Exodus 37:15 - He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold, to carry the table.

Generated Verse: Exodus 37:15

What does "Exodus 37:15" mean?


Exodus 37:15 describes the creation of the carrying poles for the Table of Showbread, an important piece of furniture in the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary the Israelites used during their wanderings in the desert. Let's break down the meaning:

"He made the poles of acacia wood...": The poles were crafted from acacia wood, a strong and durable wood that was readily available in the Sinai desert. Acacia was a common material used for constructing the Tabernacle and its furnishings, signifying both practicality and sacredness.

"...and overlaid them with gold...": The acacia wood poles were completely covered (overlaid) with gold. This was a standard practice for many sacred objects in the Tabernacle. Gold symbolized purity, divinity, and the preciousness of God's presence. The overlaying served both to beautify and to protect the wood.

"...to carry the table.": These poles were specifically designed for transporting the Table of Showbread. The table held twelve loaves of bread, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel offering themselves to God. The poles, inserted through rings on the table, allowed the Levites to carry it during their travels, ensuring it was always with the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness.

In summary, the verse emphasizes:

The importance of transporting the Table of Showbread: The carrying poles were a practical necessity for moving the table during the Israelites' travels.
The sanctity of the Table: The use of gold highlights the sacred nature of the table and its symbolic representation of God's presence and provision for the Israelites.
Specific design and instruction: These details were crucial because the Tabernacle and its components were constructed according to God's precise instructions given to Moses. Everything had a specific purpose and meaning.

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