Exodus 30:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And you shall make two golden rings for it. Under its molding on two opposite sides of it you shall make them, and they shall be holders for poles with which to carry it.

NIV: Make two gold rings for the altar below the molding—two on each of the opposite sides—to hold the poles used to carry it.

NASB: You shall also make two gold rings for it under its molding; you shall make them on its two sides—on opposite sides—and they shall be holders for poles with which to carry it.

CSB: Make two gold rings for it under the molding on two of its sides; put these on opposite sides of it to be holders for the poles to carry it with.

NLT: Make two gold rings, and attach them on opposite sides of the altar below the gold molding to hold the carrying poles.

KJV: And two golden rings shalt thou make to it under the crown of it, by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it shalt thou make it; and they shall be for places for the staves to bear it withal.

NKJV: Two gold rings you shall make for it, under the molding on both its sides. You shall place them on its two sides, and they will be holders for the poles with which to bear it.

Exodus 30:1–10 records the design of a special altar for God's sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9). This is smaller than the altar used for animal sacrifices (Exodus 27:1). The golden altar (Hebrews 9:3–4) is meant for daily burning of incense (Exodus 30:34). This altar is not used for other sacrifices, though some believe the single atonement each year where Aaron applies blood to an altar's horns (Leviticus 16:18; 23:27) refers to this object. The incense altar is made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. Israel transports it with gilded poles fitting into two rings.

Items described here function with other sacred objects (Exodus 25—28) constructed for the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). One is a small gold-lined altar for incense. The other is a large bronze basin for ceremonial washing. The last two sets of instructions are for specially formulated anointing oil and sacred incense. Israel will establish a national tax to pay for these.

Much of Exodus is a description of the tabernacle and its components (Exodus 25—28). This is the last section of new designs given in this book. God will assign craftsmen to make the sacred objects (Exodus 31). But while Moses receives these instructions, Israel slips into idolatry (Exodus 32). The last several chapters of Exodus record how God's earlier instructions were followed with precision.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.