Exodus 37:5

KJV

And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he put {H935} the staves {H905} into the rings {H2885} by the sides {H6763} of the ark {H727}, to bear {H5375} the ark {H727}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He put the carrying-poles for the ark in the rings on the sides of the ark.

Berean Standard Bible

He inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark in order to carry it.

American Standard Version

And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 37:5 provides a meticulous detail in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, specifically the precise placement of the carrying staves into the golden rings affixed to its sides. This verse highlights Bezalel's faithful and exact adherence to God's divine blueprints, ensuring the Ark's essential functionality for transport. This portability was crucial for maintaining God's dynamic and portable presence among the Israelites throughout their wilderness journeys, underscoring both His immanence and His profound holiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically detailing the creation of its most sacred furnishing, the Ark of the Covenant. Chapters 35 through 40 of Exodus chronicle the faithful execution of the divine blueprints given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as initially commanded in [Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10-22 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant"). Following the call for skilled craftsmen and the collection of materials in [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Call for Offerings and Craftsmen"), Bezalel and Oholiab, divinely gifted artisans, meticulously construct each component. [Exodus 37](/exodus/37 "Exodus 37 - Construction of the Ark and Tabernacle Furnishings") focuses entirely on the construction of the Ark, the Mercy Seat, the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altar of incense, all in precise fulfillment of God's earlier commands. Verse 5, therefore, is not a minor detail but a crucial step in ensuring the Ark's functionality and adherence to the divine mandate for its portability, emphasizing the importance of every instruction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant served as the tangible symbol of God's presence among the nomadic Israelites during their forty years in the wilderness. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, deities were often associated with fixed temples or specific, localized shrines. However, the God of Israel demonstrated His unique nature by choosing to dwell among His people, accompanying them on their journey. The staves were an indispensable feature, allowing the Levites to carry the Ark without directly touching its sacred surface, thus preserving its holiness and preventing defilement or divine judgment, as later tragically exemplified in the account of Uzzah in [2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6-7 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Error and Death"). The command for the staves to remain permanently in the rings, as specified in [Exodus 25:15](/exodus/25-15 "Exodus 25:15 - Staves Permanent in Rings"), underscored the Ark's constant readiness for movement, mirroring God's dynamic and ever-present guidance for His people through their wilderness wanderings.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence and Immanence**, as the Ark was the focal point of God's dwelling among His people, a portable throne that accompanied them. The meticulous construction, including the staves, highlights the theme of **Obedience and Fidelity to Divine Command**, demonstrating that God's instructions, even in their smallest details, are to be followed precisely. Furthermore, the prescribed method of carrying the Ark underscores the theme of **God's Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing the sacred boundaries required when approaching the divine. The Ark's design, with its built-in portability, also reinforces the theme of God's **Covenant Faithfulness** to His people, always moving with them and leading them toward the promised land, as seen in passages like [Numbers 10:33](/numbers/10-33 "Numbers 10:33 - The Ark Leading Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rings (Hebrew, _ṭabbaʻath'_):** From the root meaning "to sink into," this word properly refers to a seal or signet, and by extension, any ring. In this context, it denotes the four gold rings, two on each side of the Ark, through which the staves were inserted. Their precise placement was crucial for balance and secure transport, ensuring the Ark could be carried by the shoulders of the Kohathite Levites, as prescribed by divine law. These rings were not merely decorative but functional, signifying the Ark's intended mobility.
* **Sides (Hebrew, _tsêlâʻ'_):** This term refers to a rib, a side, or a plank. Here, it specifically indicates the long sides of the Ark where the rings were attached. The use of "sides" emphasizes the structural integrity and design precision required for the Ark's construction, ensuring the staves were securely fastened and the Ark could be carried stably. This detail highlights the exactitude of God's architectural blueprint.
* **Bear (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to lift" or "to carry," this verb encompasses a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. In the context of the Ark, it signifies "to transport" or "to carry." It emphasizes the specific, divinely ordained method of its movement, implying a reverent, careful, and authorized carrying. This distinguishes it from casual handling and underscores the Ark's immense sacredness and the weight of God's presence it represented, requiring a designated and holy means of transport.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he put the staves":** This clause identifies Bezalel, the master craftsman, as the subject, acting in direct obedience to God's detailed instructions given to Moses. It signifies the completion of a specific, critical step in the Ark's construction, ensuring its functionality as a portable sanctuary. The "staves" (Hebrew: _bad_) were specially made poles of acacia wood overlaid with gold, designed exclusively for carrying the sacred Ark.
* **"into the rings by the sides of the ark":** This phrase specifies the exact location and method of insertion. The four gold rings were an integral part of the Ark's design, providing the secure points for the staves. This precision underscores the meticulous nature of God's commands and the exactitude required in their execution for sacred purposes, leaving no room for human interpretation or deviation.
* **"to bear the ark":** This clause explicitly states the purpose of the staves and rings. The Ark was not meant to be stationary but to accompany Israel on its journey through the wilderness. The staves were the divinely appointed means by which the Ark, and thus God's symbolic presence, could be carried reverently and safely by the Levites, ensuring God's accompaniment of His people throughout their wanderings and demonstrating His dynamic leadership.

#### Literary Devices
The text in Exodus 37:5, like much of the Tabernacle narrative, employs **Precision** and **Detail** as primary literary devices. The meticulous description of each component and its assembly underscores the divine origin of the design and the absolute necessity of faithful adherence to God's blueprint. Every measurement, material, and placement was divinely ordained, leaving no room for human improvisation. This emphasis on detail serves to highlight the **Holiness** and **Sacredness** of the Ark, implying that God's dwelling place demands exactitude and reverence in its construction and handling. The staves themselves function as **Symbolism**, representing the dynamic and portable nature of God's presence among His people, contrasting with the static deities of surrounding cultures. They also symbolize the divinely appointed means by which God's presence is made accessible yet remains set apart and protected from common contact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 37:5, though a seemingly minor detail in the grand narrative of the Tabernacle, profoundly illustrates several core theological themes. It underscores the paramount importance of meticulous obedience to God's specific commands, demonstrating that even the smallest details of divine instruction are significant and carry spiritual weight. The Ark's design, with its permanent staves, powerfully symbolizes the dynamic and portable nature of God's presence, signifying that He is not confined to a single location or temple but desires to journey with His people wherever they go. Furthermore, the necessity of the staves for carrying the Ark without direct human contact emphasizes the profound holiness of God and the reverence due to His presence, establishing sacred boundaries that protect both God's sanctity and human life from the dangers of irreverence.

* [Exodus 25:15](/exodus/25-15 "Exodus 25:15 - Staves Permanent in Rings")
* [Numbers 10:33](/numbers/10-33 "Numbers 10:33 - Ark Leading the Way")
* [Psalm 132:8](/psalm/132-8 "Psalm 132:8 - God's Resting Place with the Ark")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous instructions for the Ark's construction, down to the placement of its staves, serve as a profound reminder that God cares about the details of our obedience. Our faith is not merely about broad strokes of intention or general piety, but also about careful attention to the specifics of His Word and His will in our daily lives. Just as the Ark's portability symbolized God's desire to journey with His people through every wilderness and triumph, so too does God desire to be present in every aspect of our lives – not confined to a church building, a quiet time, or a specific spiritual experience, but accompanying us through our daily routines, our challenges, our joys, and our sorrows. This verse challenges us to consider if we are truly allowing God's dynamic and holy presence to permeate all areas of our existence, or if we are attempting to compartmentalize Him. Moreover, the reverence shown to the Ark through its prescribed handling teaches us to approach God and His sacred Word with profound respect, awe, and intentionality, recognizing His holiness and majesty, and seeking to honor Him in all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be neglecting "small" details of obedience, assuming they are insignificant to God, and how can I cultivate a greater attentiveness to His specific commands?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater awareness of God's dynamic presence, recognizing that He desires to journey with me in every circumstance, not just in moments of formal worship or crisis?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my reverence for God and His Word, ensuring my approach reflects His holiness and majesty in all my interactions and decisions?**

### FAQ
**Why were the staves permanent in the rings of the Ark?**

Answer: The staves were commanded to remain permanently in the rings to signify the Ark's constant readiness for transport. This underscored God's dynamic and mobile presence with the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, indicating that He was always prepared to lead and accompany His people. It also served as a critical safeguard, ensuring that the Ark, as the most sacred object, would always be carried by the designated Kohathite Levites using the staves, thereby preventing anyone from touching its holy surface directly. Such a transgression carried severe consequences, as tragically seen in the account of Uzzah in [2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6-7 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Error and Death").

**Who was Bezalel, and what was his role in constructing the Ark?**

Answer: Bezalel, son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, was the chief craftsman divinely chosen and supernaturally gifted by God's Spirit with skill, intelligence, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship ([Exodus 31:1-5](/exodus/31-1-5 "Exodus 31:1-5 - Bezalel's Divine Appointment")). His role was to oversee and execute the construction of the entire Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Ark of the Covenant, precisely according to the detailed blueprints God had given to Moses on Mount Sinai. He was empowered by God to faithfully translate the divine vision into physical reality.

**What was the primary symbolic significance of the Ark of the Covenant?**

Answer: The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, primarily symbolizing God's throne and His tangible, covenantal presence among His people. It served as the place where God communed with Moses from above the mercy seat ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Communication from the Mercy Seat")), and it housed the tablets of the Law (representing God's covenant and moral authority), a pot of manna (representing God's provision), and Aaron's staff that budded (representing God's divine authority and chosen leadership). It was the visible center of Israel's worship and identity, signifying God's active presence and leadership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Ark of the Covenant, with its staves ensuring its portability and sacred boundaries, powerfully prefigures the ultimate dwelling of God among humanity in Jesus Christ. While the Ark symbolized God's presence, it was a physical object, carried by human hands, and accessible only under strict conditions and by specific individuals. In Christ, God's presence is no longer confined to a box or a tent, but fully embodies humanity in the person of Jesus, the Word made flesh who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the true and eternal "mercy seat" ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")) through whom we now have direct access to God, not through ritual or physical proximity to an object, but through faith in His atoning sacrifice. The staves, signifying the Ark's constant readiness to move with Israel, foreshadow the omnipresent and unchanging nature of God's presence in Christ, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ the Same")). He is not carried by us, but He carries us, leading us as the Good Shepherd ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")) into the promised land of eternal life, fulfilling the portable presence of God in a personal, permanent, and saving way.

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.

Cross-References

Numbers 4:15

And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear [it]: but they shall not touch [any] holy thing, lest they die. These [things are] the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

2 Samuel 6:3

And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that [was] in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.

2 Samuel 6:7

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for [his] error; and there he died by the ark of God.

Numbers 1:50

But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that [belong] to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.