Definition: And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves [of] shittim wood, and overlay them with brass.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 27:6. It’s a really interesting detail about how the Israelites were to prepare for their temple in Jerusalem. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, they were going to create two types of staves – one made of shittim wood and another covered with brass. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Staves for the altar…” : This tells us these staves were specifically designed to be used on top of an altar. Altars were important places in ancient Israelite worship where sacrifices were made. “…of shittim wood” : Shittim is a type of hardwood, often associated with strength and durability. It’s the name given to it in the Bible. “And overlay them with brass.” : This is the really important part! Brass was a precious metal – it was highly valued at the time. So, they were covering these staves with brass. What's the Significance? This verse speaks to several key ideas: Decoration & Symbolism: The brass coating wasn’t just for looks. It was a way to symbolize the holiness and importance of the temple. The metal acted as a visual reminder of God’s presence and his covenant with Israel. Protection & Honor: Creating these staves, especially with shittim wood and brass, showed reverence and honor to God. It was a display of their devotion and belief that God would bless their temple. In short, it's a detailed description of how the Israelites were equipping themselves for a significant religious ceremony – setting up a special altar with symbols of divine authority. Do you want me to explain any particular aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, I could go into more about the symbolism of shittim wood or brass?