שמות, פרק ל׳, פסוק ד׳

The transportation of the sacred vessels within the Tabernacle required precise engineering, particularly for the Incense Altar. Because of its notably small dimensions—measuring merely one cubit in width—moving the altar presented unique physical challenges. To ensure a steady journey, the carrying rings were placed near the very top of the structure, just beneath its golden crown. This placement stands in contrast to other vessels like the Ark and the Table, which had their rings positioned lower. If the altar's rings had been set low, its narrow base would have caused it to sway and tip from side to side during transit. Positioning the rings high up ensured that the weight of the altar rested securely on the shoulders of those carrying it [העמק דבר].

These rings functioned as receptacles to hold the wooden poles used to transport the altar [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ, אבן עזרא]. However, the exact number and placement of these rings is a matter of discussion. The primary approach among certain commentators is that only two rings were made, positioned on the right and left sides relative to a person entering the Tabernacle [בכור שור, קאסוטו]. For such a small vessel, a single ring on each side was entirely sufficient, acting as a simple carrying ear [רש״ר הירש]. Others contend that four rings were attached—two on each side—mirroring the design of the Ark and the Table, as carrying a vessel with only two rings would lack stability [שד״ל, מלבי״ם]. Alternative perspectives suggest that the rings were specifically affixed to the corners of the altar [רש״י, מזרחי, גור אריה], or that their placement was determined by a specific division of the altar's vertical and horizontal dimensions [ספורנו].

The narrow width of the altar created a practical dilemma for the carriers. The space between the poles was far too tight for two people to walk side-by-side. To resolve this, most commentators explain that the altar was carried by only two people in total. One person walked in the front and another in the back, with each man walking squarely in the middle space, supporting the ends of both poles on his shoulders or arms [ריב״א, הדר זקנים, דעת זקנים, חזקוני]. Another perspective suggests that the carriers did not walk between the poles at all; instead, they walked on the outside, gripping the poles with their outer hands [ברכת אשר]. Alternatively, they simply walked one behind the other in a standard forward-facing line, rather than walking face-to-face as was customary when transporting the Ark of the Covenant [מלבי״ם].