What number verse is Exodus 25:28 in the Bible?

Exodus 25:28 is the 2,224th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 25:28 sits at position 2,224.

25:2725:27 25:2925:29

Exodus 25:28

“Instructions for the Table of Showbread”· Exodus 25:23–30Read in context

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

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.

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Complete Jewish Bible

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

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Berean Standard Bible

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

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American Standard Version

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

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World English Bible Messianic

You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And thou shalt make the barres of Shittim wood, and shalt ouerlay them with golde, that the Table may be borne with them.

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Young's Literal Translation

and thou hast made the staves of shittim wood, and hast overlaid them with gold, and the table hath been borne with them;

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Douay-Rheims Bible

The bars also themselves thou shalt make of setim wood, and shalt overlay them with gold, to bear up the table.

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Translation

Cross-References

Numbers 10:17
And the tabernacle was taken down, and the sons of Gerson and Merari set forward, bearing it.
Acts 9:15
And the Lord said to him: Go thy way: for this man is to me a vessel of election, to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
Exodus 25:27
Under the crown shall the golden rings be, that the bars may be put through them, and the table may be carried.
Exodus 25:14
And thou shalt put them in through the rings that are in the sides of the ark, that it may be carried on them:

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Summary

Exodus 25:28 provides the precise divine instructions for crafting the carrying poles, or staves, for the Table of Showbread within the Tabernacle. These staves, made of durable shittim wood and meticulously overlaid with pure gold, were indispensable for the Table's portability, ensuring that this sacred furnishing, along with the divine presence it represented, could accompany the Israelites throughout their wilderness journey. The verse underscores God's meticulous attention to detail in the construction of His dwelling place, emphasizing both the holiness of His presence and the practical necessity of a mobile sanctuary for a nomadic people.

Context

Literary Context

Exodus 25:28 is situated within a comprehensive block of divine revelation (Exodus 25-31) where God provides Moses with detailed blueprints for the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings. Specifically, it immediately follows the intricate instructions for the construction of the Table of Showbread itself (Exodus 25:23-27), which was designated for the Holy Place. The preceding verses delineate the Table's dimensions, its decorative crown of gold, and the rings through which these very staves would be inserted. The subsequent verses continue to outline the construction of other Tabernacle elements, such as the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40), maintaining the consistent theme of divine design for Israel's worship and communion. The inclusion of instructions for the staves directly after the description of the Table highlights their integral role, not as an afterthought, but as an essential component for the proper function and sacred transport of the Table.

Historical & Cultural Context

The divine directives for the Tabernacle were given to the Israelites shortly after their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage and their covenant renewal at Mount Sinai. As a nomadic people journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land, their central place of worship could not be a fixed temple. Consequently, God commanded the construction of a portable sanctuary – the Tabernacle. The concept of carrying poles for sacred objects was not unique to Israel; ancient Near Eastern cultures often employed similar methods to transport idols or cultic images. However, for Israel, these staves served a unique, holy purpose: to facilitate the movement of God's dwelling place among His people, without human hands directly touching the holy articles, thereby maintaining ritual purity and profound reverence. The choice of shittim wood (acacia) was highly practical, as this durable, rot-resistant timber was readily available in the Sinai desert. Overlaying it with gold elevated its common material to a sacred status, reflecting the divine glory associated with God's presence, a pattern seen in the instructions for the Ark of the Covenant. The meticulous nature of these instructions underscores the paramount importance of obedience to God's specific commands in their worship and journey, as further elaborated in Numbers 4.

Key Themes

Exodus 25:28 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of God's Immanence and Presence, demonstrating His desire to dwell among His people and journey with them. The Tabernacle's portability, enabled by these staves, underscores that God is not confined to a single location but is dynamic and accessible to His pilgrim people. This verse also highlights the Holiness of God and the profound reverence due to Him; even the carrying poles were consecrated with gold, emphasizing that everything associated with His dwelling place was set apart and sacred. Furthermore, the meticulous design and specific instructions exemplify the theme of Divine Design and Sovereignty, revealing God's absolute authority and His care for every detail of worship and service. The entire Tabernacle, including these staves, functions as a Type, foreshadowing future realities, particularly the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity through Christ, as seen in John 1:14.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

make ʻâsâh' H6213

A primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this context, it signifies the divine command for creation and construction, emphasizing that the Tabernacle and its components were not of human invention but divinely ordained and meticulously fashioned according to God's precise will. It underscores the intentionality and purpose behind every detail.

staves bad' H905

Properly meaning "separation," by implication, "a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying." In this verse, it specifically refers to the carrying poles or bars. These were not merely utilitarian but sacred instruments, integral to the mobility of God's dwelling place. Their existence emphasized that God's presence was not static but dynamic, accompanying His people on their journey, and that holy objects were to be moved with reverence and without direct human contact.

gold zâhâb' H2091

From an unused root meaning "to shimmer." It refers to the precious metal, gold. In the Tabernacle's construction, gold consistently symbolizes divine glory, holiness, purity, and immense value. Its application to the staves transforms the common wood into something consecrated and radiant, reflecting the divine majesty associated with God's presence and the sanctity of His dwelling place.

Verse Breakdown

"And thou shalt make the staves [of] shittim wood"

This clause initiates the divine command for the construction of the carrying poles, explicitly specifying the material to be used. The directive underscores that even the seemingly mundane components of the Tabernacle were to be crafted according to God's precise design, emphasizing His sovereignty over every detail of worship and service. The choice of shittim wood (acacia) highlights God's practical wisdom, selecting a durable, rot-resistant timber readily available in the desert environment.

"and overlay them with gold"

This instruction dictates the finishing of the staves. The gold overlay served multiple purposes: it signified the immense sacredness and value of the Tabernacle furnishings, purified the common wood for holy use, and reflected the divine glory. This act of covering with gold transformed the functional into the consecrated, setting it apart for sacred use and making it fit for bearing God's holy presence.

"that the table may be borne with them"

This final clause explains the explicit purpose of the staves. They were not merely decorative but essential for the practical and reverent transport of the Table of Showbread. This highlights the Tabernacle's design for mobility, ensuring that God's presence could journey with His people, and that the holy articles could be moved without direct, defiling contact by human hands, thereby maintaining ritual purity and reverence.

Literary Devices

Exodus 25:28 employs several significant literary devices that enrich its theological meaning. Symbolism is prominent, with the staves themselves symbolizing the portability and immanence of God's presence among His people. They represent God's commitment to journey with Israel, not being confined to a fixed location, but actively accompanying them. The use of gold overlay is also highly symbolic, representing the divine glory, holiness, and purity that must characterize everything associated with God. It signifies the transformation of the common (shittim wood) into the sacred, fit for divine service. Furthermore, the meticulous instructions themselves demonstrate Divine Precision, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and His care for every detail of worship. This precision underscores the importance of obedience and reverence in approaching the Holy One. The entire Tabernacle, including these staves, functions as a Type, foreshadowing future realities, particularly the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity through Christ.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Exodus 25:28, though seemingly a small detail in the grand design of the Tabernacle, profoundly illustrates several key theological truths. It speaks to the immanence of God, demonstrating His desire to dwell among His people and to journey with them through every season of life. The portable nature of the Tabernacle, facilitated by these staves, signifies that God's presence is not static or confined to a single place, but is dynamic and accessible to His pilgrim people. This verse also emphasizes the holiness of God and the reverence due to Him; even the carrying poles were consecrated with gold, underscoring that everything associated with His dwelling place was set apart and sacred. This meticulous design teaches that God cares about the details of our worship and service, demanding both purity and intentionality.

Numbers 4:15 Leviticus 24:5 Hebrews 9:1

Reflection and Application

The instructions for the staves of the Table of Showbread in Exodus 25:28 offer profound insights for contemporary believers. Just as God ensured His presence could move with Israel, He promises to be with us in every circumstance—whether in settled seasons or periods of transition and uncertainty. This calls us to cultivate a "mobile faith," one that is adaptable and ready to follow God's leading wherever He calls, rather than being rooted in comfort or tradition alone. Furthermore, the consecration of the common shittim wood with gold reminds us that even the seemingly ordinary aspects of our lives and service can be made holy when offered to God and done according to His will. Our daily tasks, our mundane tools, our quiet acts of service—all are transformed and made sacred when they are overlaid with the gold of God's glory and done for His purposes. This verse encourages us to pay attention to the "details" of our spiritual lives, recognizing that God's meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle reflect His care for every facet of our worship and obedience, no matter how small.

Questions for Reflection

How does the portability of God's presence, as symbolized by the staves, challenge my understanding of where and how I encounter God today?
In what ways might I be neglecting the "small" or "mundane" details of my faith or service, failing to "overlay them with gold" for God's glory?
How can I cultivate a more "mobile faith" that is ready to follow God's leading, even when it means leaving familiar territory?

FAQ

Why were staves necessary for the Table of Showbread?

The staves were necessary for two primary reasons: portability and holiness. As the Israelites were a nomadic people journeying through the wilderness, the entire Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Table of Showbread, needed to be movable. The staves allowed the priests or Levites to carry the heavy, sacred Table without directly touching it, thereby maintaining its ritual purity and reverence. This ensured that God's presence, represented by the Tabernacle, could accompany His people wherever they went, as detailed in Numbers 4.

What is the significance of "shittim wood" and "gold overlay" for the staves?

The choice of materials was highly symbolic and practical. Shittim wood (acacia) was abundant in the Sinai region and known for its exceptional durability, hardness, and resistance to decay and insects, making it ideal for construction in a desert environment. This practical, common material was then overlaid with pure gold, which signified the sacredness, value, and divine glory of the object. The combination of common, durable wood with precious, pure gold illustrates how God takes the ordinary and, through consecration, transforms it into something holy and glorious for His purposes, reflecting His own nature and the sanctity of His dwelling. This pattern is seen throughout the Tabernacle's construction, such as with the Ark of the Covenant.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Exodus 25:28, with its focus on the portable dwelling of God among His people, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, with its staves enabling God's presence to journey with Israel, was a powerful foreshadowing of the Incarnation, where God literally "tabernacled" among us in the person of Jesus (as highlighted in John 1:14). Jesus is the ultimate "portable presence" of God, not confined to a physical structure but dwelling among humanity, making God accessible to all who believe. Furthermore, the meticulous instructions for the staves, ensuring the holiness and proper transport of the Table, point to Christ as the one who perfectly fulfills all divine requirements and makes us holy. He is the true "Bread of Life" (as proclaimed in John 6:35), and through His sacrifice, He has opened a new and living way for us to approach God's presence directly, without the need for physical staves or a mobile sanctuary (see Hebrews 10:19-20). The Church, as the body of Christ, now serves as God's dwelling place on earth, a spiritual temple (as described in 1 Peter 2:5), continuing the journey of faith with God's Spirit dwelling within its members, embodying the portable and dynamic presence of God in the world.

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Public-domain commentary

Matthew Henry

From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 25:23–30.

1662–1714 · 8 verses

Passage under commentExodus 25:23–30

23¶ Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

24And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, and make thereto a crown of gold round about.

25And thou shalt make unto it a border of an hand breadth round about, and thou shalt make a golden crown to the border thereof round about.

26And thou shalt make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings in the four corners that are on the four feet thereof.

27Over against the border shall the rings be for places of the staves to bear the table.

28And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.

29And thou shalt make the dishes thereof, and spoons thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls thereof, to cover withal: of pure gold shalt thou make them.

30And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.

Here is, 1. A table ordered to be made of wood overlaid with gold, which was to stand, not in the holy of holies (nothing was in that but the ark with its appurtenances), but in the outer part of the tabernacle, called the sanctuary, or holy place, Heb 9:2, Heb 9:23, etc. There must also be the usual furniture of the sideboard, dishes and spoons, etc., and all of gold, Exo 25:29. 2. This table was to be always spread, and furnished with the show-bread (Exo 25:30), or bread of faces, twelve loaves, one for each tribe, set in two rows, six in a row; see the law concerning them, Lev 24:5, etc. The tabernacle being God's house, in which he was pleased to say that he would dwell among them, he would show that he kept a good house. In the royal palace it was fit that there should be a royal table. Some make the twelve loaves to represent the twelve tribes, set before God as his people and the corn of his floor, as they are called, Isa 21:10. As the ark signified God's being present with them, so the twelve loaves signified their being presented to God. This bread was designed to be, (1.) A thankful acknowledgement of God's goodness to them, in giving them their daily bread, manna in the wilderness, where he prepared a table for them, and, in Canaan, the corn of the land. Hereby they owned their dependence upon Providence, not only for the corn in the field, which they gave thanks for in offering the sheaf of first-fruits, but for the bread in their houses, that, when it was brought home, God did not blow upon it, Hag 1:9. Christ has taught us to pray every day for the bread of the day. (2.) A token of their communion with God. This bread on God's table being made of the same corn with the bread on their own tables, God and Israel did, as it were, eat together, as a pledge of friendship and fellowship; he supped with them, and they with him. (3.) A type of the spiritual provision which is made in the church, by the gospel of Christ, for all that are made priests to our God. In our Father's house there is bread enough and to spare, a loaf for every tribe. All that attend in God's house shall be abundantly satisfied with the goodness of it, Psa 36:8. Divine consolations are the continual feast of holy souls, notwithstanding there are those to whom the table of the Lord, and the meat thereof (because it is plain bread), are contemptible, Mal 1:12. Christ has a table in his kingdom, at which all his saints shall for every eat and drink with him, Luk 22:30.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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