Exodus 30:4 kjv
And two golden rings shalt thou make to it under the crown of it, by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it shalt thou make it; and they shall be for places for the staves to bear it withal.
Exodus 30:4 nkjv
Two gold rings you shall make for it, under the molding on both its sides. You shall place them on its two sides, and they will be holders for the poles with which to bear it.
Exodus 30:4 niv
Make two gold rings for the altar below the molding?two on each of the opposite sides?to hold the poles used to carry it.
Exodus 30:4 esv
And you shall make two golden rings for it. Under its molding on two opposite sides of it you shall make them, and they shall be holders for poles with which to carry it.
Exodus 30:4 nlt
Make two gold rings, and attach them on opposite sides of the altar below the gold molding to hold the carrying poles.
Exodus 30 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 25:9 | "According to all that I show thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle..." | Emphasizes strict adherence to God's divine pattern. |
| Exod 25:14 | "And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark..." | Similar carrying method for the Ark. |
| Exod 25:27 | "And two rings of gold thou shalt make to it under the border thereof..." | Similar ring design for the Table of Showbread. |
| Exod 27:7 | "And the staves shall be put into the rings, and the staves shall be..." | Poles for the Brazen Altar's portability. |
| Exod 37:27 | "And he made two rings of gold for it under the crown thereof..." | Record of the altar's construction detail. |
| Exod 40:27 | "And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses." | The Altar's use according to divine command. |
| Num 4:7-15 | Detailed instructions for the Kohathites carrying tabernacle items. | Prescribed Levitical responsibility for transport. |
| Num 7:9 | "But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the holy thing..." | Kohathites carried items on their shoulders. |
| Num 9:17-23 | Israel encamped and moved according to the cloud and God's command. | Mobility of the tabernacle linked to God's leading. |
| Deut 12:11 | God will choose a place for His name to dwell permanently. | Contrast to the tabernacle's temporary, portable nature. |
| Psa 141:2 | "Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense..." | Symbolic connection between incense and prayer. |
| 1 Chr 15:2 | "None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites..." | Strict rules for handling holy objects. |
| 1 Chr 23:26 | "And also unto the Levites; they shall have no more the burden of carrying..." | Later, in settled land, carrying responsibilities changed. |
| Isa 6:6-7 | A seraph takes a coal from the altar to cleanse Isaiah. | Heavenly altar connected to purification for service. |
| Joel 2:17 | Priests weep "between the porch and the altar." | Altar's role in intercession. |
| Amos 5:21-22 | God rejects rituals without sincere heart. | Reminder that mere adherence to form is not enough. |
| Matt 1:23 | "Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." | God's ultimate presence with His people in Christ. |
| John 4:21-24 | Jesus teaches worship in "spirit and in truth," not limited by place. | New Covenant worship supersedes physical location. |
| Acts 7:44-49 | Stephen references the "tabernacle of witness" built by God's pattern. | Acknowledges the temporary, prophetic nature of the tabernacle. |
| Heb 8:5 | "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things..." | Tabernacle as an earthly copy of a heavenly reality. |
| Heb 9:3-4 | Mentions the "golden altar of incense" behind the second veil. | Altar's location within the holy place. |
| Heb 10:19-20 | Believers now have boldness to enter the holiest through Christ's blood. | Fulfilment of the altar's access to God's presence. |
| Rev 8:3-4 | An angel with a golden censer offers the prayers of saints. | Heavenly altar and prayer connected in Revelation. |
| Rev 21:3 | "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men..." | Ultimate, eternal dwelling of God with humanity. |
Exodus 30 verses
Exodus 30 4 Meaning
Exodus 30:4 specifies that two gold rings were to be precisely made and affixed to the Altar of Incense. These rings were positioned just beneath the altar's ornamental crown, on two opposing sides or corners. Their sole purpose was functional: to serve as holders or sockets for the poles, or staves, by which the altar would be carried whenever the tabernacle and its sacred furnishings needed to be moved during Israel's journey through the wilderness. This instruction highlights the meticulousness of divine design and the necessity of portability for the holy implements of worship.
Exodus 30 4 Context
Exodus chapter 30 continues the highly detailed blueprint given by God to Moses for constructing the Tabernacle, Israel's portable sanctuary, and its associated holy vessels. Verses 1-10 specifically outline the design, placement, and purpose of the Altar of Incense, also known as the Golden Altar due to its overlaying. This altar was situated in the Holy Place, directly before the veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. Its primary use was for the burning of fragrant incense each morning and evening, signifying the continual worship, prayer, and intercession ascending to God from His people. Verse 4 details the specific placement and function of the gold rings, which were indispensable for inserting the staves that enabled the altar to be carried. This instruction, alongside similar details for other sacred items, underscores God's meticulous foresight in preparing Israel for their transient life in the wilderness, ensuring His presence could accompany them through every stage of their journey.
Exodus 30 4 Word analysis
- And two gold rings: (Hebrew: וְשְׁתֵּ֣י טַבְּעֹ֣ת זָהָ֗ב, vəšəttey ṭabəʿōṯ zāhâḇ). "Gold" (zahav) consistently appears as the material for items in close proximity to God's presence within the Tabernacle, signifying purity, holiness, and divine value. The "rings" (ṭaba'ot) are integral design features, showing how divine intention encompasses every detail for functionality and reverence.
- shalt thou make to it: (Hebrew: תַּעֲשֶׂה־לּ֑וֹ, taʿăśeh-lō). This imperative stresses that the altar's construction was to adhere precisely to divine specifications, leaving no room for human alteration. It underscores the principle of obedience and faithful execution in service to God, reflecting that worship must be according to God's prescribed will, not human invention.
- under the crown thereof: (Hebrew: מִתַּ֤חַת לְזֵר֔וֹ, mittaḥaṯ ləzêrô). The "crown" (zer) was a distinct ornamental molding, possibly a protective rim. Placing the rings under it ensured they were securely attached and integrated into the altar's design without hindering its primary use or aesthetic form, signifying both beauty and function in divine command.
- by the two corners thereof, on the two sides thereof shalt thou make it: (Hebrew: עַל־שְׁתֵּ֣י צַלְעֹתָ֗יו ... עַל־שְׁנֵי֙ צִדָּ֔יו תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה, ʿal-šəttê ṣalʿōtāw... ʿal-šənê ṣiddāw taʿăśeh). The use of two related Hebrew terms for "sides" or "corners" (tzela' and tzid) emphasizes the specific and balanced placement of the rings on opposing sides. This detailed instruction ensures the stability and practicality needed for safe and dignified transport of the sacred object, highlighting God's orderliness and forethought.
- and they shall be for places for the staves: (Hebrew: וְהָי֥וּ בָתִּ֖ים לְבַדִּ֥ים, vəhāyū bātīm ləvadîm). "Places" (batim, literally "houses") refers to specifically designed sockets or housings, indicating a perfect fit for the "staves" or poles (badim). These poles were integral for transport, reflecting that the sacred objects, and thus God's presence and requirements, were mobile with His people.
- to bear it withal: (Hebrew: לָשֵׂ֥את אֹתֽוֹ, lāśēʾṯ ʾōtô). This clear statement of purpose reiterates the altar's designed portability. It signifies that God's Tabernacle and the means of worship were not stationary but intended to journey alongside Israel. This constant movement represented God's continuous presence with His wandering people and emphasized the responsibility placed on the Levites for the respectful carrying of these holy things.
Exodus 30 4 Bonus section
- The design of rings and staves was common for several critical elements of the Tabernacle (Ark, Table of Showbread, Brazen Altar, and Golden Altar), signifying a unified principle that God's sacred furniture, embodying His presence and commands, was never to be separated from His journeying people.
- While these rings were fixed, the staves were intended to remain in place within the rings (Exod 25:15 for the Ark, implying similar for other vessels) even when the altar was not being carried, underscoring their permanent readiness for mobility and discouraging direct handling of the sacred object itself.
- The meticulous adherence to such structural details reinforced Israel's understanding that God's way of worship was unique, set apart from pagan practices, and demanding specific, reverent adherence.
Exodus 30 4 Commentary
Exodus 30:4, though seemingly a minor detail in the construction of the Altar of Incense, encapsulates significant theological principles. The meticulous command for gold rings and carrying staves highlights that God's presence, represented by the Tabernacle and its furnishings, was designed to be mobile, journeying with His people through their wilderness pilgrimage. This portability signifies that divine access and the opportunity for worship were not confined to a single, fixed location but were continually accessible to Israel, underscoring God's omnipresence and faithfulness to accompany His covenant people. The use of gold underscores the sanctity and preciousness of the altar, which was essential for daily incense burning—symbolic of perpetual prayer and intercession. Furthermore, the precise instructions for attachment and use imply a divine standard for handling sacred things, teaching Israel reverence and obedience. This detailed engineering prepares the way for understanding the greater truth: that God would eventually dwell not in temples made with hands, but supremely in Christ, who makes Himself known wherever His people are, and finally and fully with humanity in the new creation.