Exodus 37:13 kjv
And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings upon the four corners that were in the four feet thereof.
Exodus 37:13 nkjv
And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings on the four corners that were at its four legs.
Exodus 37:13 niv
They cast four gold rings for the table and fastened them to the four corners, where the four legs were.
Exodus 37:13 esv
He cast for it four rings of gold and fastened the rings to the four corners at its four legs.
Exodus 37:13 nlt
Then he cast four gold rings for the table and attached them at the four corners next to the four legs.
Exodus 37 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 25:26 | "And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings upon the four corners that are on the two sides thereof." | The divine instruction given earlier to Moses for the rings. |
| Exod 37:10-12 | "...He made the table of acacia wood... four rings of gold, and cast for them four gold rings..." | Immediate context; the creation of the table of showbread and its features. |
| Num 4:7-8 | "And upon the table of showbread they shall spread a cloth... And they shall take a blue cloth, and cover them... And they shall put in the staves thereof." | Specifies how the Kohathites covered and prepared the table for transport using staves/poles. |
| Num 4:5-15 | General passage outlining the duties of the Kohathites for carrying the holy objects of the Tabernacle using poles. | Reinforces the importance of poles and rings for transport and separation from direct contact. |
| Exod 40:4 | "And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof." | Moses fulfilling the instructions and setting up the Tabernacle. |
| Exod 25:9 | "According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it." | Emphasizes the divine pattern for every detail of the Tabernacle's construction. |
| Exod 31:3-5 | "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship..." | Bezalel's divine enablement for executing precise craftsmanship like casting rings. |
| Lev 24:5-9 | Instructions for the arrangement and weekly renewal of the showbread on the table. | Details the purpose of the table itself: perpetual bread offering before the Lord. |
| 1 Kgs 8:8 | "And they drew out the staves of the ark, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle..." | The poles of the Ark remained in its rings even in Solomon's Temple, indicating their lasting significance. |
| 2 Sam 6:6-7 | "And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God... And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error..." | Consequences of direct, unauthorized touching of sacred objects without using poles. |
| Heb 8:5 | "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount." | New Testament perspective affirming the Tabernacle's earthly reflection of heavenly reality, emphasizing obedience to divine pattern. |
| Acts 7:48-49 | "Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord..." | God's transcendence and His non-confinement to human-made structures, prefigured by the mobile Tabernacle. |
| John 4:21-24 | "Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father... but the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." | Worship is spiritual and universal, not bound by a specific physical location or structure, paralleling the Tabernacle's mobility. |
| John 6:35 | "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." | Connects to the "table of showbread" as a type of Christ, who is the true bread of spiritual life and sustenance. |
| Matt 8:20 | "And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." | Christ's own mobile, itinerant ministry reflects the portability of God's presence among His people. |
| Ps 23:5 | "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." | God's provision for His people, a theme inherent in the table of showbread and its readiness to move with them. |
| Phil 4:19 | "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." | Reiterates divine provision, similar to the symbolism of the showbread table being carried for the journeying Israelites. |
| Exod 39:32 | "Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they." | General statement of completion according to God's exact commands. |
| Exod 40:16 | "Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he." | Moses' full obedience in assembling the Tabernacle based on the precise instructions. |
| Rev 21:18 | "And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass." | Gold as a symbol of divine purity and glory, seen throughout the Tabernacle and culminates in the New Jerusalem. |
| Deut 4:2 | "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you." | Emphasizes the importance of not altering God's commands, applied to the meticulous building instructions. |
| Jer 3:16 | "And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be made any more." | Future prophetic context regarding a time when physical artifacts of worship will no longer be necessary due to a new covenant reality. |
Exodus 37 verses
Exodus 37 13 Meaning
Exodus 37:13 details a specific design feature of the Table of Showbread, one of the sacred furnishings for the Tabernacle: the casting and placement of four gold rings on its long sides. These rings were essential for inserting poles, enabling the table to be carried, underscoring the portability of God's dwelling and His provision as Israel journeyed through the wilderness. This precise instruction highlights the meticulousness required in constructing elements for divine worship and the Tabernacle's function as a mobile sanctuary.
Exodus 37 13 Context
Exodus chapter 37 focuses on Bezalel's meticulous execution of the divine blueprint for the Tabernacle's furnishings, precisely following the instructions given to Moses in Exodus chapters 25-30. Verse 13 specifically describes the final touch for the Table of Showbread (Exod 37:10-12), detailing the gold rings through which carrying poles would be inserted. This verse emphasizes the practical necessity for the table's portability within the overall design of the mobile sanctuary, intended for a nomadic people journeying through the wilderness. Historically, the Tabernacle's movable nature contrasted sharply with the fixed temples and static idols of surrounding pagan cultures, signifying God's dynamic presence with His people rather than confinement to a specific geographic location or man-made structure. The meticulous detail in the divine command underscored God's absolute holiness and the sacred reverence due to all aspects of His worship.
Exodus 37 13 Word analysis
- And he cast: From the Hebrew verb vayyitsoq (וַיִּצֹק), meaning "he poured out" or "he cast." This indicates the skilled metallurgical process involved in forming the gold rings, not merely assembling. Bezalel's work was inspired and precisely executed according to divine craftsmanship.
- for it: Refers to the Table of Showbread, as described in previous verses (Exod 37:10-12). This signifies that these rings are an integral, functional part of the table's design, essential for its intended purpose within the Tabernacle's mobility.
- four rings: The Hebrew 'arba'a tabba'ot (אַרְבַּע טַבְּעֹת) signifies a complete set for the purpose. "Rings" (tabba'ot) were a common design element for all major Tabernacle furnishings (Ark, Altars, Lampstand) that needed to be transported, specifically for poles to be passed through.
- of gold: The Hebrew zahav (זָהָב) highlights the material chosen for its purity, preciousness, and durability. Gold symbolizes divinity, glory, enduring value, and God's holiness. Every aspect of His dwelling and worship demanded the highest quality and most precious materials.
- for its four corners: The Hebrew l''arba' pea'otav (לְאַרְבַּע פִּאֹתָיו). Pea'ot literally means "sides" or "extremities." In this context, it refers to the locations on the table's structure where the rings were placed to facilitate stable transport. This detail ensures balance when the table is carried, preventing tilting.
- even two rings upon the one side thereof, and two rings upon the other side thereof: This specifies the precise symmetrical placement on the two longer sides of the table (referred to as tsela', צֵּלָע, "side" or "rib"). This meticulous instruction ensured the stability and ease of carrying the holy table by the Levitical priests. It emphasizes the practicality of the design in conjunction with its sacred purpose. This detailed arrangement ensured that the long poles, passing through these rings, would provide the necessary leverage for a smooth and reverent transport of the sacred showbread table.
Exodus 37 13 Bonus section
The repetitive nature of instructions given in Exodus 25 (the command) and then detailed in Exodus 37 (the fulfillment) is a common literary feature in the Pentateuch, particularly regarding the Tabernacle. This literary structure, often called "command and execution," serves to emphasize the direct and complete obedience of Moses and Bezalel to every divine instruction. It highlights the divine authorship of the Tabernacle's design and God's perfect plan. The rings on the table, along with those on the Ark and altars, guaranteed that sacred objects were transported without direct human touch by the Levites, a safeguard that prevented defilement and preserved the sanctity of the items. This also reinforced the concept of human limitation in approaching a holy God.
Exodus 37 13 Commentary
Exodus 37:13 offers a minute but significant detail in the construction of the Tabernacle's Table of Showbread. The command for "four rings of gold" placed strategically on the table's sides reveals several layers of theological and practical significance. Primarily, it underscores the portability of the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's readiness to journey with His people through their wanderings. He is not a static deity confined to a fixed structure, unlike the idols of the surrounding nations. The gold material further emphasizes the sacredness, purity, and divine glory associated with God's dwelling, where every item, even a carrying ring, was of utmost value. Moreover, the precise placement of these rings for poles highlights God's demand for meticulous obedience in worship and the reverent handling of holy objects. This also prefigures the New Covenant, where God's presence is not limited to a physical structure but moves with His people through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The showbread, a type of Christ as the Bread of Life, would perpetually be with them on their journey, reminding them of God's enduring provision.