This verse is a very specific instruction given to Moses by God regarding the construction of a table that will be placed in the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary built by the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. Let's break it down:
"You shall make a table of acacia wood." This establishes the purpose and primary material. The table is to be built, and acacia wood is the chosen material. Acacia wood was a strong and durable wood readily available in the Sinai desert. It was valued for its resistance to decay and insects.
"Two cubits shall be its length, and a cubit its width, and one and a half cubits its height." This provides the precise dimensions. A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, roughly the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. Estimates vary, but it's generally accepted to be between 18 and 20 inches (45-50 cm). Based on this, the table dimensions would be approximately:
Length: 2 cubits = 36-40 inches (90-100 cm)
Width: 1 cubit = 18-20 inches (45-50 cm)
Height: 1.5 cubits = 27-30 inches (67.5-75 cm)
In summary, Exodus 25:23 is a directive to construct a rectangular table of specific dimensions using acacia wood. This table was an important component of the Tabernacle and served a particular function, likely as a place to display the "bread of the Presence" (also known as the showbread).
The details of the table's construction and purpose are further elaborated in the subsequent verses of Exodus 25. The specific dimensions and materials were divinely ordained and held symbolic significance within the context of the Israelites' worship.
This verse is a very specific instruction given to Moses by God regarding the construction of a table that will be placed in the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary built by the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. Let's break it down:
"You shall make a table of acacia wood." This establishes the purpose and primary material. The table is to be built, and acacia wood is the chosen material. Acacia wood was a strong and durable wood readily available in the Sinai desert. It was valued for its resistance to decay and insects.
"Two cubits shall be its length, and a cubit its width, and one and a half cubits its height." This provides the precise dimensions. A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, roughly the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. Estimates vary, but it's generally accepted to be between 18 and 20 inches (45-50 cm). Based on this, the table dimensions would be approximately:
Length: 2 cubits = 36-40 inches (90-100 cm)
Width: 1 cubit = 18-20 inches (45-50 cm)
Height: 1.5 cubits = 27-30 inches (67.5-75 cm)
In summary, Exodus 25:23 is a directive to construct a rectangular table of specific dimensions using acacia wood. This table was an important component of the Tabernacle and served a particular function, likely as a place to display the "bread of the Presence" (also known as the showbread).
The details of the table's construction and purpose are further elaborated in the subsequent verses of Exodus 25. The specific dimensions and materials were divinely ordained and held symbolic significance within the context of the Israelites' worship.