Exodus 37:28 – “They made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold.”

Extended Explanation

Exodus 37:28 details the construction of the poles used to carry the altar of incense. These poles were crafted from acacia wood and then overlaid with gold. The use of acacia wood ensured that the poles were strong and durable, while the gold overlay added both beauty and sacred significance. These poles were essential for transporting the altar as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness.

The combination of acacia wood and gold in the poles reflects the dual nature of practicality and holiness. Acacia wood was chosen for its resilience, symbolizing the enduring strength needed for the journey. The gold overlay, on the other hand, represents the purity and sanctity required in the worship of God. These poles were not merely functional; they were part of the sacred furnishings that facilitated the Israelites’ ongoing worship, even as they moved from place to place.

Historical Context

The altar of incense, along with its poles, was part of the Tabernacle—a portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their time in the wilderness. Every piece of the Tabernacle’s furnishings was made according to specific instructions given by God to Moses. The Tabernacle was central to the Israelites’ worship, serving as the place where God’s presence dwelt among His people.

Acacia wood was commonly used in the construction of the Tabernacle’s furniture because it was abundant in the region and known for its durability. The overlaying of these wooden poles with gold elevated their status, signifying that they were not ordinary objects but were set apart for holy use. The poles allowed the altar to be carried without being touched directly by human hands, preserving its sanctity as the Israelites traveled.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the poles of acacia wood overlaid with gold symbolize the union of humanity and divinity in worship. The wood represents the earthly and practical aspects of our lives, while the gold symbolizes the divine and holy nature of God. This combination reminds us that while we live in a physical world, our worship connects us with the divine. The poles used to carry the altar of incense indicate that our worship and prayers should be a continuous part of our lives, regardless of where we are.

The use of gold to cover the acacia wood also highlights the need for purity in approaching God. Just as the gold overlay made the poles suitable for carrying a sacred object, we too must approach God with hearts that are pure and lives that reflect His holiness. The poles served as a means of bringing the altar, a symbol of prayer and worship, into the presence of God, reinforcing the idea that our lives are to be instruments of worship, carried with reverence wherever we go.

Literary Analysis

Exodus 37:28 is a brief but significant verse in the broader narrative of the Tabernacle’s construction. The verse’s focus on the materials used—acacia wood and gold—highlights the careful attention to detail that characterized the creation of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The verse’s language is straightforward, yet it conveys a deep sense of reverence and the sacredness of the objects being described.

The repetition of themes such as gold overlay and acacia wood throughout the Tabernacle’s construction emphasizes the unity and consistency in the design of these sacred objects. This consistency reflects the unchanging nature of God’s holiness and the importance of following His instructions precisely in worship.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 25:13: This verse provides the original instructions for making the poles for the Ark of the Covenant, also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, showing the parallel in design and purpose between the Ark and the altar of incense.
• Exodus 30:5: Similar instructions are given for the poles of the altar of incense, emphasizing the importance of these items in the transport and handling of sacred objects.
• 1 Corinthians 3:16-17: These verses remind us that we are God’s temple and that His Spirit dwells in us, connecting the idea of holiness in the Tabernacle’s furnishings to the holiness required in our own lives.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christians, Exodus 37:28 serves as a reminder of the importance of purity and holiness in our worship and daily lives. Just as the poles were overlaid with gold to make them suitable for carrying the sacred altar, our lives should be covered with the righteousness that comes from our relationship with God. This verse challenges us to consider how we are carrying our faith and worship into every aspect of our lives, ensuring that we do so with reverence and a commitment to God’s holiness.

The use of acacia wood, a strong and durable material, also reminds us that our faith must be resilient, capable of enduring the challenges and trials of life. Like the poles that carried the altar, our faith must be both strong and pure, allowing us to bring the presence of God with us wherever we go.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reflects God’s love in providing the means for His people to worship Him in a way that is both practical and holy. The design of the poles, made of strong wood and overlaid with gold, shows God’s care in ensuring that the Israelites could maintain their worship even as they traveled through the wilderness. God’s love is evident in His desire for His people to carry His presence with them, guiding them and sustaining them on their journey. This verse shows that God values our worship and provides the means for us to approach Him in a way that honors His holiness.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The poles used to carry the altar of incense can be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between the earthly and the divine. Just as the poles, made of wood and overlaid with gold, were used to carry the altar, Jesus, in His humanity and divinity, carries our prayers and worship before the Father. In Hebrews 4:14-16, Jesus is described as our great high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses and makes it possible for us to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. The gold overlay on the poles reflects the purity and holiness of Christ, who makes our worship acceptable to God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the construction of the poles, made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, challenge you to think about the purity and strength of your own faith?
2. In what ways can you ensure that your worship is carried with you throughout your daily life, much like the altar of incense was carried by the Israelites?
3. How does the symbolism of the poles encourage you to approach God with reverence and holiness in your prayers and worship?
4. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God, ensuring that your faith is both resilient and pure, capable of carrying His presence with you wherever you go?

Exodus 37:28, with its focus on the construction of the poles used to carry the altar of incense, offers deep insights into the themes of purity, strength, and the importance of continuous worship. It encourages Christians to live lives that are marked by holiness and to carry their faith with them in every aspect of life, honoring God in all they do.