Exodus 37:1

ยถ 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:

And Bezaleel {H1212} made {H6213} the ark {H727} of shittim {H7848} wood {H6086}: two cubits {H520} and a half {H2677} was the length {H753} of it, and a cubit {H520} and a half {H2677} the breadth {H7341} of it, and a cubit {H520} and a half {H2677} the height {H6967} of it:

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.

Bezalel went on to construct the ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high.

And Bezalel made the ark of acacia 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.

Commentary

Context of Exodus 37:1

Exodus 37:1 marks the beginning of the actual construction phase of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, following the detailed instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. This chapter, and indeed the entire section from Exodus 35 to 40, describes the meticulous fulfillment of the divine blueprint previously outlined in Exodus 25-31. Here, the focus immediately turns to the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's presence among His people, Israel. The verse highlights Bezaleel, the chief craftsman, who was specifically chosen and gifted by God for this monumental task.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Obedience to Divine Command: The precise dimensions and materials specified for the Ark underscore the critical importance of exact obedience to God's instructions. Every detail of the Tabernacle and its contents was divinely ordained, not left to human discretion. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the necessity of conforming to His will.
  • Divine Empowerment for Service: Bezaleel was not just a skilled artisan; he was filled with the Spirit of God for wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all manner of workmanship (Exodus 31:3). This highlights that God equips those He calls for His service, providing the necessary abilities and insights.
  • The Centrality of God's Presence: The Ark was the focal point of the Tabernacle, housing the tablets of the Law and representing God's dwelling place among His people. Its construction was paramount, signifying the core message of the covenant relationship: God desiring to live among His chosen people.

Linguistic and Material Insights

The verse specifies "shittim wood" (KJV), which is commonly identified as acacia wood. This wood was readily available in the Sinai desert and was highly valued for its hardness, durability, and resistance to decay and insect infestation, making it an ideal material for sacred objects that needed to endure. Its inherent qualities symbolically speak to the permanence and enduring nature of God's covenant and His truth.

The name Bezaleel (Hebrew: ื‘ึฐึผืฆึทืœึฐืึตืœ, Bฤ•tsal'el) means "in the shadow of God" or "in the protection of God." This name itself is significant, suggesting that his extraordinary skill was not merely innate talent but a direct result of divine enablement and presence.

Practical Application

Exodus 37:1, though describing ancient craftsmanship, offers timeless lessons. It reminds us that God values excellence and precision in service, especially when it comes to things pertaining to Him. Just as Bezaleel was divinely enabled for a specific task, believers today are also gifted by the Holy Spirit for various ministries within the body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Our calling is to use these gifts faithfully and with utmost care, following God's revealed will. The commitment to meticulous detail in constructing the Ark also underscores the reverence due to God's presence and His word, which the Ark contained.

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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

  • Numbers 10:33

    And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.

  • Numbers 10:36

    And when it rested, he said, Return, O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel.

  • Exodus 26:33

    And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy [place] and the most holy.

  • Exodus 25:10

    ยถ 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.

  • Exodus 25:20

    And the cherubims shall stretch forth [their] wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces [shall look] one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.

  • Exodus 40:3

    And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail.

  • 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:
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