Exodus 37 27

Exodus 37:27 kjv

And he made two rings of gold for it under the crown thereof, by the two corners of it, upon the two sides thereof, to be places for the staves to bear it withal.

Exodus 37:27 nkjv

He made two rings of gold for it under its molding, by its two corners on both sides, as holders for the poles with which to bear it.

Exodus 37:27 niv

They made two gold rings below the molding?two on each of the opposite sides?to hold the poles used to carry it.

Exodus 37:27 esv

and made two rings of gold on it under its molding, on two opposite sides of it, as holders for the poles with which to carry it.

Exodus 37:27 nlt

He made two gold rings and attached them on opposite sides of the altar below the gold molding to hold the carrying poles.

Exodus 37 verses

Exodus 37 27 Meaning

The verse details the practical design of the altar of incense, specifically mentioning the casting of two rings positioned directly beneath its ornamental brim. These rings were strategically placed on two opposing sides to serve as holders, designed to receive the poles necessary for carrying the altar. This instruction highlights the meticulous divine plan for the Tabernacle's construction and its inherent portability, essential for Israel's journeys in the wilderness.

Exodus 37 27 Context

Exodus chapter 37 focuses on the skilled artisans, Bezalel and Oholiab, constructing the various sacred furnishings for the Tabernacle according to the specific divine instructions given to Moses. Following the descriptions of the Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, the Table of Showbread, and the lampstand, verses 25-28 detail the creation of the altar of incense. This altar was to be placed in the Holy Place, before the veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place. Verse 27, in particular, emphasizes a critical functional aspect: its portability, signified by the rings for poles. This detail underscores that the Tabernacle was not a static temple but a mobile sanctuary, reflecting God's intention to accompany His people through their wilderness wanderings, providing a constant symbol of His presence among them. The entire structure and its components were designed for disassembling, transporting, and reassembling, demonstrating God's dynamic relationship with Israel.

Exodus 37 27 Word analysis

• Two rings (שְׁתֵּי טַבָּעֹת - shettey ṭabbāʿôt):
  • שְׁתֵּי (shettey - two): Specific number denotes precision and order in God's design. The duality provides balance for carrying.
  • טַבָּעֹת (ṭabbāʿôt - rings): Plural for 'ring' or 'loop'. These were essential fixtures, indicating a specific, designed attachment point rather than simple hooks. Their round shape provided structural integrity for sustained pressure from the carrying poles.
• were cast (יָצַק - yāṣaq):
  • Meaning 'to pour,' 'to cast' (metals), 'to mould'. This term implies molten metal was poured into a mold, creating a solid and durable structure. It speaks to the strength and permanence of these seemingly minor components, essential for the repeated carrying over rough terrain.
• for it (לוֹ - lō - for it/him):
  • Indicates the rings were specifically for the altar of incense, integrated into its design.
• under its brim (מִתַּחַת לְזֵרָהּ - mīttaḥaṯ lĕzêrāh):
  • מִתַּחַת (mīttaḥaṯ - under/beneath): Precise positioning, ensuring the rings would not interfere with the brim and its purpose.
  • זֵרָהּ (zêrāh - its brim/molding): Refers to the ornamental gold molding or crown around the top of the altar of incense (Exod 30:3-4). Placing the rings "under" it suggests they were incorporated aesthetically and functionally without marring the ornate top. This also implies they were at a secure and optimal height for handling the altar.
• on its two opposite sides (עַל שְׁנֵי צִדָּיו - ʿal shĕnê ṣiddāyw):
  • עַל (ʿal - on/upon): Locates the rings externally.
  • שְׁנֵי (shĕnê - two): Reiteration of duality for balance.
  • צִדָּיו (ṣiddāyw - its sides): Indicates precise placement on the breadth or length, ensuring equilibrium and stability when the altar was lifted and carried. The opposing nature of the sides (e.g., front and back, or left and right) allows for proper pole insertion and balance.
• as holders (בָּתִּים - battîm - houses/compartments/sockets):
  • This term signifies specific receptacles or fittings designed to house or secure something, in this case, the poles. They weren't merely hooks but structured "houses" to ensure the poles fit snugly and securely, preventing slipping or damage during transport. This reflects divine wisdom in engineering for functionality.
• for poles (לַבַּדִּים - labbaddîm):
  • לַ (la - for): Purpose.
  • בַּדִּים (baddîm - poles/staves/bars): Refers to the wooden staves (inlaid with gold or bronze) used to carry the sacred furnishings. These were often kept permanently in the rings to ensure readiness for movement and to prevent direct contact with the holy objects (Exod 25:15).
• with which to carry it (לָשֵׂאת אֹתוֹ - lāśe’ṯ ’oṯō):
  • לָשֵׂאת (lāśe’ṯ - to carry/bear): The explicit purpose for the entire design. It emphasizes the transient nature of the Tabernacle and God's mobile presence.
  • אֹתוֹ (’oṯō - it): Direct object, specifying the altar itself.

Words-group analysis

• "Two rings were cast for it": Implies a sturdy, integral construction method, ensuring durability for frequent movements. These were not makeshift attachments but foundational components.
• "under its brim, on its two opposite sides": Highlights meticulous placement, balancing functionality with aesthetics, and ensuring structural stability for transportation. The "brim" itself indicates a high level of artistic detail even on practical items.
• "as holders for poles with which to carry it": This phrase directly states the purpose: portability. It emphasizes God's desire for His presence to move with His people. The phrase underscores the necessity of specific tools (poles) and designated fixtures (holders/rings) to handle sacred objects correctly and reverently. It also shows foresight for their long wilderness journey.

Exodus 37 27 Bonus section

• Significance of Gold: While this verse specifically states "rings were cast," referring to metalwork, other passages (like Exod 30:3 for the altar's covering and its "brim") mention gold. The consistent use of gold for sacred objects' practical components (like rings and pole overlays for other items) elevates them from mere utility to items imbued with divine sanctity and eternal value. Gold symbolizes divine glory, purity, and sacredness, underscoring that every part of God's dwelling, even the parts used for transportation, was set apart for His purposes.
• The Tabernacle as a "Walking Sanctuary": The repeated emphasis on rings and poles for every major piece of furniture (Ark, Table, Altars) solidifies the concept of the Tabernacle as a fully mobile dwelling place for God. This itinerancy was crucial for Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land and prefigures the New Covenant truth that God's presence is not geographically confined but is carried within His people through the Spirit, enabling them to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matt 28:19), extending God's presence wherever they go.
• Divine Authority and Human Responsibility: The detailed, prescriptive instructions for even minor elements like rings reinforce God's absolute authority over worship. It demonstrates that the design and function of sacred items were not left to human invention or convenience but were divinely ordained. This necessitated precise obedience from Bezalel and all involved, serving as a timeless reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's revealed will in all matters of worship and service.

Exodus 37 27 Commentary

Exodus 37:27 offers a brief yet profound insight into the design philosophy of the Tabernacle. Far from being a mere structural detail, the instruction for casting rings and providing poles for the altar of incense underscores divine intentionality. The altar, where intercessory prayers and symbolic offerings ascended to God, was never meant to be static. Its rings symbolized the call to a mobile faith, a life of following God wherever He might lead in the wilderness journey. This detailed provision for portability points to a God who does not remain confined to a fixed temple but desires to move with His covenant people, always accessible. The durability of "cast" rings ensures the steadfastness of God's presence and the reliability of His divine blueprint. The very act of carrying, specified here and for other sacred items, was a deeply reverent act for the Levites, reflecting the holiness of God's dwelling and the precise obedience required in His service. In essence, this verse portrays a God who is dynamically present, carefully instructing His people on how to walk with Him.