Exodus 37:13

KJV

And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings upon the four corners that [were] in the four feet thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he cast {H3332} for it four {H702} rings {H2885} of gold {H2091}, and put {H5414} the rings {H2885} upon the four {H702} corners {H6285} that were in the four {H702} feet {H7272} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

He cast for it four gold rings and attached the rings to the four corners, near its four legs.

Berean Standard Bible

He cast four gold rings for the table and fastened them to the four corners at its four legs.

American Standard Version

And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings in the four corners that were on the four feet thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 37:13 offers a meticulous description of the crafting of four gold rings for the Table of Showbread, strategically positioned on its four corners near its feet. These rings were not merely ornamental but served a vital functional purpose, designed to facilitate the table's portability by accommodating carrying poles. This precise detail underscores the divine blueprint for the Tabernacle's construction, ensuring that every component contributed to the sacred structure's ability to accompany Israel on their wilderness journey, symbolizing God's dynamic and ever-present provision and fellowship among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 37:13 is situated within the detailed account of Bezalel's execution of God's commands for constructing the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, as initially outlined to Moses on Mount Sinai. Specifically, this verse follows the description of the Table of Showbread's dimensions, its crown of gold, and its border in [Exodus 37:10-12](/exodus/37-10-12 "Exodus 37:10-12 - Construction of the Table of Showbread"). The rings described in verse 13 are directly related to the table's essential portability, a theme that continues into [Exodus 37:14-15](/exodus/37-14-15 "Exodus 37:14-15 - Poles for the Table of Showbread"), which details the staves (poles) designed to be inserted into these very rings. This meticulous detailing throughout the Tabernacle narrative highlights the divine blueprint for every sacred item, emphasizing their specific function and their integral role in the overall Tabernacle system, which served as the tangible dwelling place of God's holy presence among His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle unfolded during Israel's arduous nomadic journey through the wilderness after their miraculous exodus from Egypt. Their existence was characterized by constant movement, necessitating a sanctuary that could be efficiently dismantled, transported, and reassembled. The divine design of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Table of Showbread with its precisely placed rings, directly addressed this nomadic lifestyle. The rings and their accompanying staves (first commanded in [Exodus 25:27-28](/exodus/25-27-28 "Exodus 25:27-28 - Instructions for the Table's Rings and Poles")) ensured that the sacred items, representing God's presence, provision, and covenant, could travel seamlessly with the Israelites. This divinely ordained mobility was crucial for maintaining a tangible symbol of God's covenant faithfulness and guidance throughout their challenging journey to the Promised Land. The intricate craftsmanship was entrusted to divinely gifted individuals like Bezalel, who was specifically [filled with the Spirit of God](/exodus/35-31 "Exodus 35:31 - Bezalel Gifted by God") for this holy work, underscoring the sacredness and divine origin of the entire project.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 37:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Precision and Holiness**, showcasing God's meticulous attention to every detail of His dwelling place and the instruments of worship. This precision reflects His perfect order and the absolute holiness required in approaching Him. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **God's Immanent Presence and Portability**. The rings, facilitating the movement of the Table of Showbread, symbolize that God is not static or confined but actively accompanies His people on their journey, providing for them even in the wilderness, as seen in the provision of manna ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")). Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Provision**, as the Table of Showbread itself represented God's ongoing sustenance for Israel ([Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5-9 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - The Law of the Showbread")). The ability to transport this symbol ensured that God's provision was perpetually accessible, regardless of Israel's location.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cast (Hebrew, _yâtsaq'_):** This verb signifies the act of pouring out or melting metal to form an object. In the context of the Tabernacle, it refers to the skilled craftsmanship involved in shaping the gold into the required rings. It implies a deliberate, precise, and permanent formation, indicating the solidity and enduring nature of the materials used in God's sanctuary.
* **rings (Hebrew, _ṭabbaʻath'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to sink" (as a seal into wax), this word refers to a circular object, typically a signet or a ring of any kind. Here, it denotes the specific functional fasteners designed to hold the poles for carrying the Table of Showbread. Their purpose was to ensure the secure and stable transport of the sacred furniture, highlighting the practical yet holy design of the Tabernacle.
* **gold (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** This term refers to the precious metal, known for its purity, incorruptibility, and high value. In the Tabernacle's construction, gold consistently symbolizes divine glory, holiness, purity, and enduring worth. Its use for even functional components like the rings elevates their significance, indicating that every part of God's dwelling and its furnishings must reflect His majestic and unblemished character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he cast for it four rings of gold":** This clause describes the initial action of Bezalel, the divinely gifted craftsman, in forming the rings. The number "four" indicates a symmetrical placement, ensuring balance for portability. The material "gold" emphasizes the preciousness and sanctity of these functional elements, aligning with the overall theme of divine glory that permeated the Tabernacle's construction.
* **"and put the rings upon the four corners":** This specifies the precise and strategic placement of the rings. "Upon the four corners" indicates that the rings were affixed to the extreme points of the table, ensuring stability and ease of carrying. This detail reinforces the meticulous nature of the divine design, where every component had a deliberate and functional purpose in the sacred structure.
* **"that [were] in the four feet thereof":** This further clarifies the exact location of the rings, indicating their integration into or immediate proximity to the "feet" of the table. This placement would have provided a secure and sturdy point for inserting the carrying poles, allowing the table to be lifted and transported safely without compromising its structure or its sacred contents (the showbread).

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Precision**, **Symbolism**, and **Metonymy**. The extreme **Precision** in detailing the number, material, and exact placement of the rings ("four rings of gold," "upon the four corners," "in the four feet thereof") is a hallmark of the Tabernacle instructions throughout Exodus. This meticulousness underscores the divine origin of the design and God's demand for absolute adherence to His holy standards in worship. The rings themselves function as **Symbolism** of God's dynamic presence. Their purpose—to facilitate portability—symbolizes that God is not static or confined to a single location but actively accompanies His people on their journey. The use of **Gold** for these functional rings further symbolizes the enduring value, purity, and glory of God's presence and provision, even in the practical aspects of His dwelling among His people. Additionally, "feet" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where a part (the feet) represents the whole structure or base of the table, indicating the secure and foundational attachment point for the rings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 37:13, though seemingly a minor architectural detail, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous nature and His unwavering commitment to dwelling with His people. The divine blueprint for the Tabernacle, extending even to the gold rings for portability, reveals a God who is not only transcendent in His majesty but also intimately immanent, actively accompanying His people through all circumstances. This divine attention to detail signifies that every aspect of worship and service to God matters, reflecting His perfect order and absolute holiness. The portability of the Table of Showbread, facilitated by these rings, highlights God's dynamic presence, ensuring that His provision and fellowship were always accessible to Israel, regardless of their location in the wilderness. This also foreshadows a God who is not bound by physical structures but desires a mobile, intimate relationship with His people.

* [Exodus 25:26-28](/exodus/25-26-28 "Exodus 25:26-28 - Instructions for the Table's Rings and Poles")
* [Numbers 4:7-8](/numbers/4-7-8 "Numbers 4:7-8 - Carrying the Table of Showbread")
* [Hebrews 9:2](/hebrews/9-2 "Hebrews 9:2 - The Holy Place and Its Furnishings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The gold rings on the Table of Showbread serve as a powerful reminder that God's meticulous care extends to the smallest details of our lives and His kingdom work. Just as these rings ensured the sacred provision of the showbread could travel with Israel, God equips us for our journey through life, providing the necessary means for us to carry His presence and purpose into the world. This verse encourages us to embrace precision and excellence in our service to God, understanding that even seemingly minor tasks contribute to His grand design and reflect His holy character. Furthermore, the portability of the Tabernacle foreshadows the New Covenant reality that God's presence is no longer confined to a physical structure but dwells within believers, empowering us to be mobile carriers of His light and truth. We are called to be diligent stewards, recognizing that God's equipping is always sufficient for the journey He has set before us, enabling us to be His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction encourage or challenge your approach to seemingly small tasks in your own life or ministry?**
* **In what ways do you experience God's "portable presence" in your daily life, and how does this affect your sense of security and provision?**
* **What "rings" (resources, gifts, or spiritual provisions) has God given you to help you carry out your calling and navigate life's challenges, and how are you utilizing them?**

### FAQ

**Why were gold rings used for the Table of Showbread, rather than a less precious metal?**

Answer: The use of pure gold for the rings, as with most of the Tabernacle's furnishings, emphasized the extreme sanctity and preciousness of the items dedicated to God's worship. Gold, being a pure, incorruptible, and valuable metal, symbolized the divine glory, holiness, and enduring nature of God Himself. Even the functional elements, like the rings for portability, had to reflect this divine standard, signifying that everything associated with God's presence was set apart and of ultimate value. It reinforced the idea that God deserves the very best and that His dwelling place was a reflection of His majestic and unblemished character, setting a standard for worship and reverence.

**What was the purpose of the Table of Showbread, and how do the rings relate to it?**

Answer: The Table of Showbread (also known as the Table of Presence) held twelve loaves of unleavened bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, which were perpetually before the Lord as a sign of God's covenant faithfulness and ongoing provision for His people ([Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5-9 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - The Showbread and Its Significance")). The rings described in [Exodus 37:13](/exodus/37-13 "Exodus 37:13 - Rings for the Table of Showbread") were essential for the table's portability. They were designed to hold poles, allowing the priests or Levites to carry the table and its sacred contents as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness. This ensured that the symbol of God's constant provision and intimate fellowship was always with His people, underscoring His dynamic and accompanying presence throughout their pilgrimage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly simple detail of gold rings for the Table of Showbread finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The entire Tabernacle, with its portable furnishings, foreshadowed God's ultimate desire to dwell with humanity, not in a static, localized structure, but through a dynamic, personal presence. The Table of Showbread, symbolizing God's provision and fellowship, points directly to Jesus Christ, who declared Himself to be the "[bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" and the one who gives "[life to the world](/john/6-33 "John 6:33 - The True Bread from Heaven")". Just as the showbread was always before the Lord, Jesus is the eternal, living provision for our spiritual hunger, satisfying our deepest needs in a way no physical bread ever could. The portability facilitated by the rings beautifully prefigures the incarnation of Christ, through whom God "tabernacled" or "[dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")" in human flesh. He was God's presence, mobile and accessible, walking among His people, bringing the divine into the mundane. Furthermore, through His Holy Spirit, Christ now indwells believers, making them "[temples of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")" and "[God's dwelling place by the Spirit](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - A Dwelling Place for God by the Spirit")". We, the Church, are now the "carriers" of God's presence, equipped by His Spirit to bear His light, truth, and provision into every corner of the world, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God's desire to be with His people, not confined by physical structures, but manifested through His living body, the Church, until He comes again.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.