Exodus 25:13 - You shall make poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.

Generated Verse: Exodus 25:13

What does "Exodus 25:13" mean?


This verse from Exodus 25:13 is part of the instructions God gives Moses for building the Ark of the Covenant. Let's break down the meaning:

"You shall make poles of acacia wood..." Acacia wood was a durable and readily available material in the desert. The poles are meant to be used for carrying the Ark. This indicates that the Ark was meant to be portable.

"...and overlay them with gold." Overlaying the acacia wood with gold signifies the sacredness and preciousness of the Ark and its contents. Gold is a symbol of purity, royalty, and divine glory. This emphasizes the holiness and importance of the Ark.

In summary:

The verse instructs that carrying poles be made of acacia wood and covered with gold. This highlights both the practicality (using a strong wood for carrying) and the sacredness (overlaying with gold) of the Ark of the Covenant.

Symbolic Significance:

Some interpretations also see symbolic significance in these materials:

Acacia wood: Represents humanity. Strong but common.
Gold: Represents divinity or God's presence.

The combination suggests that humanity (the wood) is sanctified or made holy through its connection to God (the gold).

Importance in the Context of the Ark:

The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object for the Israelites. It housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments, a jar of manna, and Aaron's rod. These poles were essential for transporting the Ark without directly touching it, emphasizing its sanctity and preventing defilement. Touching the Ark without authorization was believed to have severe consequences.

Therefore, this verse is crucial for understanding the reverence and care with which the Ark of the Covenant was to be handled.

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