Exodus 37 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 He made the ark of acacia wood. Two cubits and a half was its length, a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height.
2 He overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold around it.
3 He cast four rings of gold for its four feet, two rings on its one side and two rings on its other side.
4 He made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold.
5 And he put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark.
6 He made the mercy seat of pure gold. Two cubits and a half was its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth.
7 And he made two cherubim of gold. He made them of hammered work on the two ends of the mercy seat,
8 He made the basin of bronze and its stand of bronze, from the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered in the entrance of the tent of meeting.
9 The cherubim spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat were the faces of the cherubim.
10 He made the table of acacia wood. Two cubits was its length, a cubit its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height.
11 He overlaid it with pure gold, its top and around its sides and its horns. And he made a molding of gold around it.
12 And he made for it a rim of a handbreadth all around, and made a molding of gold around the rim.
13 He cast four rings of gold for its four feet, two rings on its one side and two rings on its other side.
14 He made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold.
15 He also made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold to carry the table.
16 He also made the vessels of pure gold that were to be on the table, its plates and dishes for incense, and its bowls and flagons with which to pour drink offerings.
17 He also made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand of hammered work. Its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers were of one piece with it.
18 And six branches going out of its sides, three branches of the lampstand out of one side of it and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side of it;
19 Three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a calyx and a flower, and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a calyx and a flower—so for the six branches going out of the lampstand.
20 He also made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand of hammered work. Its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers were of one piece with it.
21 And he made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand of hammered work. Its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers were of one piece with it.
22 Their calyxes and their branches were of one piece with it.
23 He made its seven lamps and its tongs and its trays of pure gold.
24 He made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand of hammered work. Its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers were of one piece with it.
25 He made the altar of incense of acacia wood.
26 And he overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold around it.
27 And he made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the mercy seat.
28 He overlaid the cherubim with gold.
29 He made the holy anointing oil also, and the pure fragrant incense, blended as by the perfumer.

Artisans-meticulously-crafting-sacred-items-in-a-glowing-workshop-surrounded-by-reverence-and-focus_etqx

The True Meaning of Exodus 37

The Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible, is believed to have been written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. We witness the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred object that would play a crucial role in the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness in this chapter. God instructs the Israelites to build a tabernacle as they continue their exodus from Egypt, a portable sanctuary where He will dwell among them. The chapter details the meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating the Ark, which would serve as the centerpiece of this sacred space. This Ark, a symbol of God’s presence and the covenant He made with His people, would guide them through the challenges that lie ahead.

The chapter also mentions the creation of the mercy seat, the lid of the Ark, which would be the place where God would meet with Moses and communicate His will to the people. This foreshadows the pivotal moments when Moses would intercede on behalf of the Israelites, as seen in the book of Numbers, where he pleads for God’s mercy and forgiveness when the people rebel against Him.

Exodus 37:1-9

The construction of the Ark of the Covenant is the focus in Exodus 37:1-9. The Ark held great significance in the Israelite community as it represented the presence of God among his people.

Verse 1 starts with Bezalel, who was filled with the Spirit of God, being tasked with constructing the Ark. This is a reminder that God equips and empowers individuals for specific tasks, showcasing the importance of using our God-given talents and abilities for His glory.

Verse 2 mentions that Bezalel used pure gold to construct the Ark, symbolizing the purity and holiness of God. The use of gold highlights the preciousness and reverence with which the Israelites held the presence of God. This attention to detail in the construction of the Ark reflects the Israelites’ commitment to honoring God with the best of their skills and resources.

The Ark was to be made with specific dimensions (Verse 3), following the instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. This adherence to the divine instructions emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness in carrying out God’s commands. It also serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience is a key component.

Verses 4-5 mention the creation of the mercy seat, a cover for the Ark adorned with cherubim. The mercy seat was where God would meet and speak with Moses, symbolizing His presence and authority among His people. The cherubim, as angelic beings, further represent the holiness and majesty of God. This imagery points to the transcendent nature of God and His willingness to commune with His people in a way that honored His holiness. The poles used to carry the Ark are described in Verse 6. These poles were to remain in the rings of the Ark and were not to be removed. This practical detail ensured that the Ark, as a sacred object, was not to be touched by human hands. The poles also served as a reminder that the presence of God is to be carried and honored by His people as they journeyed through the wilderness. The construction of the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 37 serves as a powerful symbol of God’s presence, holiness, and faithfulness to His covenant with His people. It underscores the importance of obedience, reverence, and using our God-given talents for the glory of God. The details of the Ark’s construction point to the meticulous care and intentionality with which the Israelites approached their relationship with God, setting a precedent for future generations to honor and worship God with their whole hearts.

Exodus 37:10-16

The making of the Table for the Bread of the Presence, which was to be placed in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, is described in Exodus 37:10-16. Let’s break down this verse and explore its significance in the biblical narrative.

Verses 10-12 describe the crafting of the Table itself. It was made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold, and had a gold molding around it. This Table was a sacred piece of furniture within the Tabernacle, symbolizing God’s provision for His people. The Bread of the Presence, also known as the Showbread, was placed on this Table regularly as an offering to God. This bread represented the ongoing relationship between God and his people, symbolizing sustenance and communion with the divine.

The Table and the Bread of the Presence serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to provide for His people. Jesus refers to Himself as the Bread of Life in the New Testament (John 6:35), drawing parallels to the Bread of the Presence in the Tabernacle. Christ sustains believers spiritually, providing nourishment for our souls, just as the physical bread sustained the Israelites in the wilderness. This mirrors the idea that God’s provision is not only physical but also spiritual in nature. The utensils that were placed on the Table in verses 13-16 include plates, dishes, flagons, and bowls for the drink offerings. These were all made of pure gold, emphasizing the holiness and purity required in the service of God. The utensils were used in the sacrificial system of the Tabernacle, highlighting the importance of proper worship and reverence for God. Each of these utensils had a specific purpose and significance in the rituals conducted by the priests.

The meticulous details of the construction of the Table and its utensils demonstrate the Israelites’ commitment to honoring God through their worship. It teaches us the value of diligence and excellence in serving the Lord. We are called to offer our best to God in all aspects of our lives, just as we prepare the Table with care and precision. This passage emphasizes the importance of worship, obedience, and reliance on God’s provision in our spiritual journey. Exodus 37:10-16 underscores the theme of worship and provision in the context of the Tabernacle. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, His desire for communion with His people, and the significance of presenting our best to Him in worship. This narrative carries timeless lessons about dedication, obedience, and the spiritual nourishment that comes from being in relationship with God.

Exodus 37:17-24

Exodus 37:17-24 reads, “He made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand of hammered work; its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers were of one piece with it. And there were six branches going out of its sides, three branches of the lampstand out of one side of it and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side of it; three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on the other branch—so for the six branches going out of the lampstand. And on the lampstand itself were four cups made like almond blossoms, with their calyxes and flowers, and a calyx of one piece with it under each pair of the six branches going out of it. Their calyxes and their branches were of one piece with it. The whole of it was a single piece of hammered work of pure gold. And he made its seven lamps and its tongs and its trays of pure gold. He made it and all its utensils out of a talent of pure gold. Skilled craftsmanship and intricate details are witnessed in these verses from Exodus 37, showcasing the construction of the lampstand for the tabernacle. The lampstand, or menorah, was a symbol of light and illumination in the presence of God. It was made of pure gold, signifying purity and the divine nature of God’s light. The lampstand consisted of a central stem with six branches extending from it, each adorned with almond blossoms, cups, calyxes, and flowers all made from a single piece of gold.

The mention of almond blossoms is significant as almonds were the first tree in the land of Canaan to bloom. This symbolizes the life and resurrection that come with the light of God. The intricate design and unity of the lampstand speak to the unity and beauty found in God’s presence. Each element of the lampstand was carefully crafted and held symbolic meaning in its representation of God’s light and presence among His people.

The lampstand served as a constant source of light in the tabernacle, reminding the Israelites of God’s presence with them. Jesus in the New Testament is also referred to as the light of the world, further connecting the symbolism of light with God’s presence and salvation (John 8:12). Jesus illuminates our lives with truth and salvation, just as the lampstand illuminated the tabernacle. These verses overall emphasize the importance of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the symbolism behind the objects used in the worship of God. The intricate design of the lampstand not only served a practical purpose but also held deep spiritual significance, reminding the Israelites of God’s constant presence and guiding light in their midst.

Exodus 37:25-28

The construction of the golden altar of incense in the tabernacle is the focus in Exodus 37:25-28. Let’s break down this verse into important sections:

  1. “He made the altar of incense of acacia wood. Its length was a cubit and its breadth was a cubit. It was square, and two cubits was its height. Its horns were of one piece with it.”

Here, we see that the altar of incense was made of acacia wood. Acacia wood is known for its durability and symbolism of being incorruptible. This choice of material reflects the significance of the object it was used to create. The measurements and shape of the altar were precise, as instructed by God to Moses. The square shape can symbolize stability or balance, and the horns on the corners were likely used for hanging the incense.

  1. “And he overlaid it with pure gold, its top and around its sides and its horns. And he made a molding of gold around it.”

The altar was not only made of acacia wood but also overlaid with pure gold. The use of gold signifies the preciousness and holiness of this item. Gold is often associated with divinity and purity in the Bible. The meticulous attention to detail in overlaying the entirety of the altar with gold highlights the importance of this altar in the tabernacle.

  1. “And he made two rings of gold on it under its molding, on two opposite sides of it, as holders for the poles with which to carry it. And he made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold.”

The rings and poles mentioned here were used for transportation of the altar. The altar could be carried without directly touching the holy object by making the poles of acacia wood overlaid with gold. This handling was essential, as it emphasized the sacredness of the altar and prevented any potential desecration.

  1. “He made the holy anointing oil also, and the pure fragrant incense, blended as by the perfumer.”

This verse not only focuses on the physical construction of the altar but also mentions the holy anointing oil and fragrant incense. These items were integral to the worship practices in the tabernacle. The anointing oil was used to consecrate priests and sacred items, while the incense symbolized the prayers of the people rising up to God. The meticulous preparation of these items as described in this verse reflects the reverence and care with which the Israelites approached their worship.

The construction of the golden altar of incense in Exodus 37 carries numerous timeless messages. It underscores the importance of attention to detail and precision in fulfilling God’s instructions. This attention to detail conveys a message of reverence and obedience to God in all aspects of life. The use of materials like acacia wood and pure gold emphasizes the holiness and purity required in worshiping God.

The altar of incense and the items associated with it also point to deeper spiritual truths. For example, in Revelation 8:3-4, the incense is seen as a symbol of the prayers of the saints, showing that our prayers are a sweet fragrance before God. The anointing oil symbolizes the empowering and consecration of individuals for God’s work, as seen in the anointing of kings and priests throughout the Bible. The detailed account of the construction of the altar in Exodus 37 serves to remind us of the importance of reverence, obedience, and meticulous care in our worship and service to God. It also points us to the deeper spiritual significance of these physical objects in understanding the nature of our relationship with God.

Exodus 37:29

The perfumer made the sacred anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense as described in Exodus 37:29.” This verse describes the creation of the sacred anointing oil and the aromatic incense by Bezalel, the skilled craftsman chosen by God to construct the furnishings of the Tabernacle. The sacred anointing oil was used to consecrate the priests and the items within the Tabernacle, symbolizing being set apart for God’s service. The fragrance of the incense symbolized prayers ascending to God, as stated in Psalm 141:2, “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.”

The ingredients of the anointing oil and incense were specific and symbolic. The anointing oil contained myrrh, cinnamon, fragrant cane, and cassia, with olive oil as its base (Exodus 30:22-33). Each component had a symbolic meaning, such as myrrh representing bitterness and suffering, pointing to the suffering the Messiah would endure. The incense was a blend of spices, including frankincense, onycha, galbanum, and salt (Exodus 30:34-38), creating a fragrant offering to the Lord.

The process of creating these items required both skill and obedience to God’s commands. Bezalel’s craftsmanship in making the anointing oil and incense highlights the importance of offering our talents and abilities to God for His glory. It also emphasizes the significance of symbolic elements in worship and consecration, reminding us that our worship should be intentional and pleasing to God.

Furthermore, the anointing oil and incense are recurring themes throughout the Bible, signifying the presence of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus fulfills these symbols in the New Testament, being anointed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38) and described as the fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15). Therefore, Exodus 37:29 serves not only as a record of historical events but also as a foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Christ and the worship that believers are called to offer.

After Exodus 37

The craftsmen had completed the ark, the table, the lampstand, and the altar of incense, all according to the Lord’s instructions. They had worked with skill and precision, using the finest materials to create these sacred objects. The people of Israel gazed upon these holy items, filled with a sense of awe and reverence, knowing that these were not mere decorations, but symbols of the presence of the Almighty. The people were left with a deep understanding of the importance of obedience and attention to detail in the service of the Lord as the chapter drew to a close. They knew that the journey ahead would be filled with challenges, but they were strengthened by the knowledge that the Lord was with them, guiding their steps and providing for their needs. And as they turned the page, they were filled with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to face whatever lay ahead.