Definition: And he made the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlaid them with brass.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 38:6 – “And he made the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlaid them with brass.” Here's a simple explanation in plain language: Basically, it means God was making the wooden stakes for the Tabernacle (the tent where the Jewish people would worship) much more impressive than they were before. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he made the staves of shittim wood…” : This refers to the wooden stakes that would be used to build the Tabernacle. “Shittim” is a Hebrew word meaning “leather.” The author uses this term because it evokes images of a tough, durable material. “…and overlaid them with brass.” : This is the really interesting part! God then covered the wooden staves with a layer of hammered brass. Brass is a metal that’s shiny and bright. What was the point? The biblical text suggests this was a decoration . The idea is that these stakes weren't just functional – they were made to be visually striking, to show God’s power and majesty. It’s like saying, “Look at what I’ve created! This is a magnificent display of my creation.” Context is Key: It’s important to remember this was happening during a time when the Israelites were facing challenges and needed a powerful symbol of their covenant with God. This act of making the staves more elaborate was meant to impress them and show them that God was in control and capable of creating something truly remarkable. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some historical context about this event?