Exodus 37:28

And he made the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.

And he made {H6213} the staves {H905} of shittim {H7848} wood {H6086}, and overlaid {H6823} them with gold {H2091}.

He made the poles of acacia-wood and overlaid them with gold.

And he made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold.

And he made the staves of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold.

Commentary

Exodus 37:28 continues the detailed account of Bezalel's meticulous craftsmanship in constructing the furnishings for the Tabernacle, following God's precise instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This particular verse describes the staves (or poles) made for the Altar of Incense, emphasizing the materials used: "And he made the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold."

Context

This verse is situated within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, which served as God's dwelling place among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. Chapters 36-39 of Exodus recount the actual building and assembly of the Tabernacle and its components, mirroring the divine blueprints laid out in earlier chapters (e.g., Exodus 25-31). The staves were essential for the portability of the sacred objects, allowing the Israelites to transport the Tabernacle as they moved through the desert, signifying that God's presence would accompany them on their journey.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Obedience: The exact specifications for every part of the Tabernacle, down to the materials for the staves, underscore God's meticulous design and the importance of human obedience in fulfilling His commands. This reflects the reverence due to God's holy presence.
  • Holiness and Consecration: The use of "shittim wood" (acacia wood), a durable but common desert timber, being overlaid with "gold" symbolizes the transformation of the ordinary into the sacred. The gold represented purity, divinity, and the preciousness of God's presence, signifying that anything associated with Him must be set apart and consecrated.
  • Portability of God's Presence: The staves were not merely decorative; they were functional. They enabled the priests to carry the holy furnishings without touching them directly, maintaining ritual purity. This highlights the mobile nature of God's covenant relationship with Israel, a God who journeys with His people. Similar staves were made for the Ark of the Covenant and other key elements.

Linguistic Insights

The term "shittim wood" refers to the wood of the acacia tree, common in the Sinai peninsula. In Hebrew, it is shittah (Χ©Φ΄ΧΧ˜ΦΈΦΌΧ”). This wood was known for its hardness, durability, and resistance to decay and insect infestation, making it an ideal material for the Tabernacle's components, which needed to endure the harsh desert conditions. The overlaying with gold elevated its status, combining practical strength with divine glory.

Practical Application

Exodus 37:28, though describing ancient craftsmanship, offers timeless lessons. It reminds us that God values both the practical and the beautiful in our service to Him. Our lives, though seemingly ordinary ("shittim wood"), can be transformed and made precious ("overlaid with gold") when consecrated to God's purposes. Furthermore, just as the Tabernacle was designed to be portable, followers of God are called to carry His presence and message wherever they go, living out their faith in every context, not just within specific sacred spaces.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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