Exodus 25:13

And thou shalt make staves [of] shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.

And thou shalt make {H6213} staves {H905} of shittim {H7848} wood {H6086}, and overlay {H6823} them with gold {H2091}.

Make poles of acacia-wood, and overlay them with gold.

And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.

And thou shalt make staves of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.

Commentary

Exodus 25:13 details a specific component of the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred furnishing within the Tabernacle: the poles used for carrying it. This verse highlights the precise materials God commanded for these staves, emphasizing their importance in the overall divine design.

Context

This verse is part of God's elaborate instructions to Moses for constructing the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that would serve as a dwelling place for God among the Israelites during their wilderness journeys. Beginning in Exodus 25, God provides meticulous blueprints for every aspect of this sacred structure, from the materials to the dimensions and purpose of each item. The Ark of the Covenant, described in Exodus 25:10-22, was the central piece, symbolizing God's throne and presence. The staves were crucial for its mobility, ensuring that God's presence could accompany His people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Obedience: The detailed instructions for the staves โ€” their material and overlay โ€” underscore God's expectation of meticulous obedience in worship and service. Every aspect of the Tabernacle was to be built exactly as commanded, reflecting the holiness of God.
  • Holiness and Sacredness: The use of "shittim wood" (acacia wood) overlaid with "gold" signifies the profound holiness and preciousness of the Ark and everything associated with it. Gold consistently represents divinity, purity, and glory throughout the biblical narrative.
  • God's Portable Presence: The primary function of these staves was to allow the Ark to be carried, symbolizing God's active presence accompanying Israel wherever they traveled. This concept of God's presence journeying with His people is central to the Old Testament narrative, particularly during their wilderness wanderings and entry into the Promised Land.

Linguistic Insights

The term "shittim wood" (Hebrew: shiแนญแนญฤh or shiแนญแนญรฎm) refers to acacia wood, which was abundant in the Sinai desert. This wood is highly durable, resistant to decay and insects, making it an excellent choice for sacred objects intended for long-term use in harsh environments. The command to "overlay them with gold" (Hebrew: zahab) means to completely cover them, signifying not only immense value but also the divine glory and purity associated with the Ark and its components.

Practical Application

While we no longer construct a physical Tabernacle, the principles embedded in these ancient instructions remain profound. The meticulous care and precious materials used for the Ark's staves remind us of the immense value God places on His presence among His people. For believers today, this can symbolize the importance of carrying God's truth and presence into the world, doing so with reverence, purity, and a commitment to divine instructions. Just as the Ark was not to be touched directly but carried by its staves, there is a proper, respectful way to approach and handle sacred things, including God's Word and His Spirit in our lives.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 25:28

    And thou shalt make the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.

  • Exodus 40:20

    And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:

  • Exodus 37:4

    And he made staves [of] shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.

  • Numbers 4:6

    And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over [it] a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.

  • Numbers 4:14

    And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, [even] the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.

  • Numbers 4:8

    And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.

  • Exodus 30:5

    And thou shalt make the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.
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