Exodus 37:3

KJV

And he cast for it four rings of gold, [to be set] by the four corners of it; even two rings upon the one side of it, and two rings upon the other side of it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he cast {H3332} for it four {H702} rings {H2885} of gold {H2091}, to be set by the four {H702} corners {H6471} of it; even two {H8147} rings {H2885} upon the one {H259} side {H6763} of it, and two {H8147} rings {H2885} upon the other {H8145} side {H6763} of it.

Complete Jewish Bible

He cast four gold rings for it at its four feet, two rings on each side.

Berean Standard Bible

And he cast four gold rings for its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other.

American Standard Version

And he cast for it four rings of gold, in the four feet thereof; even two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 37:3 meticulously details the casting of four gold rings for the Ark of the Covenant, specifying their precise placement on its four corners—two rings on each side. This seemingly minor architectural detail is profoundly significant, underscoring the divine blueprint for the Ark's construction, emphasizing the Ark's essential portability for Israel's wilderness journey, and reinforcing the absolute holiness of God's dwelling place, which necessitated a means of transport that prevented direct human contact.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 37:3 is situated within the detailed account of Bezalel's execution of the Tabernacle's furnishings, precisely as commanded by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. Chapters 36-39 describe the actual construction, fulfilling the divine instructions laid out in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Detailed Instructions for the Tabernacle"). Specifically, this verse follows the description of the Ark's overall dimensions and the crafting of its mercy seat in [Exodus 37:1-2](/exodus/37-1-2 "Exodus 37:1-2 - Construction of the Ark and Mercy Seat"). The rings described here are integral to the Ark's function, directly referencing the initial divine command for their inclusion in [Exodus 25:12](/exodus/25-12 "Exodus 25:12 - Original Instructions for the Ark's Rings"). The subsequent verses, such as [Exodus 37:4-5](/exodus/37-4-5 "Exodus 37:4-5 - The Poles for the Ark"), describe the poles that would pass through these rings, highlighting the functional continuity of the design. This meticulous recounting emphasizes the exact fulfillment of God's detailed instructions, signaling the sacredness and divine origin of every component of the Tabernacle.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's nomadic journey through the wilderness after their liberation from Egypt. The Ark of the Covenant was the central piece of this mobile sanctuary, symbolizing God's covenantal presence among His people. In the ancient Near East, deities were often associated with fixed temples and specific locations. However, the portable nature of the Tabernacle and the Ark underscored the unique character of Israel's God, Yahweh, who was not confined to a single place but actively journeyed with His people. The precise instructions for the Ark's rings and carrying poles (as seen in [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Kohathites for Transporting the Tabernacle")) were crucial for maintaining the Ark's holiness, as direct contact with it was forbidden and punishable by death (cf. [2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6-7 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Death for Touching the Ark")). This cultural emphasis on ritual purity and the extreme reverence for divine objects was common, but Israel's system, particularly concerning the Ark, was uniquely tied to their covenant with a holy God who demanded specific, obedient worship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Meticulous Design**, demonstrating that God's plan for worship and His presence is exact and perfect, leaving no room for human improvisation (cf. [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")). Secondly, the rings' function for portability highlights **God's Dynamic Presence** with His people, emphasizing that He is not a static deity but one who actively journeys with Israel through the wilderness, providing guidance and protection (cf. [Numbers 10:33-36](/numbers/10-33-36 "Numbers 10:33-36 - The Ark Leading Israel's Journey")). Thirdly, the use of gold and the precise instructions for handling the Ark reinforce the theme of **God's Absolute Holiness** and the reverence required in approaching Him, emphasizing the sacredness of His dwelling place and the need for ritual purity (cf. [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1-3 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire")). Finally, Bezalel's faithful execution of these details speaks to the theme of **Obedient Craftsmanship**, showcasing how human skill, divinely inspired, becomes an act of worship in fulfilling God's commands (cf. [Exodus 31:1-5](/exodus/31-1-5 "Exodus 31:1-5 - Bezalel and Oholiab Chosen")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cast (Hebrew, _yâtsaq'_):** From H3332, this Hebrew verb signifies the act of pouring molten metal into a mold. It implies a deliberate, skilled, and precise process of creation, rather than simply hammering or shaping. The use of "cast" emphasizes Bezalel's craftsmanship as divinely gifted and executed with exactitude, ensuring the rings were perfectly formed and integrated into the Ark's design, reflecting the solidity and permanence intended for these functional elements.
* **rings (Hebrew, _ṭabbaʻath'_):: From H2885, this term refers to circular objects, often used for sealing, binding, or, as here, for holding. Their circular shape can symbolize completeness, eternity, or an unbroken connection. In this context, the rings were not merely decorative but served a vital, practical purpose: to securely hold the poles by which the Ark was carried. This highlights the functional yet symbolic nature of every element of the Tabernacle.
* **gold (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** From H2091, gold is consistently used throughout the Tabernacle's construction for its preciousness, purity, and enduring quality. Symbolically, it represents divinity, glory, and supreme value. Its use for the rings, though functional, elevates their status, signifying that even the utilitarian components of the Ark were consecrated and imbued with sacred significance, reflecting the divine nature of the object they served.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he cast for it four rings of gold":** This clause describes Bezalel's skillful execution of a specific divine command. The act of "casting" indicates a deliberate, high-level metallurgical process, ensuring durability and precision. The "four rings of gold" signify a specific number and material, emphasizing the Ark's preciousness and the exactitude of the divine instructions.
* **"[to be set] by the four corners of it;":** This phrase specifies the strategic placement of the rings. "Corners" (from H6471, _paʻam_, literally "feet" or "legs" in Hebrew, referring to the base or supports) implies stability and balance. Placing a ring at each corner ensured that the Ark, when lifted by the poles, would be evenly supported and carried securely, preventing tilting or instability during transport.
* **"even two rings upon the one side of it, and two rings upon the other side of it.":** This further clarifies the symmetrical and balanced distribution of the rings. The equal number of rings on opposing sides ensured that the Ark could be carried by two individuals (or pairs of individuals) simultaneously, maintaining its horizontal orientation and solemn bearing. This precision in placement underscores the functional design, which was paramount for the Ark's portability and the reverence with which it was to be handled.

#### Literary Devices
The description in Exodus 37:3, like much of the Tabernacle account, employs **Precision and Detail** as a primary literary device. The meticulous enumeration of "four rings," their placement "by the four corners," and the symmetrical distribution of "two rings upon the one side... and two rings upon the other" serves to emphasize the divine origin and perfect design of the Ark. This level of detail is not merely architectural instruction but a literary technique to convey the absolute authority and wisdom of God, whose plan leaves no room for human improvisation. Furthermore, the repeated mention of "gold" throughout the Tabernacle accounts, including for these rings, functions as **Symbolism**, associating the Ark and its components with purity, divinity, and immense value. The very act of "casting" the rings also highlights **Craftsmanship and Skill**, implicitly attributing these qualities to Bezalel as divinely inspired, thereby elevating the human act of construction to a sacred art.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 37:3, though a detail, powerfully communicates core theological truths about God's nature and His relationship with His people. The meticulous design of the rings, enabling the Ark's portability, signifies that God's presence is not static or confined to a single location but is dynamic and moves with His people. This underscores His commitment to journeying with Israel, adapting to their nomadic existence, and providing continuous guidance and protection. Moreover, the absolute precision of the divine instructions for these rings highlights God's sovereignty and His demand for obedient and exact worship. Every detail matters to God, reflecting His perfect order and holiness, and inviting His people to approach Him with reverence and faithfulness in every aspect of their service.

* [Numbers 10:33-36](/numbers/10-33-36 "Numbers 10:33-36 - The Ark Leading Israel's Journey")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "The Tabernacle as a Copy of Heavenly Things")
* [1 Chronicles 15:13](/1_chronicles/15-13 "Proper Handling of the Ark")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly small detail of four gold rings on the Ark of the Covenant offers profound lessons for believers today. God's meticulous attention to every component of the Tabernacle, even the means by which it was carried, reminds us that He is a God of order, precision, and purpose. This should inspire us to approach our own service and worship with similar diligence and intentionality, recognizing that even the "small" details of our obedience matter to Him. Just as the Ark's portability symbolized God's active presence with His people on their journey, so too are we called to understand that God's presence is not confined to church buildings or specific rituals, but is meant to be carried into every sphere of our lives and into the world. We are living temples of the Holy Spirit, commissioned to manifest God's presence and character wherever we go. This calls for a deep reverence for God's holiness, ensuring that our lives reflect the sacredness of His indwelling Spirit and that we handle His truth and His mission with the utmost care and respect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction, as seen in Exodus 37:3, challenge our own approach to diligence and excellence in our spiritual disciplines and service?**
* **In what practical ways can we "carry" God's presence into our daily lives, work, and relationships, mirroring the Ark's portability in the wilderness?**
* **Considering the reverence required for the Ark, how can we cultivate a deeper sense of awe and holiness in our personal worship and corporate gatherings today?**

### FAQ

**Why were these rings made of gold, and not a less expensive metal?**

Answer: The rings were made of gold because the Ark of the Covenant, as the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, was to be entirely covered and adorned with the purest and most precious materials. Gold symbolized God's divinity, glory, purity, and supreme value. Its use for the rings, though functional, elevated their status, signifying that even the utilitarian components of the Ark were consecrated and imbued with sacred significance, reflecting the divine nature of the object they served. This was consistent with the overall design of the Ark, which was overlaid with pure gold both inside and out, as commanded in [Exodus 25:11](/exodus/25-11 "Ark's Gold Overlay").

**Were these rings purely functional, or did they have symbolic meaning as well?**

Answer: While primarily functional, enabling the Ark's portability, these rings also carried significant symbolic meaning. Their circular shape can symbolize completeness, eternity, and the unbroken covenant between God and Israel. Their gold material speaks to the Ark's divine nature and holiness. Moreover, the very necessity of these rings for carrying the Ark without direct human contact underscored the absolute holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching His presence, a theme consistently reinforced throughout the Tabernacle's design and the laws surrounding its use (cf. [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Kohathites and the Ark")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed description of the Ark's gold rings in Exodus 37:3, designed for its portability and the preservation of its holiness, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Ark symbolized God's dwelling presence among His people, but Christ *is* Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Immanuel, God With Us")). Unlike the Ark, which required physical rings and poles to be carried from place to place, Christ's presence is not confined by physical limitations or external apparatus. Through His incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension, He has made God's presence accessible to all believers by the indwelling Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "The Spirit of Truth")). The "portability" of God's presence, once facilitated by the Ark's rings, is now realized in the lives of believers, who are called to be living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Your Body a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and to carry the good news of God's presence and salvation into all the world ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")). The Ark's holiness, which demanded careful handling, foreshadowed the perfect holiness of Christ, whose sacrificial blood grants us direct access to God's presence without fear, fulfilling the shadows of the old covenant with the reality of the new ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")).

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.