Exodus 37 14

Exodus 37:14 kjv

Over against the border were the rings, the places for the staves to bear the table.

Exodus 37:14 nkjv

The rings were close to the frame, as holders for the poles to bear the table.

Exodus 37:14 niv

The rings were put close to the rim to hold the poles used in carrying the table.

Exodus 37:14 esv

Close to the frame were the rings, as holders for the poles to carry the table.

Exodus 37:14 nlt

The rings were attached near the border to hold the poles that were used to carry the table.

Exodus 37 verses

Exodus 37 14 Meaning

Exodus 37:14 describes the meticulous craftsmanship of the Table of Showbread, specifically detailing the placement of two golden rings on each of its ends, totaling four rings. These rings were integral to its design, serving as attachment points for poles (staves), allowing the sacred table to be carried reverently during Israel's nomadic journey. This design ensures that the table, a central piece of the Tabernacle furniture representing God's provision and presence, could be moved precisely as commanded by God.

Exodus 37 14 Context

Exodus chapter 37 focuses on Bezalel, the chief artisan chosen by God, carrying out the precise instructions for constructing the sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle. These instructions were initially given to Moses in earlier chapters (Exodus 25-31). Specifically, verses 10 through 16 of Exodus 37 describe the creation of the Table of Showbread, made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold. This table was designed to hold the "bread of the presence," symbolizing God's covenant presence and constant provision for Israel. The rings mentioned in verse 14 were an essential design feature, allowing the table, like other major Tabernacle pieces, to be transported throughout Israel's wilderness journeys. The historical and cultural context underscores a portable sanctuary that demonstrated God's desire to dwell among His people, accompanying them on their nomadic wanderings. The precise divine design for every detail, including the rings, emphasizes the holiness and meticulous care required in worshiping the living God, contrasting with haphazard pagan practices.

Exodus 37 14 Word analysis

• and two rings: וּשְׁתֵּי טַבָּעֹת (ūšətê ṭabbāʿōṯ).
  • וּשְׁתֵּי (ūšətê): "and two." This conjunction emphasizes the precise numerical detail. The repetition of "two rings" across both sides (implied here, confirmed in Ex 25:27) reinforces the symmetry and functional design.
  • טַבָּעֹת (ṭabbāʿōṯ): "rings." These were crucial for portability. In the Tabernacle's design, rings were consistently made for inserting carrying poles, signifying the transient nature of the dwelling and God's mobile presence with His people during their wilderness wanderings. They ensure that holy items could be moved reverently without direct human touch. This underscores the sanctity of the Tabernacle items.
• on its other side: עַל־צִדּוֹ הַשֵּׁנִי (ʿal-tsiddô haššēnî).
  • עַל־צִדּוֹ (ʿal-tsiddô): "on its side." This refers to one of the ends or extremities of the rectangular table.
  • הַשֵּׁנִי (haššēnî): "the second/other." This clarifies that these rings were placed on the opposite end from the rings mentioned in an earlier implied statement or previous similar instruction for the table, thus ensuring all four "corners" (ends) were equipped for balance during transport.
• at the two corners: עַל־שְׁתֵּי פִּנּוֹתָיו (ʿal-šətê pinnôṯāw).
  • עַל־שְׁתֵּי (ʿal-šətê): "at two." Repetition of 'two' emphasizing bilateral placement.
  • פִּנּוֹתָיו (pinnôṯāw): "its corners," or "its extremities/ends." This term indicates the points at the extreme ends of the table, confirming the precise and strategic placement of the rings at the furthest functional points, enabling the carrying poles to support the table effectively. The placement ensures stability and proper distribution of weight for transport.

Words-Group analysis

• "and two rings on its other side, at the two corners": This phrase reveals God's meticulous instructions for the construction of sacred objects. Every detail, down to the number and placement of the rings, was divinely specified. The purpose of these rings was for portability, allowing the Tabernacle furniture to be moved as Israel journeyed. This signifies God's dynamic presence with His people, not static in one location, but accompanying them. The design also underscores reverence and holiness; the items were carried with poles, not directly touched by hands, preserving their sanctity. It highlights that worship and communion with God were not confined to a fixed location but travelled with His people.

Exodus 37 14 Bonus section

• The exactness of the measurements and features like these rings in the Tabernacle's design reflect the divine authorship of its blueprint. It served as a visible, tangible example of a 'pattern' revealed by God, which the author of Hebrews later clarifies was a "copy and shadow of the heavenly things" (Heb 8:5). This implies that even these earthly, physical elements, including the functional rings, held spiritual significance, pointing towards greater heavenly realities.
• The function of these rings, to allow items to be carried, underscores the idea of pilgrimage inherent in Israel's early history. God's people were constantly on the move, and His presence (the Tabernacle) was equipped to move with them. This sets a precedent for God's dynamic involvement in the lives of His followers, indicating He is with them through all of life's transitions.
• The consistent requirement for these carrying rings and poles on all major sacred furniture (Ark, Table, Altars) enforced the holy protocol for handling God's items, preventing unauthorized or careless contact and upholding their sanctity. This principle of reverence for sacred things, instituted from the earliest days of Israel's worship, points to the awe and honor due to God and anything connected to His holy person and purposes.

Exodus 37 14 Commentary

Exodus 37:14, though seemingly a small detail, highlights several significant theological principles. It exemplifies the meticulous nature of God's instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, underscoring that every aspect of His dwelling place and worship was to be constructed according to His precise divine pattern. This specificity conveyed the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him. The rings themselves speak to the portable nature of God's presence during Israel's wilderness wanderings. The God of Israel was not bound by geography, unlike pagan deities, but actively accompanied His people. This divine mobility pointed to a God who engages with His people on their journey, providing for them even amidst transitions. The Table of Showbread, laden with unleavened bread, was a symbol of God's constant provision. The rings allowing its transport signify that His provision is available wherever His people are, an ever-present sustenance. Typologically, this portable sanctuary foreshadowed Christ, the "Bread of Life" (Jn 6:35), whose redemptive work made God's presence eternally accessible, no longer limited by a physical structure or the need for Levitical transportation, but through the indwelling Holy Spirit in believers (1 Cor 6:19). The precision reminds believers today of the importance of diligent obedience in worship and service, valuing even the "small" details in God's word.