Exodus 37:28

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 37:28 precisely describes the construction of the staves for the Altar of Incense, fashioned from durable shittim wood and meticulously overlaid with pure gold by Bezalel. This verse, embedded within the detailed account of the Tabernacle's fabrication, highlights the divine mandate for exactitude and holiness in preparing God's dwelling place, emphasizing the consecration of ordinary materials for sacred purposes and ensuring the portability of God's holy presence among His people during their wilderness journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 37:28 is situated within the lengthy and repetitive narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, spanning from [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Call for Tabernacle Contributions") to [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected"). This section meticulously details the execution of the divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, particularly those found in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Detailed Tabernacle Instructions"). Specifically, this verse describes the staves for the [Altar of Incense](/exodus/30-1 "Exodus 30:1 - The Altar of Incense"), one of the final pieces of sacred furniture created. The consistent use of phrases like "he made" throughout these chapters underscores the faithful and precise adherence of Bezalel and the artisans to God's blueprint, demonstrating that every component, no matter how seemingly minor, was crafted according to divine specifications.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's nomadic period in the wilderness, following their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage. The Tabernacle served as the tangible, mobile dwelling place of Yahweh, a central symbol of His covenant presence and faithfulness to His people. The staves, similar to those made for the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-13 "Exodus 25:13 - Staves for the Ark of the Covenant") and the Table of Showbread, were indispensable for the portability of these sacred objects. They allowed the Levitical priests to transport the holy furnishings without direct physical contact, thereby preserving ritual purity and holiness as the Israelites moved from encampment to encampment. This ensured that God's presence, symbolized by the Tabernacle, would accompany them on every step of their pilgrimage towards the Promised Land, reinforcing His continuous guidance and provision.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **divine instruction and human obedience**, as Bezalel meticulously follows God's precise commands for construction. The choice of materials and their transformation highlights the theme of **consecration and holiness**, where ordinary elements are set apart and made sacred for divine use. Furthermore, the functionality of the staves underscores the theme of **God's immanent presence** and His desire to dwell among His people, not in a static temple but in a mobile sanctuary that journeys with them. This dynamic presence emphasizes God's active involvement in the daily lives and peregrinations of His covenant community, as seen throughout their wilderness wanderings and leading them to [the Promised Land](/numbers/13-27 "Numbers 13:27 - Report from the Promised Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **made (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From a primitive root, this verb signifies to "do or make" in the broadest sense and widest application. In this context, it emphasizes Bezalel's active and skillful execution of the divine design, transforming raw materials into sacred objects according to God's precise instructions. It highlights the purposeful and intentional craftsmanship involved in the Tabernacle's construction.
* **shittim (Hebrew, _shiṭṭâh'_):** This feminine noun refers to the acacia tree, known for its "scourging thorns." While the Strong's definition focuses on the thorns, the wood itself, abundant in the Sinai desert, was exceptionally hard, durable, and resistant to decay, making it an ideal choice for structures requiring longevity and resilience in a harsh environment. Its selection symbolizes the use of readily available, yet robust, earthly materials for divine purposes.
* **overlaid (Hebrew, _tsâphâh'_):** A primitive root, probably identical with a root meaning "to look out," but here conveying the idea of expansion in outlook, transferring to action, specifically "to sheet over (especially with metal)." This describes the process of covering the shittim wood with gold, a transformative act that elevates the common material to a state of divine glory and purity, signifying consecration and the infusion of sacred splendor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made the staves":** This clause identifies the agent, Bezalel (implied by the preceding verses in the chapter), and the action of creation. The "staves" (Hebrew: _baddim_), meaning poles or bars, were not merely decorative but highly functional components, essential for the portability of the holy furnishings. This highlights the meticulous execution of God's precise instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, emphasizing faithful adherence to divine blueprints.
* **"[of] shittim wood":** This specifies the core material for the staves. The choice of shittim (acacia) wood, a resilient and decay-resistant timber common in the desert, speaks to the practical considerations for the Tabernacle's longevity and portability. Symbolically, it represents the earthly, the common, or even the human element, which God chooses to use and transform for His sacred purposes.
* **"and overlaid them with gold":** This describes the final, transformative step in crafting the staves. The act of overlaying the durable wood with pure gold elevates its status from mere functionality to sacred beauty and divine glory. This symbolizes the consecration of the ordinary for holy purposes, where the mundane is touched by the divine, reflecting God's purity, majesty, and the immense value placed on objects associated with His presence.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 37:28 employs several literary devices to convey its rich theological meaning. **Symbolism** is profoundly present, with the "shittim wood" representing the earthly, the common, or even humanity, while the "gold" symbolizes divine glory, purity, and holiness. The act of "overlaying" the wood with gold thus symbolizes the transformation of the ordinary into the sacred, or the indwelling of the divine within the human. There is also an element of **Synecdoche**, where the "staves" represent the broader concept of the Tabernacle's portability and, by extension, God's mobile presence with Israel. Furthermore, the meticulous detail and specific material choices contribute to the overall **Didactic** purpose of the text, instructing the Israelites (and later readers) on the reverence, precision, and holiness required in approaching God and His holy dwelling. The repetition of construction details throughout Exodus 35-40 also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, reinforcing the importance of obedience to divine commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 37:28, though a brief descriptive verse, is rich with theological significance. It underscores God's meticulous nature and His demand for precision and holiness in all that pertains to His worship. The transformation of common shittim wood into glorious, gold-overlaid staves powerfully illustrates the principle of consecration: ordinary things or people, when set apart for God's purposes, are elevated and imbued with divine significance and glory. This verse also speaks to the immanence of God—His desire to dwell among His people—and the practical means by which that presence was to be maintained and transported, emphasizing that God journeys with His covenant community. The durability and portability of these items ensured that God's presence was not static but dynamic, accompanying Israel through every phase of their wilderness journey, a testament to His unwavering faithfulness.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build the Sanctuary")
* [Exodus 25:13](/exodus/25-13 "Exodus 25:13 - Staves for the Ark of the Covenant")
* [1 Kings 6:21](/1_kings/6-21 "1 Kings 6:21 - Solomon's Temple Overlaid with Gold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous craftsmanship of the Tabernacle, down to the staves of the Altar of Incense, serves as a profound reminder of God's attention to detail and His expectation of excellence in our worship and service. Just as the common shittim wood was transformed by being overlaid with gold, our ordinary lives, with all their imperfections and commonness, can be consecrated and made precious when offered to God. This verse challenges us to consider how we can allow God's glory to "overlay" our daily routines, our relationships, and our work, transforming them into acts of worship that reflect His purity and majesty. It calls us to live lives set apart, not by withdrawing from the world, but by allowing God's holiness to permeate our every action. Moreover, the portability of the Tabernacle, enabled by these very staves, reminds us that God's presence is not confined to sacred buildings or specific times but is meant to be carried by His people into every sphere of life. We are called to be instruments through whom God's presence and message are made known in a mobile and dynamic way, impacting the world around us wherever we go, becoming living testimonies of His transformative power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in Exodus 37:28 challenge our approach to obedience and service in our own lives?**
* **In what ways can our "ordinary" lives be "overlaid with gold" for God's purposes, reflecting His glory to the world?**
* **How are we, like the Tabernacle staves, called to be instruments for carrying God's presence and message into new contexts and communities?**

### FAQ
**Why was shittim wood chosen for the Tabernacle furnishings?**

Answer: Shittim wood (acacia) was chosen for several compelling reasons. Practically, it was readily available and abundant in the Sinai wilderness, where the Israelites were encamped. More importantly, it is an exceptionally hard, dense, and decay-resistant timber, making it ideal for the long-term use and frequent transport required for the Tabernacle's components in a harsh desert environment. Symbolically, its transformation from a common desert tree into the core of sacred objects, especially when overlaid with gold, powerfully illustrates God's ability to consecrate and elevate the ordinary for His divine purposes, endowing it with holiness, durability, and eternal significance.

**What was the purpose of the staves on the Tabernacle furnishings?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the staves was to facilitate the safe and ritually pure transport of the Tabernacle's sacred furnishings, such as the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-13 "Exodus 25:13 - Staves for the Ark of the Covenant"), the Table of Showbread, and the Altar of Incense. By using the staves, the priests could carry these holy objects without directly touching them, thus maintaining ritual purity as prescribed by God's law (e.g., [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites Carrying Holy Objects")). This functionality underscored the mobile nature of God's presence with Israel during their wilderness journey, signifying that God would accompany them wherever they went and that His holiness was to be respected even in movement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 37:28, with its description of gold-overlaid shittim wood staves, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The entire Tabernacle, including its furnishings, served as a tangible "shadow" pointing to the greater spiritual realities embodied in Christ, who is the ultimate "substance" (compare [Colossians 2:17](/colossians/2-17 "Colossians 2:17 - Christ is the Reality")). Just as the Tabernacle was God's dwelling place among His people, Jesus is the very embodiment of [Immanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us"). The shittim wood, representing the ordinary, earthly, and perishable, beautifully prefigures Christ's perfect humanity—His humble, yet resilient, earthly existence. This seemingly ordinary "wood" was then "overlaid with gold," symbolizing His inherent and glorious divinity, for in Him "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). The staves, which enabled the portability of God's presence, point to Christ as the one through whom God's presence is now made universally accessible. No longer confined to a physical structure carried by poles, God's presence, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, is now carried within believers, who are themselves living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit")). Christ, as our great High Priest, is the true and eternal Altar of Incense, whose perfect sacrifice and continuous intercession continually ascend to God, making our worship acceptable and carrying God's transformative presence into the very fabric of our lives and into the world ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")).

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.