Exodus 37:1 kjv
And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:
Exodus 37:1 nkjv
Then Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits was its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height.
Exodus 37:1 niv
Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood?two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high.
Exodus 37:1 esv
Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood. Two cubits and a half was its length, a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height.
Exodus 37:1 nlt
Next Bezalel made the Ark of acacia wood ? a sacred chest 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high.
Exodus 37 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 25:10 | "They are to make an ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high." | The divine command for the Ark's construction, dimensions, and material. |
| Ex 31:2-3 | "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills." | Bezalel's divine appointment and empowerment. |
| Ex 35:30-32 | "Then Moses said to the Israelites, 'See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel... and has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding and with knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.'" | Reinforces Bezalel's selection and Spirit-filled ability. |
| Ex 40:20-21 | "He took the tablets of the covenant law and put them in the ark... Then he brought the ark into the Tabernacle..." | Moses placing the covenant tablets inside the completed Ark, signifying its purpose. |
| Deut 10:3-5 | "So I made an ark of acacia wood and cut out two stone tablets... And the Lord said to me, 'Put them in the ark.'" | Deuteronomic remembrance of the Ark and its purpose for the tablets. |
| Num 10:33 | "So they set out from the mount of the LORD on a three days' journey. The ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them..." | The Ark's role in leading Israel's journeys and symbolizing God's presence. |
| Josh 3:3 | "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it." | The Ark's pivotal role in crossing the Jordan River, signifying God's leading. |
| 1 Sam 4:3-4 | "Let us bring the ark of the LORD’s covenant from Shiloh... that it may save us from the hand of our enemies." | Israel's flawed understanding of the Ark as a magical charm without repentance. |
| 2 Sam 6:6-7 | "When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled... the LORD’s anger burned against Uzzah." | Emphasizes the Ark's holiness and the strict protocol for handling it. |
| 1 Ki 8:9 | "There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets that Moses had placed in it..." | Describes the contents of the Ark in Solomon's Temple, highlighting the Law. |
| Ps 132:8 | "Arise, LORD, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might." | The Ark as a symbol of God's powerful presence and His dwelling. |
| Isa 60:13 | "the glory of Lebanon will come to you... to adorn my sanctuary; and I will glorify the place of my feet." | While not explicit, connects with beautifying God's dwelling, foreshadowing greater glory. |
| Jer 3:16 | "In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land,' declares the LORD, 'people will no longer say, 'The ark of the covenant of the LORD.'' | Prophecy of a time when the Ark (literal symbol of presence) will no longer be central, implying a new form of God's presence. |
| Heb 9:3-5 | "Behind the second curtain was a tabernacle called the Most Holy Place, which had the gold-covered ark of the covenant..." | Describes the Ark's location and significance in the earthly Tabernacle as a type. |
| Heb 9:23-24 | "It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified... but the heavenly things themselves by better sacrifices." | Contrasts the earthly Tabernacle and its elements (like the Ark) with heavenly realities. |
| Heb 10:1-4 | "The law is only a shadow of the good things to come—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near." | Emphasizes the Old Covenant symbols, including the Ark, as shadows pointing to Christ. |
| John 1:14 | "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son..." | Connects with God's "dwelling among" His people, finding ultimate fulfillment in Christ's incarnation (σκηνόω - tabernacled). |
| 1 Cor 3:16 | "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?" | Believers as the new dwelling place of God's Spirit, transcending physical structures like the Tabernacle and Ark. |
| Rev 11:19 | "Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant." | Reveals a heavenly reality of the Ark, emphasizing the eternal covenant of God. |
| Rev 21:3 | "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.'" | The ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling, a new heaven and earth without a need for a literal Ark or temple. |
Exodus 37 verses
Exodus 37 1 Meaning
Exodus 37:1 states that Bezalel constructed the Ark of the Covenant, specifying its precise dimensions and the material used. This verse signifies the meticulous fulfillment of God's direct commands previously given to Moses (Ex 25:10-22) for the Tabernacle's most sacred object. It underscores obedience to divine blueprints, the craftsmanship guided by divine wisdom, and the immediate re-engagement with establishing God's dwelling presence among Israel after the Golden Calf incident.
Exodus 37 1 Context
Exodus 37:1 commences the practical fulfillment of the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, which were originally laid out in Exodus chapters 25-30. This immediate context follows the intense narratives of the Golden Calf idolatry (Ex 32) and God's renewed covenant with Israel after Moses' intercession (Ex 33-34). The emphasis shifts from transgression and divine anger to reconciliation, forgiveness, and the restoration of God's plan for dwelling among His people. The construction of the Tabernacle, beginning with the Ark, signifies God's renewed commitment to His presence and covenant, establishing the central place of worship and atonement necessary for a holy God to reside amidst an imperfect people. It underscores the transition from divine command to human action guided by the Spirit.
Exodus 37 1 Word analysis
- Bezalel (בְּצַלְאֵל, Betzalel): "In the shadow/protection of God." This name carries profound significance, implying that his skill and craftsmanship are not his own, but divinely inspired and enabled. He is literally operating under God's guidance and protection, perfectly suited for the task of constructing items meant for God's holy presence.
- made (וַיַּעַשׂ, vayya'as): This is a direct, active verb. The Hebrew verb "ʿāsâ" is used repeatedly in Exodus 36-39, emphasizing the precise execution of God's commands. It signifies that Bezalel and his team carried out exactly what was instructed, reinforcing the theme of faithful obedience.
- the ark (הָאָרֹן, ha'aron): The definite article "the" highlights its unique and preeminent status among all Tabernacle furnishings. The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred item, serving as the "footstool" or "throne" of God's invisible presence, the place where His glory would dwell.
- of acacia wood (עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים, atzei shittim): Acacia (or shittim) wood was readily available in the Sinai wilderness. It is known for its durability, hardness, and resistance to rot and insects, making it an excellent choice for a structure intended to endure harsh desert conditions and symbolize enduring covenant. Its specific mention indicates divine selection of material, symbolizing the need for the right materials in serving God.
- two and a half cubits was its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height. These precise dimensions (approx. 45 x 27 x 27 inches) emphasize the exactness of God's blueprint. The repetition from Exodus 25:10 stresses absolute adherence to divine instructions. This precision underlines that divine things are not left to human discretion but are based on exact divine revelation, demonstrating God's meticulous care and desire for order in worship.
- Bezalel made the ark: This phrase establishes human agency working in conjunction with divine inspiration. It sets the tone for the entire following section, focusing on the meticulous fulfillment of the divine blueprint.
- the ark of acacia wood: The combination specifies both the most sacred object and its humble, yet divinely designated, desert material. This blend of earthly elements forming a container for divine holiness speaks to God's presence dwelling within creation.
- its dimensions: The specific measurements convey God's exactness and demand for precise obedience. It symbolizes divine order and the fixed boundaries of holiness within which humans could approach God. This detail also provides the tangible reality of God's instructions.
Exodus 37 1 Bonus section
The order of construction, beginning with the Ark, is highly symbolic. In Exodus 25, God gives commands starting with the Ark; here, Bezalel's construction also begins with the Ark, signifying its ultimate importance as the dwelling place for the Tablets of the Covenant. This reinforces a theological principle that divine presence and covenant (represented by the Ark) are central to Israel's identity and worship before other aspects of the Tabernacle. The acacia wood, specifically adapted for the desert, also hints at God's design perfectly suiting the circumstances of His people, providing a sturdy and fitting vessel even in a nomadic existence.
Exodus 37 1 Commentary
Exodus 37:1 serves as the opening statement for the practical implementation of the Tabernacle construction. It immediately focuses on Bezalel, highlighting his pivotal role as the Spirit-filled craftsman commissioned by God. The meticulous re-statement of the Ark's material and dimensions from the original command (Ex 25:10) is not mere repetition; it powerfully conveys faithful obedience and exactness in executing divine instructions. This particular verse, commencing with the Ark, the very core of God's presence, symbolizes the renewal of the covenant and the priority God places on establishing His dwelling place among His people after the significant setback of the Golden Calf. It teaches that true worship and service involve meticulous adherence to God's revealed will, not human ingenuity.