Exodus 37
Exodus 37 describes the process by which the furnishings of the tabernacle were actually made. This chapter explains in detail how important sacred items dedicated to God, such as the ark of the covenant, the table, the lampstand, and the altar of incense, were produced. In particular, Bezalel appears as the central figure who makes all these furnishings with the wisdom God gave him. Through this, you can confirm that although each furnishing of the tabernacle was made through human hands, its starting point and method were all based on the word given by God.
1verseBezalel made the ark of acacia wood. Its length was two and a half cubits, and its width a cubit and a half, and a cubit and a half its height.
2verseHe overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold for it around it.
3verseHe cast four rings of gold for it in its four feet—two rings on its one side, and two rings on its other side.
4verseHe made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold.
5verseHe put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.
6verseHe made a mercy seat of pure gold. Its length was two and a half cubits, and a cubit and a half its width.
7verseHe made two cherubim of gold. He made them of beaten work, at the two ends of the mercy seat:
8verseone cherub at the one end, and one cherub at the other end. He made the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat at its two ends.
9verseThe cherubim spread out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward one another. The faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.
10verseHe made the table of acacia wood. Its length was two cubits, and its width was a cubit, and its height was a cubit and a half.
11verseHe overlaid it with pure gold, and made a gold molding around it.
12verseHe made a border of a hand’s width around it, and made a golden molding on its border around it.
13verseHe cast four rings of gold for it, and put the rings in the four corners that were on its four feet.
14verseThe rings were close by the border, the places for the poles to carry the table.
15verseHe made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold, to carry the table.
16verseHe made the vessels which were on the table, its dishes, its spoons, its bowls, and its pitchers with which to pour out, of pure gold.
17verseHe made the lamp stand of pure gold. He made the lamp stand of beaten work. Its base, its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers were of one piece with it.
18verseThere were six branches going out of its sides: three branches of the lamp stand out of its one side, and three branches of the lamp stand out of its other side:
19versethree cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower, and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower; so for the six branches going out of the lamp stand.
20verseIn the lamp stand were four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers;
21verseand a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, for the six branches going out of it.
22verseTheir buds and their branches were of one piece with it. The whole thing was one beaten work of pure gold.
23verseHe made its seven lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuff dishes, of pure gold.
24verseHe made it of a talent of pure gold, with all its vessels.
25verseHe made the altar of incense of acacia wood. It was square: its length was a cubit, and its width a cubit. Its height was two cubits. Its horns were of one piece with it.
26verseHe overlaid it with pure gold: its top, its sides around it, and its horns. He made a gold molding around it.
27verseHe made two golden rings for it under its molding crown, on its two ribs, on its two sides, for places for poles with which to carry it.
28verseHe made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold.
29verseHe made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, after the art of the perfumer.
Making the Ark of the Covenant (Verses 1–9)
The ark of the covenant was placed in the innermost part of the Most Holy Place as a symbol of the covenant between God and the people of Israel. It was made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold inside and out, surrounded with a gold molding, and fitted with rings and poles for carrying. The mercy seat and the two cherubim were made of pure gold and placed above the ark. Together, these elements symbolize God’s presence and holiness, making the ark a central furnishing in Israel’s relationship with God.
Making the Table of the Bread of the Presence, the Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense (Verses 10–29)
- Table of the Bread of the Presence (verses 10–16): A table is made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold, and fitted with rings and poles so it can be carried. Its bowls, dishes, jars, and other utensils are also made of pure gold.
- Lampstand (verses 17–24): The lampstand is made of pure gold, hammered as one piece with its base, shaft, branches, cups, buds, and blossoms. It gives light in the sanctuary and points to God’s presence among Israel.
- Altar of incense (verses 25–29): The altar of incense is made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It is used for burning incense before the Lord, symbolizing fellowship with God and the prayers of His people.
The Meaning in the Structure and Flow
A distinctive feature of the structure of this chapter is that it records, step by step and in sequence, the process of making the furnishings according to God’s command. Each furnishing is not merely a simple “tool,” but has its own unique meaning that symbolizes a meeting with God and a holy life for the people. The detailed methods of construction and materials reveal God’s holiness and show respect and reverence for his presence. There is an emphasis that everything was carried out according to the design God provided.
Meditation Points
- Because even small parts and details were made in obedience to God’s will, you can meditate on how important it is to have an attitude that respects even the details of God’s word in our own lives.
- Take time to think deeply about God’s work accomplished through human hands, and about God’s presence and holiness at the center of it.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- In your daily life and in the place of service, take a moment to check how faithfully you are following the standards and intentions God wants for you.
- Also, set aside time to think about whether there are specific areas you should apply regarding reverence for God, careful obedience, and carrying out your role within the community.
