Exodus 27:6 - You shall make poles for the altar, poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with brass.

Generated Verse: Exodus 27:6

What does "Exodus 27:6" mean?


Exodus 27:6 is part of the instructions given to Moses for building the bronze altar (also called the altar of burnt offering) that would stand in the courtyard of the Tabernacle. Let's break down the meaning of each part of the verse:

"You shall make poles for the altar..." This indicates that the altar was not meant to be a stationary fixture. It was designed to be portable, moved by priests when the Israelites traveled.

"...poles of acacia wood..." Acacia wood was a durable and readily available material in the desert. The use of wood suggests the poles were strong enough to support the weight of the altar.

"...and overlay them with brass." "Brass" here is typically understood to mean bronze (copper alloyed with tin). Overlaying the acacia wood with bronze served several purposes:
Durability: Bronze is stronger and more resistant to wear and tear than wood alone, especially considering the altar would be subjected to handling and possibly harsh weather.
Sanctity: Bronze was seen as a more precious material, fitting for an object used in sacred rituals. The covering would sanctify the acacia wood.
Symbolic Importance: Bronze is associated with judgment and sacrifice in the Bible. The altar, where sacrifices were offered for atonement, was often linked to divine judgment.

In essence, the verse instructs the Israelites to create carrying poles that would allow the altar to be transported during their travels. The poles were to be made of acacia wood, for strength, and covered in bronze, for durability, sanctity, and symbolic significance relating to sacrifice and judgment.

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