Exodus 37:5

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Exodus 37:5 describes a precise detail in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, a central piece of furniture in the Tabernacle. This verse highlights the meticulous adherence of Bezalel, the chief craftsman, to God's divine blueprints for the sacred items.

Context

This verse is part of the extensive description of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically detailing the creation of the Ark of the Covenant, which housed the tables of the law. Following the divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (recorded in Exodus 25), Bezalel and his team faithfully executed every detail. The Ark was not merely a container; it was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's throne and His presence among His people. The staves mentioned here were essential for its portability during Israel's wilderness journeys.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to Divine Command: Bezalel's actions demonstrate unwavering obedience to God's specific and intricate instructions. Every detail, down to the placement of the staves, was divinely ordained, underscoring the importance of following God's will precisely.
  • Portability of God's Presence: The staves were designed to allow the priests to carry the Ark, ensuring that God's presence could accompany the Israelites throughout their travels. This symbolized that God was not confined to a single location but journeyed with His people, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Numbers 10:33).
  • Holiness and Reverence: The Ark was so holy that it was forbidden to touch it directly. The staves provided the necessary means for transport without anyone laying hands on the Ark itself, emphasizing its sacredness and the reverence due to God's dwelling place. The staves were even commanded to remain permanently in the rings, signifying that the Ark was always ready to move, and always set apart.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "staves" is baddim (ื‘ึทึผื“ึดึผื™ื), referring to carrying poles. The term for "rings" is tabba'ot (ื˜ึทื‘ึธึผืขึนืช). The detailed instruction for these elements in Exodus 25:14-15 specifies that the staves were to be made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, just like the Ark itself. Their permanent insertion into the rings underscored the Ark's unique nature and its readiness for transit, reinforcing the idea of God's dynamic presence with His people.

Practical Application

This verse, while seemingly a minor detail in the construction narrative, offers significant lessons for believers today. It reminds us of:

  1. The Importance of Detail in Obedience: God cares about the specifics. Our walk with Him should reflect careful attention to His commands, not just general intentions.
  2. God's Presence is Dynamic: Just as the Ark was portable, God's presence is not confined to church buildings or specific places. He desires to journey with us in every aspect of our lives, offering guidance and protection.
  3. Reverence for God: The extreme care taken with the Ark teaches us to approach God and His Word with profound reverence and respect, recognizing His holiness and majesty.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 4:15 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.