Exodus 25:28 kjv

And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.

Exodus 25:28 nkjv

And you shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them.

Exodus 25:28 niv

Make the poles of acacia wood, overlay them with gold and carry the table with them.

Exodus 25:28 esv

You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, and the table shall be carried with these.

Exodus 25:28 nlt

Make these poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.

Exodus 25 verses

Exodus 25 28 Meaning

Exodus 25:28 precisely instructs that the staves, or carrying poles, for the Table of Showbread are to be fashioned from durable acacia wood and then completely covered, or overlaid, with pure gold. This command emphasizes the meticulous nature of God's design for the Tabernacle furnishings, ensuring both functionality for transport and ultimate holiness appropriate for objects serving His divine presence.

Exodus 25 28 Context

Exodus 25:28 is a specific directive within God's comprehensive instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai for the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings. The verse directly follows the command in verse 27 to attach rings to the corners of the Table of Showbread, providing the practical means by which the staves are to be utilized.

The broader chapter, Exodus 25, outlines the initial details for building God's sanctuary, starting with the Ark of the Covenant, followed by the Table of Showbread (verses 23-30), and subsequently the Golden Lampstand. The emphasis throughout this chapter and indeed the entirety of the Tabernacle account (Exod 25-31; 35-40) is on divine precision. God dictates every material, dimension, and method, reinforcing that the Tabernacle is His dwelling place among His people, crafted according to His holy nature.

Historically and culturally, the Israelites were nomadic at this time, recently delivered from Egyptian bondage and journeying through the desert. A portable sanctuary was essential for a traveling people. While pagan cultures often created magnificent temples, the Tabernacle's design, mobility, and the very specific nature of its construction stood in stark contrast to their idolatrous practices. The Tabernacle, with its carefully designated and consecrated components, provided a central place for YHWH's worship, separating Israel's true worship from the surrounding polytheism and chaotic deities. The use of acacia wood, indigenous to the desert, showcased God's provision even in arid conditions, while the abundant gold spoke of His majesty and the unparalleled value of His holy presence.

Exodus 25 28 Word analysis

• וְצִפִּיתָ (və·tsippîṯā) - And thou shalt overlay: From the Hebrew verb tsaphah (צָפָה), meaning "to overlay," "to cover," or "to plate." This indicates a complete, thorough covering, not merely a veneer. It signifies dedication, protection, and transformation of the underlying material.
• אֹתָם (ʾōṯām) - them: Refers directly to the staves or poles mentioned, indicating that the command applies to these specific components.
• זָהָב (zāhāḇ) - gold: This Hebrew word signifies gold in its purest form. In the Bible, gold consistently symbolizes divine nature, purity, holiness, glory, value, royalty, and perfection. Its incorruptible nature speaks of God's immutability and the permanence of His covenant and presence.
• וְעָשִׂיתָ (wə·ʿāśîṯā) - and thou shalt make: From the common Hebrew verb ʿasah (עָשָׂה), meaning "to do," "to make," or "to perform." A direct command to construct the item.
• אֶת-בַּדֵּיהֶם (ʾeṯ-baddêhem) - their staves/poles: The Hebrew term bad (בַּד) specifically refers to staves or poles for carrying, often associated with liturgical implements in the Tabernacle. These staves were crucial for the safe and reverent transport of the holy furnishings, ensuring no one touched the sacred objects directly.
• עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים (ʿaṣê šiṭṭîm) - of shittim wood / acacia wood: ʿaṣê (from ʿetz) means "wood of," and šiṭṭîm refers to acacia wood (likely Acacia seyal or Acacia tortilis), prevalent in the Sinai Peninsula. Acacia wood is known for its hardness, durability, resistance to decay, and fine grain, making it ideal for construction in a desert environment. Spiritually, wood, being from the earth, often represents humanity or natural substance, especially in conjunction with the divine covering.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And thou shalt overlay them with gold... and overlay them with gold." The explicit repetition of the instruction to overlay with gold emphasizes the paramount importance of the golden covering. This repetition underscores divine insistence on the item's sacredness and God's exactness in design. It signifies that nothing earthly associated with His dwelling is to remain unconsecrated or unpurified, highlighting a pervasive theme of glorifying and honoring God.
• "And make their staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold." This phrase meticulously details the construction method and materials. The combination of "shittim wood" (human, earthly) and "gold" (divine, heavenly) is a significant pattern found throughout the Tabernacle construction. It illustrates how the natural, common, yet sturdy, is elevated and consecrated by the divine. The wood provided the necessary strength and substance, while the gold imbued it with sacredness and glory. These staves, essential for carrying the Table, thus signify the portable, consecrated, and divinely appointed means by which God's presence and provisions (represented by the Table) move among His people on their journey.

Exodus 25 28 Bonus section

• The requirement for the staves to be permanently in the rings of the Ark (Exod 25:15), a principle likely extended to other items, meant that the Tabernacle furnishings were perpetually ready for movement. This conveyed the message that God was ever-present with His people and His plan for them involved journeying and readiness, not static settlement.
• The vast amount of gold used throughout the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including these staves, reflected the immense value and honor bestowed upon God's dwelling place. It was a visible manifestation of Israel's wealth, but more importantly, their obedient and sacrificial devotion to the One True God.
• The very act of moving these heavy, sacred objects, facilitated by the gold-covered staves, underscored the seriousness of ministering before the Lord and the designated roles within the Levitical priesthood (as elaborated in Numbers, for instance). Touching the holy items directly without proper authorization could result in death, reinforcing the profound sanctity maintained by these carrying poles.

Exodus 25 28 Commentary

Exodus 25:28 is a microcosm of the Tabernacle's design philosophy: combining practical functionality with profound sacredness through precise divine command. The staves of the Table of Showbread, like those of the Ark, were indispensable for mobility, ensuring that God's provision and presence (signified by the bread on the table) could always accompany Israel in their wilderness journey. The instruction for acacia wood testifies to God's wise choice of durable, locally available materials, making it a sustainable yet sturdy base. The critical element, however, is the complete golden overlay. This covering elevates the common wood to sacred status, symbolizing God's glory, holiness, and purity.

The gold effectively hid the underlying wood, signifying that the Tabernacle and its contents were consecrated and wholly set apart for God. Nothing associated with the Lord's presence was to be plain or defiled. This verse, therefore, embodies principles of divine consecration, precision, and the joining of the earthly with the heavenly. It points to the truth that all service rendered to God must be in purity and dedicated by His own standards.