Exodus 25:27 kjv
Over against the border shall the rings be for places of the staves to bear the table.
Exodus 25:27 nkjv
The rings shall be close to the frame, as holders for the poles to bear the table.
Exodus 25:27 niv
The rings are to be close to the rim to hold the poles used in carrying the table.
Exodus 25:27 esv
Close to the frame the rings shall lie, as holders for the poles to carry the table.
Exodus 25:27 nlt
Attach the rings near the border to hold the poles that are used to carry the table.
Exodus 25 27 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 25:12 | "You shall cast four rings of gold for it...on its four feet." | Precursor: other rings for ark. |
| Ex 25:14 | "And you shall put the poles into the rings..." | Direct continuation: purpose of poles and rings. |
| Ex 25:15 | "The poles shall remain in the rings of the ark; they shall not be taken from it." | Crucial command: permanent attachment for transport readiness & holiness. |
| Ex 30:4 | "...two rings below its molding on two opposite sides...for poles to carry it." | Similar instruction for Incense Altar. |
| Ex 37:4 | "And he cast for it four rings of gold...on its four feet." | Fulfillment of command during construction of Ark. |
| Ex 37:5 | "And he put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to carry the ark." | Fulfillment of command during construction. |
| Num 3:30-31 | "...charge of the ark...its poles..." | Assignment of duties to Kohathites. |
| Num 4:5-6 | "When the camp is to set out...cover the ark of the testimony with a veil..." | Procedure for carrying the Ark, showing its high regard. |
| Num 4:15 | "And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary...the Kohathites shall come to carry these..." | Kohathites responsible for carrying the sacred furniture. |
| Num 7:9 | "But he did not give any to the sons of Kohath, because theirs was the service of the holy things, which had to be carried on their shoulders." | Reiteration that the Ark must be shoulder-carried, not carted. |
| Num 10:33 | "So they set out from the mount of the LORD...with the ark of the covenant of the LORD going before them..." | Ark as symbol of God's leading during wilderness journeys. |
| Deut 10:8 | "At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi...to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD..." | Levites ordained to carry the Ark. |
| Josh 3:3 | "...when you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD...you are to set out from your place and go after it." | Ark leading Israel through Jordan, symbolizing God's presence and power. |
| Judg 20:27 | "...for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days..." | Ark's presence signifies God's involvement in war. |
| 1 Sam 4:4 | "...they sent to Shiloh and brought from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts..." | Ark taken into battle (improperly) but still emphasizing its holiness. |
| 2 Sam 6:6-7 | "And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand...for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the LORD was kindled..." | Consequence of disregarding divine instructions for handling the Ark. |
| 1 Chr 13:9-10 | (Similar account of Uzzah) | Emphasizes holiness and consequences of improper handling. |
| 1 Chr 15:2 | "Then David said, 'No one is to carry the ark of God but the Levites..." | David's correction to proper biblical procedure. |
| 1 Chr 15:15 | "And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the LORD." | Proper execution of the carrying command. |
| Heb 8:5 | "...who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was warned: 'See that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.'" | Reinforces the importance of precise divine instruction for Tabernacle (including Ark). |
| Heb 9:4 | "...the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn..." | Confirms the golden construction of the Ark. |
Exodus 25 verses
Exodus 25 27 Meaning
Exodus 25:27 instructs the placement of two gold rings on opposite sides of the Ark of the Covenant, specifying that these rings serve as the appointed and permanent receptacles for the poles, which are explicitly designed for carrying the Ark. This meticulous divine instruction ensures the Ark’s sacredness is maintained and it is always prepared for movement, never to be directly touched by human hands.
Exodus 25 27 Context
Exodus 25 details God’s meticulous instructions to Moses concerning the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, specifically beginning with the Ark of the Covenant. This chapter outlines the dimensions, materials, and precise design elements for these holy objects. The Ark, being the central and most sacred piece of furniture within the Tabernacle, housing the tablets of the Covenant, represented God's direct presence among His people. The commands for its construction emphasize the Ark's holiness and portability. Verse 27, in particular, focuses on the means by which the Ark was to be carried, underscoring its readiness for movement alongside the wandering Israelites and reinforcing the reverence required when handling such a holy object, preventing any direct contact.
Exodus 25 27 Word analysis
And (וְ - ve): A simple conjunction, connecting this specific instruction to the previous ones regarding the Ark’s form and embellishments. It signifies continuity in God's precise blueprint.
two rings (שְׁתֵּי טַבָּעוֹת - sh'tê ṭabba‘ōṯ): "Two" indicates specific quantity, implying symmetry and balance in carrying. Ṭabba‘ōṯ refers to literal "rings," designed to be distinct from mere ornamentation, serving a crucial functional purpose. These would be made of gold, as per the material standard for the Ark’s construction.
shall be (תִּהְיֶיןָ - tihyeinah): A jussive form of the verb "to be," conveying a divine command or instruction that is to be strictly followed. It carries the weight of God's authoritative design.
on the two sides of it (עַל שְׁתֵּי צִדָּיו - ‘al sh'tê ṣiddâw): Specifies exact placement—not just anywhere, but precisely "on its two sides." Ṣiddâw means "its side" or "its flanks," referring to the broader or longer edges of the rectangular Ark, ensuring proper balance when lifted. This denotes careful, divinely appointed precision.
for places (לְבָתִּים - lᵊbātîm): Literally means "for houses" or "for receptacles/sockets." This term implies more than just rings; it suggests purpose-built fittings, specifically shaped to house and secure the poles. It speaks of a designed 'dwelling' or secure resting place for the poles, making their connection robust and enduring.
for the poles (לַבַּדִּים - labaddîm): Identifies the specific object the rings are intended for: baddîm (poles). These were long, specific pieces of wood (acacia, overlaid with gold) designed solely for carrying sacred objects, preventing direct human contact.
to bear it (לָשֵׂאת אֹתוֹ - lāśēṯ ’ōṯō): The ultimate purpose. Lāśēṯ means "to carry" or "to lift." The emphasis is on mobility and portability. This phrase makes clear that the entire design (rings, poles) serves the function of allowing the Ark to be moved according to God's lead.
"two rings shall be on the two sides of it": This grouping highlights the precision and symmetry in God's design. The placement ensures the Ark could be balanced and carried safely and reverently. It implies an exact blueprint, leaving no room for human alteration or arbitrary placement.
"for places for the poles": This phrase underlines the dedicated and integral nature of these rings. They are not decorative, but functional receptacles designed explicitly to house the carrying poles. The 'places' emphasize their fixed and enduring role.
"to bear it": This final phrase crystallizes the practical and theological purpose of the rings and poles – the sacred object's transportation. It ties all the preceding design elements back to the core function of carrying the holy Ark, reinforcing its mobile nature alongside God’s journeying people.
Exodus 25 27 Bonus section
The command regarding the rings and poles, particularly the perpetual presence of the poles (Ex 25:15), is a direct refutation of any notion that the Ark was stationary or that its movement was subject to human convenience. It was always poised for the divine leading. This served as a constant reminder that God’s presence was dynamic, moving with His people, rather than being confined to a fixed location as in surrounding pagan religions. The Uzzah incident (2 Sam 6:6-7; 1 Chr 13:9-10) later dramatically demonstrated the grave consequences of disregarding these seemingly minor but profoundly significant divine instructions for handling sacred things, reinforcing that the method of carrying was not just practical but profoundly spiritual and obedient.
Exodus 25 27 Commentary
Exodus 25:27, though seemingly a minor detail in the overall construction of the Tabernacle, is profoundly significant. It exemplifies God's demand for meticulous obedience and highlights the absolute holiness of the Ark of the Covenant. The precise instruction for rings to serve as "places for the poles to bear it" not only ensured the Ark's mobility throughout Israel's wilderness wanderings but, crucially, mandated that it never be touched directly by human hands. This safeguard reinforced the profound reverence due to God’s presence and commands. The Ark was to be carried on the shoulders of consecrated Levites, distinguishing it from pagan idols that might be wheeled on carts. The command in Ex 25:15, that the poles were never to be removed from the rings, underscores that the Ark was always to be ready to move, signaling God's dynamic presence and active leadership among His people. This detail illustrates God's sovereignty and His demand for a worship environment designed and conducted precisely according to His revealed will, not human convenience or ingenuity. It foreshadows the need for correct approaches to God's presence, culminating in Christ who bridges the gap and enables believers to approach God (Heb 4:16, 10:19-20), while still upholding God's holiness.