TRV
Translation
King James Version
And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
He put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And put the barres in the rings by the sides of the Arke, to beare the Arke.
Young's Literal Translation
and he bringeth in the staves into the rings, by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.
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In the KJVVerse 2,610 of 31,102
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Commentary on Exodus 37 verses 1–9
1 ¶ And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:
2 And he overlaid it with pure gold within and without, and made a crown of gold to it round about.
3 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.
4 And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.
5 And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.
6 And he made the mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half was the length thereof, and one cubit and a half the breadth thereof.
7 And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;
8 One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side: out of the mercy seat made he the cherubims on the two ends thereof.
9 And the cherubims spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims.
I. It may be thought strange that Moses, when he had recorded so fully the instructions given him upon the mount for the making of all these things, should here record as particularly the making of them, when it might have sufficed only to have said, in a few words, that each of these things was made exactly according to the directions before recited. We are sure that Moses, when he wrote by divine inspiration, used no vain repetitions; there are no idle words in scripture. Why then are so many chapters taken up with this narrative, which we are tempted to think needless and tedious? But we must consider, 1. That Moses wrote primarily for the people of Israel, to whom it would be of great use to read and hear often of these divine and sacred treasures with which they were entrusted. These several ornaments wherewith the tabernacle was furnished they were not admitted to see, but the priests only, and therefore it was requisite that they should be thus largely described particularly to them. That which they ought to read again (lest they should fail of doing it) is written again and again: thus many of the same passages of the history of Christ are in the New Testament related by two or three, and some by four of the evangelists, for the same reason. The great things of God's law and gospel we need to have inculcated upon us again and again. To write the same (says St. Paul) to me is not grievous, but for you it is safe, Phi 3:1. 2. Moses would thus show the great care which he and his workmen took to make every thing exactly according to the pattern shown him in the mount. Having before given us the original, he here givers us the copy, that we may compare them, and observe how exactly they agree. Thus he appeals to every reader concerning his fidelity to him that appointed him, in all his house, and in all the particulars of it, Heb 3:5. And thus he teaches us to have respect to all God's commandments, even to every iota and tittle of them. 3. It is intimated hereby that God takes delight in the sincere obedience of his people, and keeps an exact account of it, which shall be produced to their honour in the resurrection of the just. None can be so punctual in their duty, but God will be as punctual in his notices of it. He is not unrighteous to forget the work and labour of love, in any instance of it, Heb 6:10. 4. The spiritual riches and beauties of the gospel tabernacle are hereby recommended to our frequent and serious consideration. Go walk about this Zion, view it and review it: the more you contemplate the glories of the church, the more you will admire them and be in love with them. The charter of its privileges, and the account of its constitution, will very well bear a second reading.
II. In these verses we have an account of the making of the ark, with its glorious and most significant appurtenances, the mercy-seat and the cherubim. Consider these three together, and they represent the glory of a holy god, the sincerity of a holy heart, and the communion that is between them, in and by a Mediator. 1. It is the glory of a holy god that he dwells between the cherubim; that is, is continually attended and adored by the blessed angels, whose swiftness was signified by their faces being one towards another. 2. It is the character of an upright heart that, like the ark of the testimony, it has the law of God hid and kept in it. 3. By Jesus Christ, the great propitiation, there is reconciliation made, and a communion settled, between us and God: he interposes between us and God's displeasure; and not only so, but through him we become entitled to God's favour. If he write his law in our heart, he will be to us a God and we shall be to him a people. From the mercy-seat he will teach us, there he will accept us, and show himself merciful to our unrighteousness; and under the shadow of his wings we shall be safe and easy.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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. Following the call for skilled craftsmen and the collection of materials in Exodus 35, Bezalel and Oholiab, divinely gifted artisans, meticulously construct each component. Exodus 37 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. The command for the staves to remain permanently in the rings, as specified in Exodus 25:15, 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.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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.
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). 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), 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). He is the true and eternal "mercy seat" (Romans 3:25) 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). He is not carried by us, but He carries us, leading us as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) into the promised land of eternal life, fulfilling the portable presence of God in a personal, permanent, and saving way.