(The Lord speaking is red text)
Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about.
He made around it a rim a handbreadth wide and put a molding of gold around the rim.
And he made a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim.
And he made unto it a border of a handbreadth round about, and made a golden crown to the border thereof round about.
Also he made{H6213} thereunto a border{H4526} of an handbreadth{H2948} round about{H5439}; and made{H6213} a crown{H2213} of gold{H2091} for the border{H4526} thereof round about{H5439}.
**Exodus 37:12 Themes:**
- **Skillful Craftsmanship:** The verse highlights the detailed workmanship involved in creating the sacred objects for the Tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of beauty and excellence in divine worship.
- **Divine Directives:** This meticulous attention to detail reflects the precise instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as previously outlined in Exodus 25-31.
- **Holiness and Separation:** The border and crown of gold around the Ark of the Covenant (implied in the context) symbolize the sanctity and separation of the holy from the profane, a recurring theme in the construction of the Tabernacle.
**Historical Context:**
- **The Exodus Era:** Exodus 37:12 is set during the time of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, under the leadership of Moses. After receiving the Ten Commandments and other laws at Mount Sinai, God instructs Moses on the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary for the worship of Yahweh.
- **The Tabernacle's Purpose:** The Tabernacle served as a dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. It was the center of religious life and the place where God communicated with His people.
- **Bezalel's Role:** The craftsman Bezalel, filled with the Spirit of God and equipped with skill, ability, and knowledge, is tasked with making the Ark of the Covenant and other sanctuary furnishings. This verse is part of the detailed account of his work, showing that the Israelites followed God's instructions in every aspect of the Tabernacle's construction.
- **Cultic Worship:** The Ark, with its ornate border and crown of gold, was a central element in the Tabernacle's Holy of Holies. It held the tablets of the covenant and symbolized God's throne and presence, playing a crucial role in the rituals and worship of ancient Israel.
In summary, Exodus 37:12 reflects the themes of divine instruction, sacred craftsmanship, and the delineation of the holy, set against the backdrop of the Israelites' journey towards the Promised Land and the establishment of their religious practices and identity.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)