Exodus 37

Exodus 37 continues the description of the construction of the Tabernacle’s furnishings, specifically focusing on the making of the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense. Bezalel, the skilled craftsman chosen by God, carries out the precise instructions given to Moses, ensuring that every detail reflects God's design for the holy sanctuary. The chapter emphasizes the meticulous craftsmanship and obedience required to build a space that would house God's presence among His people.

Exodus 37:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Then Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits was its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height.
2 He overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold all around it.
3 And he cast for it four rings of gold to be set in its four corners: two rings on one side, and two rings on the other side.

Bezalel begins constructing the Ark of the Covenant, following the exact specifications given to Moses. The use of acacia wood, known for its durability, symbolizes strength and endurance. The overlay of pure gold signifies the Ark's holiness and the divine presence of God that it would carry. The four gold rings were crafted to hold poles, making the Ark portable, as it would accompany Israel on their journey through the wilderness. This detail highlights the importance of the Ark and the sacred reverence with which it was to be treated.

Exodus 37:4-5 (NKJV)
4 He made poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold.
5 And he put the poles into the rings at the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.

Bezalel makes the poles from the same acacia wood, overlaid with gold, symbolizing both the strength and sanctity of the materials used for transporting the Ark. The poles were inserted into the rings, allowing the Ark to be carried without being touched directly, showing the sacredness of God’s dwelling place. The poles were a permanent feature, ensuring that the Ark could be safely and reverently transported.

Exodus 37:6-9 (NKJV)
6 He also made the mercy seat of pure gold; two and a half cubits was its length and a cubit and a half its width.
7 He made two cherubim of beaten gold; he made them of one piece at the two ends of the mercy seat:
8 one cherub at one end on this side, and the other cherub at the other end on that side. He made the cherubim at the two ends of one piece with the mercy seat.
9 The cherubim spread out their wings above, and covered the mercy seat with their wings. They faced one another; the faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.

The mercy seat, crafted entirely of pure gold, represents the place of God’s divine presence and mercy, where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of atonement. The cherubim, symbolic of heavenly beings, were formed as part of the mercy seat, with their wings outstretched in reverence and protection. Their faces directed toward the mercy seat emphasizes the centrality of God’s mercy and His willingness to dwell among His people. The imagery here points to the Ark as a direct connection between heaven and earth, a sacred place where God would meet with Moses and the people of Israel.

Exodus 37:10-12 (NKJV)
10 He made the table of acacia wood; two cubits was its length, a cubit its width, and a cubit and a half its height.
11 And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made a molding of gold all around it.
12 Also he made a frame of a handbreadth all around it, and made a molding of gold for the frame all around it.

Bezalel constructs the Table of Showbread from acacia wood, following the same principle of durability and sanctity as seen in the Ark. The table, like the Ark, is overlaid with gold, signifying its holy purpose within the Tabernacle. The molding of gold and the frame add both beauty and function, emphasizing the sacredness of this object, which would hold the bread of the Presence, symbolizing God’s provision for His people.

Exodus 37:13-16 (NKJV)
13 And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings on the four corners that were at its four legs.
14 The rings were close to the frame, as holders for the poles to bear the table.
15 And he made the poles of acacia wood to bear the table, and overlaid them with gold.
16 He made of pure gold the utensils which were on the table: its dishes, its cups, its bowls, and its pitchers for pouring.

The construction of the Table of Showbread mirrors the design of the Ark in that it also has rings and poles for carrying, showing that it too was sacred and should not be touched directly. The utensils made of pure gold—dishes, cups, and pitchers—further highlight the sacredness of the service conducted within the Tabernacle. Every element was crafted with care and reverence, reminding the people of the holiness required in their worship.

Exodus 37:17-20 (NKJV)
17 He also made the lampstand of pure gold; of hammered work he made the lampstand. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and its flowers were of the same piece.
18 And six branches came out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side.
19 There were three bowls made like almond blossoms on one branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower, and three bowls made like almond blossoms on the other branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower—and so for the six branches coming out of the lampstand.
20 And on the lampstand itself were four bowls made like almond blossoms, each with its ornamental knob and flower.

The lampstand, made from a single piece of pure gold, is described as a work of artistry. The almond blossoms symbolize life and light, reinforcing the purpose of the lampstand to provide light in the Holy Place. The intricate design points to the beauty and glory of God's sanctuary, where everything was created to reflect His divine presence. The light from the lampstand symbolized God’s guidance and presence, illuminating the sacred space of worship.

Exodus 37:21-22 (NKJV)
21 There was a knob under the first two branches of the same, a knob under the second two branches of the same, and a knob under the third two branches of the same, according to the six branches extending from it.
22 Their knobs and their branches were of one piece; all of it was one hammered piece of pure gold.

This description of the lampstand's design emphasizes unity, as the branches and knobs were all part of one solid piece of gold. The oneness of the lampstand symbolizes the unity and completeness of God’s design for worship. The detailed craftsmanship reflects the care and devotion required in creating a sacred space for God’s presence.

Exodus 37:23-24 (NKJV)
23 And he made its seven lamps, its wick-trimmers, and its trays of pure gold.
24 Of a talent of pure gold he made it, with all its utensils.

The seven lamps represent completeness and the perfection of God’s light. The inclusion of the wick-trimmers and trays demonstrates the practical care needed to maintain the light, symbolizing the constant attention required to keep God’s presence central in worship. The use of an entire talent of pure gold underscores the preciousness and holiness of the lampstand, reflecting the value placed on the light of God’s presence.

Exodus 37:25-28 (NKJV)
25 He made the incense altar of acacia wood. Its length was a cubit and its width a cubit—it was square—and two cubits was its height. Its horns were of one piece with it.
26 And he overlaid it with pure gold: its top, its sides all around, and its horns. He also made a molding of gold all around it.
27 He made two rings of gold for it under its molding, by its two corners on both sides, as holders for the poles with which to bear it.
28 And he made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold.

The incense altar, constructed of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, was used for burning fragrant incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising to God. The horns on the altar, part of the same piece of wood, represent strength and power in God's service. Like the Ark and the table, the altar was designed to be portable, reflecting its importance as an integral part of the worship within the Tabernacle. The entire structure was covered in gold, showing its holiness and set-apart purpose.

Exodus 37:29 (NKJV)
29 He also made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the perfumer.

The holy anointing oil and incense were prepared following specific instructions, using fragrant spices and precise methods. These were not just ordinary items; they were sacred substances used to consecrate the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests. The work of the perfumer reflects the care and skill required to create the perfect blend, symbolizing the sanctity of God's presence and the prayers of His people. The fragrance of the incense was a reminder of the worship and devotion that should accompany every act of service in the Tabernacle.