Exodus 38:7 – “They inserted the poles into the rings so they would be on the sides of the altar for carrying it. The altar was hollow; out of boards.”

Extended Explanation

Exodus 38:7 explains how the poles made from acacia wood and overlaid with bronze were inserted into the rings attached to the altar, making it possible to carry the altar. The verse also mentions that the altar was hollow, constructed out of boards. This design was practical, ensuring that the altar was not too heavy to be transported as the Israelites moved from place to place during their journey through the wilderness.

The hollow construction of the altar signifies a balance between sturdiness and portability. The altar needed to be robust enough to withstand the sacrificial fires and the rigors of frequent relocation but light enough to be carried by the priests. This combination of durability and practicality reflects the thoughtful design that God instructed the Israelites to follow.

Historical Context

The verse is set within the broader context of the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, a task undertaken by the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. The Tabernacle served as the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. Given their nomadic lifestyle, everything within the Tabernacle, including the altar, needed to be portable.

The construction of a hollow altar made from boards, rather than a solid structure, allowed the Israelites to move it without unnecessary difficulty. This design was especially important because the altar was central to their worship practices, being the place where burnt offerings were made to atone for sins and express devotion to God. The portability ensured that worship could continue uninterrupted, no matter where the Israelites traveled.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the portability of the altar underscores the idea that worship and the presence of God are not confined to a single location. The altar’s ability to be moved along with the people highlights that God’s relationship with His people is constant and enduring, not limited by physical boundaries. This reflects a key biblical principle: God’s presence and the ability to worship Him are accessible wherever His people are.

The fact that the altar was hollow, yet strong enough to fulfill its purpose, also speaks to the balance between form and function in worship. The design of the altar ensured that it could fulfill its sacred purpose while remaining practical for the realities of life in the wilderness. This teaches us that true worship involves both reverence and practicality, blending spiritual significance with the realities of everyday life.

Literary Analysis

In the broader narrative of Exodus, this verse contributes to the detailed description of the Tabernacle’s construction, where every element is crafted according to God’s precise instructions. The mention of the altar being hollow and made of boards is a practical detail, but it also carries symbolic weight, emphasizing the balance between mobility and stability in Israelite worship.

The specific mention of the poles and rings reiterates the importance of following God’s commands exactly as given. Each part of the altar’s construction is detailed with care, reflecting the broader theme of obedience and reverence in worship. The literary structure of these instructions emphasizes the meticulous care with which the Israelites were to approach the construction of all sacred items.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 27:8 – This verse provides the original instructions for the construction of the altar, including the detail that it should be hollow and made of boards, reinforcing the importance of these design features.
• Numbers 4:13-14 – Describes the preparation of the altar for transport, including the use of the poles and rings, highlighting the importance of portability in the design.
• Deuteronomy 12:5-6 – While speaking of the future centralization of worship, this passage also reflects the idea that God’s presence was with His people wherever they went, paralleling the mobility of the altar.

Application for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Exodus 38:7 reminds us that our worship and relationship with God are not confined to specific places or circumstances. Just as the altar was designed to be portable, our faith should be active and adaptable, carried with us into every area of life. This verse encourages us to maintain a consistent relationship with God, recognizing that He is with us wherever we go and in whatever we do.

The hollow design of the altar also serves as a reminder that our faith, while deeply spiritual, must also be practical. We are called to balance our reverence for God with the practical realities of living out our faith in everyday life. This involves making sure that our worship is sincere and meaningful, but also that it is integrated into the daily rhythms of our lives.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse demonstrates God’s love in ensuring that the means of worship were accessible and practical for His people. By designing the altar to be portable, God made it possible for the Israelites to carry out their worship no matter where they were. This reflects His desire for a continuous and accessible relationship with His people, showing that His love and presence are not limited by geography or circumstance.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The portability of the altar, made possible by the poles and rings, points to the universality and accessibility of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Just as the altar could be carried wherever the Israelites went, the sacrifice of Jesus is available to all people, everywhere. John 4:21-24 speaks of a time when worship will not be tied to a specific location but will be in spirit and truth, reflecting the universal and enduring nature of Christ’s atonement.

The hollow altar also symbolizes the humility and accessibility of Christ, who emptied Himself, taking on human form (Philippians 2:7), to bring us closer to God. The altar’s construction points forward to the greater reality of Christ’s sacrifice, which bridges the gap between God and humanity, making true worship possible for all.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the design of the hollow, portable altar challenge us to think about the mobility and practicality of our own faith?
2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship remains sincere and reverent, yet adaptable to the circumstances of daily life?
3. What does this passage teach us about God’s desire to be with His people, regardless of their physical location?
4. How does this verse encourage us to see the connection between the design of the altar and the accessibility of Jesus’ sacrifice for all people?
5. How can we apply the principle of portability in our faith, ensuring that we carry our relationship with God into every aspect of our lives?

This verse encourages us to reflect on the accessibility and adaptability of our worship, recognizing that God’s presence and love are with us wherever we go, and that Jesus’ sacrifice is available to all, at all times.