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Daily Devotions

Exodus

Exodus 
Day 
Day 249

"O Israel, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield." Psalm 115:9

Text: Exodus 27 : 6-8

PROVISION FOR THE CARRYING OF THE HOLY ARTICLES

God had given clear and definite instructions concerning the articles used for Tabernacle Worship. While permanence was in mind, the fact was that Israel was still on the move towards the Promised Land! Of necessity, provision must be made for the carrying of the articles that would be consecrated for the purpose of worship. God made provision for the carrying of these articles.

“And you shall make poles for the altar, poles of acacia wood,
and overlay them with bronze. The poles shall be put in the rings,
and the poles shall be on the two sides of the altar to bear it.
You shall make it hollow with boards; as it was shown you
on the mountains, so shall they make it.”
EXODUS 27:6-8

1. The use of poles

Poles were to be used for the carrying of the ark of the Testimony (Cf. Exodus 25:12-16). The Table for the Showbread was also to be carried with poles too (Cf. Exodus 25:26-27). The latest addition concerned the Altar for burnt offering.

2. The symbolic significance

How should we understand the provision of poles to carry these holy objects used in Tabernacle worship?

a) The Concept of the Holiness of God
God’s holiness was a powerful and prevailing concept that pervaded deeply! Once the articles were made and consecrated they were considered “holy” or “sanctified”.
b) Unholy human hands
God’s holiness is an absolute concept. His holiness is not relative to man’s semblance of righteousness! Man in stark contrast was totally unrighteous and unholy!
c) Consecrated articles
Poles made of acacia wood had to be overlaid with bronze. These poles would thus be better preserved in its usage. Priests would be consecrated to the work of carrying these sacred objects! Israel would learn a deep lesson here! Things that were consecrated to God would indeed be considered “holy”.
d) Prevention of profaning of consecrated objects
Could consecrated objects be profaned? Yes, if man handled them too frequently with their bare hands! God wanted Israel to learn how to respect worship and all its multi-faceted elements! In order to guard against profanation, strict orders were given even in the matter of handling objects that were consecrated to the Lord for worship purposes! Another solemn reminder was given to fully comply with God’s instructions (Exodus 27:8)