Exodus 37 10

Exodus 37:10 kjv

And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof:

Exodus 37:10 nkjv

He made the table of acacia wood; two cubits was its length, a cubit its width, and a cubit and a half its height.

Exodus 37:10 niv

They made the table of acacia wood?two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high.

Exodus 37:10 esv

He also made the table of acacia wood. Two cubits was its length, a cubit its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height.

Exodus 37:10 nlt

Then Bezalel made the table of acacia wood, 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 27 inches high.

Exodus 37 verses

Exodus 37 10 Meaning

Exodus 37:10 describes the meticulous creation of the Table of Showbread for the Tabernacle. It details the precise dimensions of this sacred piece of furniture: two cubits in length, one cubit in width, and one and a half cubits in height. This craftsmanship was executed by Bezalel, divinely empowered with wisdom and skill, in perfect adherence to God's explicit instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, underscoring the divine blueprint for every aspect of God's dwelling place and the worship conducted therein.

Exodus 37 10 Context

Exodus chapters 35-40 detail the execution of God's instructions for building the Tabernacle, precisely as outlined in earlier chapters (Exo 25-31). Chapter 37 specifically focuses on the construction of the sacred furnishings destined for the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. Verse 10 specifically describes the crafting of the table, often known as the Table of Showbread, which was purposed to hold the "Bread of the Presence." This bread symbolized God's constant presence and provision for the twelve tribes of Israel. This act of construction followed the explicit, detailed blueprint God gave Moses on Mount Sinai (Exo 25:23-30), highlighting the divine origin and specific requirements for the consecrated worship space. Culturally and historically, this meticulous, divinely ordered sanctuary stood in stark opposition to the improvised or idolatrous places of worship of surrounding pagan nations, emphasizing Yahweh's uniqueness, holiness, and distinct demands for worship, particularly as a rejection of false gods often associated with profane tables and sacrifices.

Exodus 37 10 Word analysis

• And he made: Refers to Bezalel, the chief artisan appointed and supernaturally endowed by God (Exo 31:2-5) for the task of crafting the Tabernacle and its components. This phrase highlights the divine enablement and the faithful human obedience in carrying out sacred work according to divine specifications.
• a table: Hebrew: שֻׁלְחָן (shulchan). While broadly meaning a flat surface, here it designates the specialized piece of furniture within the Holy Place, designed specifically to display the twelve loaves of the "Bread of the Presence" (לֶחֶם פָּנִים - lekhem panim). Its function was symbolic of God's unwavering provision and His desire for ongoing fellowship and communion with His people.
• of acacia wood: Hebrew: שִׁטִּים (shittim). Acacia wood was indigenous to the Sinai peninsula. It is notable for its density, durability, and resistance to decay and insect infestation, making it highly suitable for long-lasting sacred artifacts. The use of this particular, locally available yet enduring, material signifies both divine wisdom in resource utilization and the eternal nature of the covenant established.
• two cubits was its length: A cubit (אַמָּה - 'ammah) was a common ancient unit of measurement, roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 45 centimeters. The precise length of two cubits indicates the exacting nature of God's commands for every element of the Tabernacle, ensuring exactitude and conformity to the divine blueprint.
• a cubit its width: One cubit in width further underscores the divine precision and the non-negotiable nature of God's architectural plan. Every dimension was divinely set to ensure the Tabernacle's holy functionality and symbolic integrity.
• and a cubit and a half its height: The specified height of one and a half cubits reinforces the emphasis on meticulous detail. These specific, divinely ordained dimensions were crucial, not arbitrary, and were intended to fit perfectly within the Tabernacle's structure and serve its ritual purpose, pointing to the perfection and order of God.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "And he made a table of acacia wood;...": This segment immediately communicates the tangible realization of God's earlier spoken commands through the skilled hands of His chosen artisan. The specific material highlights suitability and durability for a holy object, underscoring the enduring nature of divine provisions and covenant.
  • "...two cubits was its length, a cubit its width, and a cubit and a half its height.": These precise measurements are paramount. They denote the divine authorship of the design, leaving no room for human deviation or interpretation regarding size. The exactness of these dimensions emphasizes God's perfect order, His meticulous attention to detail in sacred worship, and the ultimate, unchanging standard for holiness.

Exodus 37 10 Bonus section

The relatively low height of the table (approximately 27 inches) allowed priests to easily serve or place the showbread upon it while standing, subtly indicating humble service required in the divine presence. The fact that the table, like other Tabernacle furnishings, was designed to be portable speaks to God's desire for a mobile presence among His people throughout their journey. This mobility emphasized His dynamic relationship with Israel, His willingness to accompany them, and that His dwelling was not fixed to one humanly built structure but with His people, even in the wilderness. The detailed dimensions for the table, consistent with all Tabernacle components, confirm a consistent divine blueprint (Exo 25:9, 40), signifying that every element had a deliberate purpose and pointed to spiritual realities and the greater plan of redemption, ultimately realized in Christ and His perfect Tabernacle, His own body (Jn 2:21).

Exodus 37 10 Commentary

Exodus 37:10 serves as more than just an architectural specification; it's a profound statement on divine instruction and human obedience within the sphere of sacred worship. The creation of the Table of Showbread with specific materials like durable acacia wood and exacting dimensions reveals God's meticulousness and His intention for every aspect of His sanctuary. This table, as the bearer of the "Bread of the Presence," symbolically highlighted God's unwavering provision for His people and His constant desire for communion with them, representing the sustenance of covenant life. The precision in its making underscores that worship of the Lord must be ordered, holy, and exactly according to His revealed will, contrasting sharply with humanly devised or pagan worship practices. Ultimately, this holy table and its bread pointed forward to Christ, the true "Bread of Life" (Jn 6:35), who perfectly fulfills God's pattern and offers eternal sustenance and authentic fellowship to all who come to Him, thereby being the anti-type to the earthly shadow.