Exodus 37 3

Exodus 37:3 kjv

And he cast for it four rings of gold, to be set by the four corners of it; even two rings upon the one side of it, and two rings upon the other side of it.

Exodus 37:3 nkjv

And he cast for it four rings of gold to be set in its four corners: two rings on one side, and two rings on the other side of it.

Exodus 37:3 niv

He cast four gold rings for it and fastened them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other.

Exodus 37:3 esv

And he cast for it four rings of gold for its four feet, two rings on its one side and two rings on its other side.

Exodus 37:3 nlt

He cast four gold rings and attached them to its four feet, two rings on each side.

Exodus 37 verses

Exodus 37 3 Meaning

Exodus 37:3 meticulously details the creation and precise placement of four cast gold rings on the Ark of the Covenant. These rings were positioned on each of the Ark's four lower corners or "feet," with two on each of its longer sides. Their specific function was to accommodate the carrying poles, ensuring the Ark could be transported without direct human contact, thereby maintaining its sanctity and acknowledging God's holiness. The use of pure gold for these components emphasizes the divine nature, purity, and supreme holiness of the Ark, symbolizing God's glorious and portable presence among His covenant people.

Exodus 37 3 Context

Exodus 37 is situated within the broader narrative of the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, faithfully executed by Bezalel, Oholiab, and other divinely gifted craftsmen. This chapter, like the preceding ones (Exodus 36), reiterates the precise instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (found primarily in Exodus 25-31). The constant repetition of phrases like "as the Lord commanded Moses" emphasizes the unwavering obedience to the divine blueprint. Specifically, Exodus 37 begins with the Ark of the Covenant, highlighting its paramount importance as the central object representing God's presence. In the ancient Near East, while various cultures possessed sacred objects and temples, Israel's portable Tabernacle and its Ark signified a distinct theological concept: YHWH, unlike localized pagan deities, chose to move and dwell among His people, accompanying them through their wilderness journeys. The precise design, the use of precious gold, and the stringent handling protocols (e.g., not touching the Ark directly, only by designated Levites via poles) underscore God's supreme holiness, purity, and sovereignty, serving as an indirect contrast to the often arbitrary and less reverently handled cultic items of surrounding pagan nations.

Exodus 37 3 Word analysis

• And he cast (`וַיִּצֹּק` - vayyitsoq): This verb means "to pour, to melt, to flow, to cast." It signifies a highly skilled metallurgical process, implying the rings were robustly formed through molten metal rather than being merely hammered or roughly attached. This specific action indicates their integral design and permanence, fitting for a sacred object that would be frequently transported. The "he" refers to Bezalel, divinely empowered for this work (Ex 35:31).
• for it (`לוֹ` - lo): This pronoun points to the Ark of the Covenant, the holiest artifact within the Tabernacle. It symbolized the throne of God's presence and the repository of the covenant law.
• four (`אַרְבַּע` - arba`): The number four often connotes completeness or foundational stability in biblical symbolism, aligning with the four corners of the Ark. Here, it denotes the comprehensive and balanced design required for its carrying.
• rings (`טַבְּעֹת` - tabbə‘ot): These specific fixtures were exclusively for the carrying poles (Ex 25:14). Their existence ensured that the Ark itself, symbolizing God's holy presence, would never be touched directly by human hands, thus safeguarding its sanctity and preserving the boundary between God's absolute holiness and human sinfulness.
• of gold (`זָהָב` - zahav): Gold was the purest and most precious metal available, a dominant material throughout the Tabernacle. Its consistent use signifies divine glory, unblemished holiness, purity, and enduring worth. The gold reflected God's character and set apart His dwelling place.
• in its four corners (`עַל אַרְבַּע פַּעֲמֹתָיו` - al arba` pa'amotav): Literally translated as "on its four feet/bases" or "at its four turns/times." This precise instruction specifies the foundational placement points, crucial for balancing and lifting the rectangular Ark symmetrically and securely during transport. "Corners" highlights these specific contact points.
• even two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it (`וּשְׁתֵּי טַבָּעֹת עַל צַלְעוֹ הָאֶחָת וּשְׁתֵּי טַבָּעֹת עַל צַלְעוֹ הַשֵּׁנִית` - u'shte tabbə‘ot ‘al tsalo ha’eḥat u'shte tabbə‘ot ‘al tsalo hashenit): This descriptive phrasing, while seemingly redundant, underlines the divine demand for absolute accuracy and precision in execution. "Side" (`צֶלַע` - tsēlʿa) here denotes the longer faces of the Ark, confirming the poles ran lengthwise along the Ark's most stable dimensions. This meticulous detail demonstrates that no deviation from the divine plan was permissible.

• Words-group Analysis:
• "And he cast for it four rings of gold": This phrase encapsulates the high-quality craftsmanship ("cast") and the divine materials ("gold") designated for the Ark. The emphasis on "gold" signifies not only the object's immense value but more profoundly, its representation of God's perfect, unblemished holiness and transcendent glory. The action of "casting" implies an integrated, robust design that ensured durability for an object designed for mobility.
• "in its four corners; even two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it": This detailed geographical instruction reveals the intentionality behind every aspect of the Ark's design. The apparent redundancy of specifying "four corners" and then "two on each side" serves to underscore the divine insistence on perfect symmetry, balance, and the precise execution of God's will. This specificity guaranteed the Ark could be carried with dignity and stability, reflecting the ordered and holy nature of the God it represented.

Exodus 37 3 Bonus section

• The emphasis on "casting" the rings (`vayyitsoq`) suggests a deliberate and solid method of construction, different from simply attaching rings by welding or soldering. This method implied a permanent and robust integration into the Ark's structure, reflecting the enduring nature of God's covenant and His commitment to His presence among His people.
• The detailed instructions for the rings and poles, contrasted with ancient practices for moving common items, elevate the Ark's transport into a sacred, ceremonial procession. It was not merely practical movement but a hallowed journey, reinforcing the Ark's unique and holy status as God's footstool among them.
• The perpetual presence of the poles within the rings (Ex 25:15) signified God's constant readiness to move with Israel, whether guiding them in encampments or leading them into battle. This portrayed YHWH as an active, immanent God who accompanies His people through all circumstances, in stark contrast to the static idols of surrounding nations.

Exodus 37 3 Commentary

Exodus 37:3, embedded in the meticulous record of the Tabernacle's construction, is far more than a technical instruction. It is a profound testament to the precision required in worshipping a holy God. The casting of pure gold rings, perfectly placed on the Ark's four corners, was fundamental to its function as a portable symbol of God's presence. These rings, specifically designed for carrying poles, ensured that the Ark was never touched directly by human hands, serving as a constant reminder of God's inviolable holiness and the boundary between His perfection and human imperfection. This exacting detail highlights that divine worship is not left to human discretion but follows God's revealed will. The Ark's mobility, facilitated by these rings, underscored God's commitment to "walk" with His people, not confined to a static temple. The unceasing readiness of the Ark for movement (as the poles remained in the rings per Ex 25:15) symbolized God's continual leading and provision. The construction itself, reflecting such precise obedience, stands as a model for all believers: that true worship and service flow from careful adherence to God's commands.