Exodus 27:4 describes part of the construction of the bronze altar for the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert. Let's break down the meaning of each part:
"You shall make a grating for it of network of brass:" This refers to a grating or screen made of bronze. It would be placed inside the altar (likely a little below the top). The "network" likely means it was constructed of interwoven or latticed bronze bars, creating a grid-like structure. This grating would have served several possible purposes:
Supporting the fire: The grating would allow air to circulate beneath the fire, promoting better combustion.
Ash removal: The ash from the burnt offerings would fall through the grating to the bottom of the altar, making it easier to remove.
Supporting the sacrifices: It could have provided a surface for placing the sacrifices being burned.
"and on the net you shall make four bronze rings in its four corners." This means that on the four corners of the bronze grating, bronze rings should be attached. These rings would serve as points to insert poles for carrying the entire altar. It's crucial that they were attached to the grating and not to the altar itself, so the altar wouldn't be directly touched.
In summary, the verse describes the construction of a bronze grating or screen with rings at its corners, placed inside the bronze altar. This grating likely served purposes related to fire, ash removal, and supporting sacrifices, while the rings were for attaching poles to carry the altar.
Exodus 27:4 describes part of the construction of the bronze altar for the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert. Let's break down the meaning of each part:
"You shall make a grating for it of network of brass:" This refers to a grating or screen made of bronze. It would be placed inside the altar (likely a little below the top). The "network" likely means it was constructed of interwoven or latticed bronze bars, creating a grid-like structure. This grating would have served several possible purposes:
Supporting the fire: The grating would allow air to circulate beneath the fire, promoting better combustion.
Ash removal: The ash from the burnt offerings would fall through the grating to the bottom of the altar, making it easier to remove.
Supporting the sacrifices: It could have provided a surface for placing the sacrifices being burned.
"and on the net you shall make four bronze rings in its four corners." This means that on the four corners of the bronze grating, bronze rings should be attached. These rings would serve as points to insert poles for carrying the entire altar. It's crucial that they were attached to the grating and not to the altar itself, so the altar wouldn't be directly touched.
In summary, the verse describes the construction of a bronze grating or screen with rings at its corners, placed inside the bronze altar. This grating likely served purposes related to fire, ash removal, and supporting sacrifices, while the rings were for attaching poles to carry the altar.