(4) Two golden rings.--The golden altar was so much smaller and lighter than the brazen one that two rings only were required for carrying it, instead of the "four rings" needed by the brazen altar (Exodus 27:4).
By the two corners thereof.--Rather, on the two sides thereof. The word used means, literally, "ribs," and is explained in the clause which follows.
Verse 4. - By the two corners. Rather, "on its two sides." The ensuing clause is redundant. All that is meant is, that the altar should have two rings only - not four - one at each side, directly below the moulding. As it was so small, two rings were enough. For the staves. Rather, "for staves."
30:1-10 The altar of incense represented the Son of God in his human nature, and the incense burned thereon typified his pleading for his people. The continual intercession of Christ was represented by the daily burning of incense thereon, morning and evening. Once every year the blood of the atonement was to be applied to it, denoting that the intercession of Christ has all its virtue from his sufferings on earth, and that we need no other sacrifice or intercessor but Christ alone.
And two golden rings shalt thou make to it under the crown of it,.... The crown was on the top of the altar, at the edge of it all around; and just underneath it were two rings of gold, two on each side:
by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it shall thou make them; at each corner a ring, and at each side; the use of them follows:
and they shall be for places for the staves to bear it withal; these rings were for the staves to be put into when the altar was to be carried from place to place, as it was in the wilderness, during the travels of Israel there; and this signifies that Christ never leaves his people; when they are in the wilderness he is with them, interceding for them, providing all things necessary for their food, safety, and protection, Revelation 12:14.
By the two corners thereof.--Rather, on the two sides thereof. The word used means, literally, "ribs," and is explained in the clause which follows.
by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it shall thou make them; at each corner a ring, and at each side; the use of them follows:
and they shall be for places for the staves to bear it withal; these rings were for the staves to be put into when the altar was to be carried from place to place, as it was in the wilderness, during the travels of Israel there; and this signifies that Christ never leaves his people; when they are in the wilderness he is with them, interceding for them, providing all things necessary for their food, safety, and protection, Revelation 12:14.