staves
The staves were long
poles made of
Acacia wood overlayed with
bronze. These were used to transport the altar whenever the camp moved. As the camp
moved, it was covered with badgers' skin and a cloth of
purple, and carried by
the priests (Kohathites). The altar was always with them no matter where they journeyed
and even on into their rest in the promised land. They were strangers and
pilgrims in the desert but the provision through the blood was always available.
In Ezekiel's temple, which is a picture of Israel's kingdom age, the altar has
no staves or rings (Ezek 43).