Exodus 25:10

¶ And they shall make an ark [of] shittim wood: two cubits and a half [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

And they shall make {H6213} an ark {H727} of shittim {H7848} wood {H6086}: two cubits {H520} and a half {H2677} shall be the length {H753} thereof, and a cubit {H520} and a half {H2677} the breadth {H7341} thereof, and a cubit {H520} and a half {H2677} the height {H6967} thereof.

"They are to make an ark of acacia-wood three-and-three-quarters feet long, two-and-a-quarter feet wide and two-and-a-quarter feet high.

And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high.

And they shall make an ark of acacia wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

Commentary

Exodus 25:10 marks the beginning of God's detailed instructions to Moses for constructing the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary for worship in the wilderness. This verse specifically introduces the most sacred object within the Tabernacle: the Ark of the Covenant, outlining its primary material and precise dimensions. It underscores the meticulous nature of God's divine blueprint for His dwelling place among His people.

Context

Following the giving of the Ten Commandments and the establishment of the covenant at Mount Sinai, God calls Moses up the mountain to receive further instructions. Exodus chapters 25-31 are dedicated entirely to the intricate design of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, beginning with the Ark. The Ark of the Covenant was to be the central piece, symbolizing God's presence and throne, from which He would communicate with His people. Its immediate description highlights its supreme importance in Israelite worship and their relationship with God, serving as a repository for the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and manna (Hebrews 9:4).

Key Themes

  • Divine Design and Precision: God provides exact measurements and material specifications for the Ark, emphasizing that His worship and presence are to be approached with reverence and according to His explicit will. This precision reflects His perfect order and sovereignty.
  • God's Holy Presence: The Ark was not merely a box; it was the focal point of God's dwelling among His people, where His glory would reside. Its construction was foundational to the concept of God literally tabernacling with Israel.
  • Obedience to Divine Command: The detailed instructions underscore the importance of Israel's faithful obedience in constructing the Ark exactly as God commanded. This obedience was crucial for the Ark to function as the vessel of His covenant and presence.

Linguistic Insights

The verse specifies the material as "shittim wood." This refers to acacia wood, which was readily available in the Sinai desert. Acacia wood is known for its hardiness, durability, and resistance to decay and insects, making it an ideal material for a sacred object intended for a long journey through harsh conditions. Its resilience symbolically points to the enduring nature of God's covenant and promises.

The measurements are given in "cubits." A cubit was an ancient unit of length based on the length of the forearm, from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact length varied slightly, it was generally around 18-21 inches (approximately 45-53 cm). The Ark's dimensions – two and a half cubits long, and a cubit and a half wide and high – translate to roughly 45x27x27 inches or 113x68x68 cm, making it a substantial, yet portable, chest.

Related Scriptures

The instructions for the Ark continue in the following verses, detailing its overlaying with gold and the addition of rings for carrying poles (Exodus 25:11-15). God's promise to communicate from above the mercy seat, which rested on the Ark, is found in Exodus 25:22. The Ark's spiritual significance foreshadows the ultimate dwelling of God among His people, as described in the New Testament, particularly in the person of Jesus Christ and in the promise of the new heaven and new earth where God's presence is fully realized (Revelation 21:3).

Practical Application

Exodus 25:10 reminds us that God is a God of order and detail. His specific instructions for the Ark teach us that spiritual matters are not left to human discretion but require careful adherence to His revealed will. For believers today, while we do not construct a physical Ark, the principle of building our lives and worship according to God's "blueprint" found in His Word remains vital. It calls us to intentionality, reverence, and obedience in our faith, recognizing that God desires to dwell among His people and has provided the means for us to draw near to Him through Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest and the embodiment of God's presence.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 9:4 (5 votes)

    Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein [was] the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

  • Exodus 37:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ And Bezaleel made the ark [of] shittim wood: two cubits and a half [was] the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:

  • Exodus 37:3 (4 votes)

    And he cast for it four rings of gold, [to be set] by the four corners of it; even two rings upon the one side of it, and two rings upon the other side of it.

  • Deuteronomy 10:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood.

  • Deuteronomy 10:3 (3 votes)

    And I made an ark [of] shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand.

  • Revelation 11:19 (2 votes)

    And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

  • 2 Chronicles 8:11 (2 votes)

    And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because [the places are] holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come.