Bible Strands
Exodus 38:6
And he made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with bronze.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The text records the assembly phase of the Tabernacle’s bronze altar. The builder constructs the carrying mechanism while the altar stands hollow and ready for transport.
The words — הַ/בַּדִּ֖ים (ha./ba.Dim) denotes the carrying poles, and שִׁטִּ֑ים (shi.Tim) specifies the acacia wood. The verb וַ/יְצַ֥ף (va/y.Tzaf) means he overlaid or plated them with bronze.
The thread — Acacia wood construction recurs in Deuteronomy 10:3 for the ark of the covenant. The poles integrate with the rings and carrying system detailed in Exodus 38:5 and Exodus 38:7.
Why it lands — The text describes a functional design for mobility and durability. It requires the reader to note the deliberate pairing of lightweight wood with heavy metal for a sacred object that must be moved.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with brass.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 10:3 So I made an ark of acacia wood, chiseled out two stone tablets like the originals, and went up the mountain with the two tablets in my hands.
- Exodus 25:6 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;