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Exodus 27:6 - Altar's sacred transport poles

Exodus 27:6 - שמות 27:6

Hebrew Text

וְעָשִׂיתָ בַדִּים לַמִּזְבֵּחַ בַּדֵּי עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים וְצִפִּיתָ אֹתָם נְחֹשֶׁת׃

English Translation

And thou shalt make poles for the altar, poles of shittim wood, and overlay them with brass.

Transliteration

Ve'asita vadim lamizbeach badei atzei shitim vetzipita otam nechoshet.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ בַדִּים֙ לַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ בַּדֵּ֖י עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים וְצִפִּיתָ֥ אֹתָ֖ם נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃
וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ בַדִּים֙ לַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ בַּדֵּ֖י עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים וְצִפִּיתָ֥ אֹתָ֖ם נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Poles of the Altar

The verse (Shemot 27:6) commands the construction of poles for the Mizbe'ach (altar), specifying that they must be made of shittim wood (acacia) and overlaid with nechoshet (brass). These poles were essential for transporting the altar during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness.

Material Significance: Shittim Wood

Rashi explains that shittim wood was chosen because it is durable and resistant to decay, symbolizing the eternal nature of the Divine service. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:2) further notes that the shittim tree does not bear fruit, representing the idea that the altar—and by extension, the service of Hashem—should be free from ulterior motives or personal gain.

Overlay with Brass (Nechoshet)

The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:3) explains that the brass overlay served both a practical and symbolic purpose:

  • Practical: Brass is a strong metal, protecting the wooden poles from wear during transport.
  • Symbolic: Brass represents strength and judgment (din), as seen in its use elsewhere in the Mishkan (e.g., the copper laver). This underscores the altar’s role in atonement, which requires both strength of commitment and submission to Divine justice.

Function of the Poles

The Talmud (Zevachim 59b) teaches that the poles were never removed from the altar once inserted, symbolizing the permanence of the sacrificial service. The Sforno adds that their constant presence also served as a reminder that the altar—and the service of Hashem—must always be "portable" in the sense of being accessible and relevant in all circumstances.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar highlights that the combination of wood (a growing, organic material) and brass (a refined metal) teaches that Divine service requires both natural human effort (wood) and disciplined refinement (brass). Just as the poles carried the altar, our spiritual efforts must "carry" our commitment to holiness in every aspect of life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the shittim wood used for the altar poles?
A: Shittim wood (acacia wood) was chosen because it is durable and resistant to decay, symbolizing the eternal nature of the service to Hashem. Rashi explains that this wood was readily available in the desert, showing that the materials for the Mishkan (Tabernacle) were accessible to Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel).
Q: Why were the altar poles overlaid with brass (nechoshet)?
A: Brass (nechoshet) represents strength and durability. The Ramban explains that covering the wooden poles with brass ensured they would withstand the weight of the altar and frequent use. Brass also has symbolic significance, as it resists corrosion, reflecting the enduring commitment required in divine service.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the command to make poles for the altar?
A: The poles teach us about preparation and respect for holy objects. The Talmud (Yoma 72a) derives from this that sacred items must be handled with care and moved properly—never dragged or treated casually. This applies today in how we treat sefarim (holy books) and other religious objects.
Q: Why does the Torah specify the materials for the altar poles in such detail?
A: The precise instructions teach that every detail in avodas Hashem (divine service) matters. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 34:2) explains that just as the materials were chosen with care, our mitzvos must be performed with mindfulness and exactness, reflecting the importance of holiness in every aspect of life.