiritual sense, it reminds us of the need to surrender our lives to God completely and offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Just as the sacrifices were placed on the Altar, we are called to present ourselves as offerings to God, living in obedience to His will.
Portability and Obedience:The portability of the Altar reflects the Israelites’ need to be obedient to God’s guidance and direction. As the Altar was carried to various places, the people had to follow the leading of God’s presence. Similarly, as Christians, we are called to be obedient to God’s Word and to follow His leading, even when it means moving out of our comfort zones.
Community and Worship:The Tabernacle, including the Altar of Burnt Offering, was a central place of worship for the Israelite community. It served as a reminder of God’s presence among them and the need for collective worship. Today, it reminds us of the importance of gathering together as a community of believers to worship and seek God’s presence in our lives.
Conclusion:Exodus 38:7 offers valuable insights into the construction and significance of the Altar of Burnt Offering in the Tabernacle. As we reflect on this passage, let us be reminded of the importance of surrender, sacrifice, obedience, and community in our relationship with God. May we be willing to present ourselves as living sacrifices, following His guidance wherever He leads us, and engaging in meaningful worship with our fellow believers.
