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.

And thou shalt make {H6213} the staves {H905} of shittim {H7848} wood {H6086}, and overlay {H6823} them with gold {H2091}, that the table {H7979} may be borne {H5375} with them.

Make the poles of acacia-wood, overlay them with gold, and use them to carry the table.

Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that the table may be carried with them.

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

Commentary

Exodus 25:28 provides specific instructions for the construction of the staves used to carry the Table of Showbread within the Tabernacle. This verse highlights the meticulous detail God gave for every aspect of His sanctuary, ensuring both its sacredness and its functionality.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Exodus (chapters 25-31) where God reveals His detailed blueprints for the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where He would dwell among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. The Table of Showbread, described just prior to this verse, was one of the key furnishings in the Holy Place, holding the "bread of presence" (Lehem Hapanim). The nomadic nature of the Israelites required that all elements of the Tabernacle be portable. The staves, made of durable shittim wood (acacia) and overlaid with gold, were essential for this mobility, allowing the priests or Levites to transport the holy articles without touching them directly, maintaining their ritual purity and reverence during the wilderness journey (see Numbers 4).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Portability of God's Presence: The staves symbolize God's commitment to accompany His people wherever they went. His presence was not confined to a fixed location but was dynamic and mobile, reflecting His relationship with a pilgrim people.
  • Holiness and Reverence: The use of gold overlay on the staves signifies the immense sacredness of the Tabernacle furnishings. Even the carrying poles were consecrated, emphasizing that everything associated with God's dwelling place was set apart for holy purposes. This careful design underscored the holiness of God and the reverence due to Him.
  • Divine Instruction and Obedience: The specificity of God's commands—down to the type of wood and method of overlay—highlights the importance of obedience to His divine will in worship and service. Human ingenuity was to be guided by divine revelation.
  • Preparedness for the Journey: The very design of the Tabernacle and its components, including these carrying poles, speaks to a life of readiness and movement, reflecting the Israelites' transient existence in the wilderness and perhaps a spiritual lesson for believers today.

Linguistic Insights

The term "shittim wood" (Hebrew: שִׁטִּים, shittim) refers to acacia wood, which was abundant in the Sinai peninsula. It is known for its hardness, durability, and resistance to decay and insects, making it an excellent choice for construction in a desert environment. Overlaying this sturdy, yet common, wood with pure gold elevated its purpose and beauty, symbolizing how the earthly and humble can be consecrated and transformed by the divine.

Practical Application

Exodus 25:28 reminds us that God desires to be with His people in every season of life, whether settled or on the move. The Tabernacle, with its portable design, is a powerful metaphor for God's immanence and His willingness to journey with us. For believers today, this verse can inspire:

  • A Mobile Faith: Our faith should not be static but adaptable, ready to follow God's leading wherever He calls.
  • Sanctified Service: Even seemingly mundane tasks or tools in our service to God are made holy when done according to His will and for His glory, just as the staves were consecrated by gold.
  • Attention to Detail: God's meticulous instructions underscore that He cares about every detail of our lives and worship. Our obedience and reverence in "small" things are important.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 10:17

    And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.

  • Acts 9:15

    But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

  • Exodus 25:27

    Over against the border shall the rings be for places of the staves to bear the table.

  • Exodus 25:14

    And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.
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