Exodus37

Bezaleel meticulously crafted the sacred furnishings for the tabernacle, as commanded by God. He constructed the Ark of the Covenant with its mercy seat and cherubims, and the Table of Shewbread with its golden vessels. Additionally, he fashioned the elaborate golden Candlestick and the Altar of Incense, along with the holy anointing oil and pure incense.

Construction of the Ark of the Covenant

1
B'tzal'el made the ark of acacia-wood three-and-three-quarters feet long, two-and-a-quarter feet wide and two-and-a-quarter feet high. ​
2
He overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside and put a molding of gold for it around the top.
3
He cast four gold rings for it at its four feet, two rings on each side.
4
He made poles of acacia-wood and overlaid them with gold.
5
He put the carrying-poles for the ark in the rings on the sides of the ark.
6
He made a cover for the ark of pure gold, three-and-three-quarters feet long and two-and-a-quarter feet wide. ​
7
He made two k'ruvim of gold; he made them of hammered work for the two ends of the ark-cover -
8
one keruv for one end and one keruv for the other end; he made the k'ruvim of one piece with the ark-cover at its two ends.
9
The k'ruvim had their wings spread out above, so that their wings covered the ark; their faces were toward each other and toward the ark-cover.

The Table of Showbread

10
He made the table of acacia-wood, three feet long, eighteen inches wide and eighteen inches high. ​
11
He overlaid it with pure gold and put a molding of gold around the top of it.
12
He made around it a rim a handbreadth wide and put a molding of gold around the rim.
13
He cast for it four gold rings and attached the rings to the four corners, near its four legs.
14
The rings to hold the carrying-poles for the table were placed close to the rim.
15
He made the carrying-poles for the table of acacia-wood and overlaid them with gold.
16
He made the utensils to be put on the table -its dishes, pans, bowls and pitchers - of pure gold. ​

The Golden Lampstand (Menorah)

17
He made the menorah of pure gold. He made it of hammered work; its base, shaft, cups, rings of outer leaves and flowers were a single unit. ​
18
There were six branches extending from its sides, three branches of the menorah on one side of it and three on the other.
19
On one branch were three cups shaped like almond blossoms, a ring of outer leaves and petals; likewise on the opposite branch three cups shaped like almond blossoms, a ring of outer leaves and petals; and similarly for all six branches extending from the menorah.
20
On the central shaft of the menorah were four cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with its ring of outer leaves and petals.
21
Where each pair of branches joined the central shaft was a ring of outer leaves of one piece with the pair of branches -thus for all six branches.
22
Their rings of outer leaves and their branches were of one piece with the shaft. Thus the whole menorah was one piece of hammered work made of pure gold.
23
He made its seven lamps, its tongs and its trays of pure gold. ​
24
The menorah and its utensils were made of sixty-six pounds of pure gold.

The Altar of Incense

25
He made the altar on which to burn incense of acacia-wood, eighteen inches square and three feet high; its horns were a single unit. ​
26
He overlaid it with pure gold -its top, all around its sides and its horns; and he put around it a molding of gold.
27
He made two gold rings for it under its molding at the two corners on both sides, to hold the carrying-poles.
28
He made the poles of acacia-wood and overlaid them with gold.

Holy Oil and Incense Prepared

29
He made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of aromatic plant substances as would an expert perfume-maker. ​

Study Notes for Exodus 37

Verse 1

This chapter begins the detailed record of Bezaleel executing the plans commanded by God (Exodus 25). Shittim wood (acacia) was chosen for its durability and resistance to insects, fitting for the harsh wilderness environment.

Verse 6

The 'mercy seat' (Heb. *kapporet*) was the solid gold lid of the Ark. It was the place where God’s presence would manifest and where the blood of the sin offering was sprinkled on the Day of Atonement.

Verse 10

This table held the Bread of the Presence (*lechem panim*), symbolizing God’s continuous provision and the covenant community's ongoing fellowship with Him.

Verse 16

The vessels were used in the weekly ritual of setting out the twelve loaves of showbread. The use of pure gold reflects the sanctity and worthiness of the items dedicated to God's service.

Verse 17

The Menorah provided the only light in the Holy Place. Made of a single talent of pure beaten gold, it symbolized the light of God's presence and revelation to Israel.

Verse 23

The snuffers and snuffdishes were essential maintenance tools. They ensured the wicks burned cleanly, maintaining the required continuous, pure light in the sanctuary.

Verse 25

Located immediately before the veil, this altar was used for burning fragrant incense daily. The rising smoke symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God (cf. Ps 141:2; Rev 8:3-4).

Verse 29

The holy anointing oil was used to consecrate the priests and the sacred objects, setting them apart for exclusive use by God. The specific composition of the incense was intended to be unique and never duplicated for common use.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options