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Commentary on Exodus 37 verses 10–24
Here is, 1. The making of the table on which the show-bread was to be continually placed. God is a good householder, that always keeps a plentiful table. Is the world his tabernacle? His providence in it spreads a table for all the creatures: he provides food for all flesh. Is the church his tabernacle? His grace in it spreads a table for all believers, furnished with the bread of life. But observe how much the dispensation of the gospel exceeds that of the law. Though here was a table furnished, it was only with show-bread, bread to be looked upon, not to be fed upon, while it was on this table, and afterwards only by the priests; but to the table which Christ has spread in the new covenant all real Christians are invited guests; and to them it is said, Eat, O friends, come eat of my bread. What the law gave but a sight of at a distance, the gospel gives the enjoyment of, and a hearty welcome to. 2. The making of the candlestick, which was not of wood overlaid with gold, but all beaten work of pure gold only, Exo 37:17, Exo 37:22. This signified that light of divine revelation with which God's church upon earth (which is his tabernacle among men) has always been enlightened, being always supplied with fresh oil from Christ the good Olive, Zac 4:2, Zac 4:3. God's manifestations of himself in this world are but candle-light compared with the daylight of the future state. The Bible is a golden candlestick; it is of pure gold, Psa 19:10. From it light is diffused to every part of God's tabernacle, that by it his spiritual priests may see to minister unto the Lord, and to do the service of his sanctuary. This candlestick has not only its bowls for necessary use, but its knops and flowers for ornament; there are many things which God saw fit to beautify his word with which we can no more give a reason for than for these knops and flowers, and yet we are sure that they were added for a good purpose. Let us bless God for this candlestick, have an eye to it continually, and dread the removal of it out of its place.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 37:15 meticulously describes the construction of the carrying poles for the Table of Showbread, specifying their composition from durable shittim wood and their overlay with pure gold. This verse, embedded within the detailed account of the Tabernacle's furnishings, highlights the divine mandate for precise craftsmanship, underscoring the sanctity of God's dwelling, His meticulous attention to every detail, and the essential portability of His sacred presence among His people during their wilderness journey.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Exodus 37 continues the narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically detailing the work of Bezalel and Oholiab in crafting the sacred furnishings according to the divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Following the construction of the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 37:1-9) and the Table of Showbread itself (Exodus 37:10-14), verse 15 focuses on the staves, which were integral to the Table's function. The subsequent verses describe the making of the lampstand (Exodus 37:17-24) and the altar of incense (Exodus 37:25-28), maintaining a consistent pattern of meticulous detail for each component of the portable sanctuary. This section of Exodus, encompassing chapters 25-31 and 35-40, repeatedly emphasizes the precise fulfillment of God's commands, highlighting the sacredness and divine origin of the Tabernacle's design.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Tabernacle served as the central place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, symbolizing God's immediate presence among His people. Its design and construction were not arbitrary but reflected ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, albeit uniquely tailored to Israel's monotheistic faith and nomadic lifestyle. The use of specific materials like shittim wood (acacia) and gold was deliberate. Acacia wood was readily available in the Sinai desert and known for its strength and resistance to decay, making it ideal for items that needed to withstand harsh conditions and constant movement. Gold, a precious and incorruptible metal, universally symbolized royalty, divinity, and purity in the ancient world. The command for portability, evident in the inclusion of staves for the Ark, Table, and Altars (as seen in instructions like Exodus 25:13-15), was crucial for a people on the move, signifying that God's presence was not confined to a single location but accompanied them on their journey to the Promised Land. This mobile sanctuary underscored God's covenant faithfulness and His desire to dwell with His people wherever they went, a stark contrast to the static temples of surrounding cultures.
Key Themes: Exodus 37:15 contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. The primary theme is Divine Presence and Dwelling, as the Tabernacle's construction is the means by which God's glory will reside among His people (Exodus 25:8). The verse also highlights Divine Authority and Obedience, as Bezalel's meticulous work directly reflects God's precise instructions given to Moses (Exodus 35:30-35). Furthermore, the emphasis on portability through the staves underscores the theme of God's Journeying with His People, a concept vital for Israel's wilderness wanderings and their eventual inheritance of the Promised Land. Finally, the use of precious materials like gold, transforming common wood, speaks to the theme of Holiness and Consecration, where ordinary elements are set apart and made sacred for divine service, reflecting God's own perfect nature.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs significant Symbolism. The combination of shittim wood and gold is a powerful symbolic pairing throughout the Tabernacle's construction. The shittim wood, a common desert tree, symbolizes humanity's earthly, vulnerable, yet resilient nature, while the gold represents divine glory, purity, and incorruptibility. Their union in the staves symbolizes the intersection of the human and the divine, where the earthly is consecrated and elevated by the presence of God's glory. The staves themselves are symbolic of the means by which God's presence and truth are "carried" or made accessible. They represent the necessary infrastructure for mediating divine presence, pointing to the importance of both the physical means and the spiritual purpose. The meticulous detail in this verse, like all Tabernacle descriptions, also serves as a Metaphor for God's precise and intentional design in all things, underscoring that even the seemingly utilitarian aspects of His work are imbued with sacred purpose and reflect His glory.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 37:15, though seemingly a minor detail in the grand scheme of the Tabernacle's construction, powerfully conveys several profound theological truths. It underscores God's meticulousness and the sacredness of every element associated with His presence. The combination of durable shittim wood and incorruptible gold speaks to the divine principle of consecration, where ordinary materials are set apart and transformed for sacred use, reflecting God's glory. Furthermore, the very existence of the staves highlights the dynamic and portable nature of God's dwelling among His people, emphasizing that His presence is not static but accompanies them through all their journeys, providing guidance and sustenance. This divine itinerancy foreshadows a deeper truth: God desires to dwell with humanity, not just in a fixed temple, but intimately and personally, wherever His people are, making His presence accessible and central to their lives.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instruction for the staves of the Table of Showbread in Exodus 37:15 invites us to consider the profound significance of seemingly small details in our own lives and service to God. Just as every component of the Tabernacle was crafted with precision and purpose, our lives, our actions, and even our "hidden" efforts are seen and valued by God. We are called to embody the principles of durability (shittim wood) in our faith, enduring trials and remaining steadfast, while simultaneously reflecting the glory and purity of God (gold overlay) in our character and witness. The staves were made "to bear the table," which held the Bread of the Presence, symbolizing God's provision and communion. This serves as a powerful reminder that we, as believers, are called to "bear" or carry spiritual truths, God's presence, and His provision into a hungry world. Our lives become vessels, transformed by His Spirit, to make His glory visible and His truth accessible to others, demonstrating His faithfulness and love in our daily walk. This verse challenges us to consider how we are equipped and used by God to carry His message and presence into our spheres of influence, ensuring that even the "means" of our service are consecrated and reflect His divine nature.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was shittim wood chosen for the Tabernacle furnishings?
Answer: Shittim wood, also known as acacia wood, was chosen primarily for its practical properties and availability in the Sinai desert. It is a very hard, dense, and durable wood, highly resistant to decay and insect infestation, making it ideal for constructing sacred articles that needed to withstand the rigors of travel and the harsh desert environment. Beyond its practical benefits, its humble origin as a common desert tree, transformed into something glorious and sacred, also held symbolic significance. It represented God's ability to consecrate and use the ordinary for His divine purposes, demonstrating that even common elements could be elevated to serve His holy will, as seen throughout the Tabernacle's design, including the Ark of the Covenant.
What is the significance of "overlaid with gold" in the construction of the Tabernacle items?
Answer: The act of overlaying Tabernacle furnishings, including the staves, with pure gold was profoundly significant. Gold, being a precious, incorruptible, and radiant metal, universally symbolized purity, divine glory, majesty, and immense value in the ancient world. When applied to the durable shittim wood, it signified the consecration of the earthly for divine use, elevating the object to a sacred status. It visually communicated the holiness and preciousness of God's presence and everything associated with His dwelling, ensuring that even utilitarian items like carrying poles reflected His supreme majesty and purity. This practice is seen throughout the Tabernacle's design, from the Ark of the Covenant to the altars, signifying that God's presence demands the highest honor and the purest representation.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 37:15, with its description of staves made of shittim wood overlaid with gold to bear the Table of Showbread, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus. The Tabernacle, in its entirety, was a shadow of the ultimate reality found in Christ, who is God's dwelling place among humanity. Jesus, in His incarnation, perfectly embodies the union of the earthly and the divine: His humanity, like the durable shittim wood, was real, tangible, and able to endure suffering, yet His divine nature, like the pure gold overlay, radiated God's glory and holiness. He is the ultimate "bearer" of God's presence and truth, not merely carrying a table, but being the very Bread of Life and the Light of the World, making God accessible to all. Unlike the physical Tabernacle which required staves for portability, Jesus, through His death and resurrection, established a new covenant where God's Spirit dwells within believers, making God's presence not just portable but universally present and intimately accessible to all who believe. He is the true and living way by which we approach God (John 14:6), fulfilling the symbolic function of every Tabernacle furnishing and ushering in a new era of direct communion with the Father, as prophesied in John 1:14. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to dwell with His people, not in a tent, but in Spirit and truth.