Exodus 25:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Two cubits and a half shall be its length, a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height.

NIV: "Have them 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.

NASB: Now they shall construct an ark of acacia wood two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high.

CSB: "They are to make an ark of acacia wood, forty-five inches long, twenty-seven inches wide, and twenty-seven inches high.

NLT: Have the people make an Ark of acacia wood — a sacred chest 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high.

KJV: And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

NKJV: “And they shall make an ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits shall be its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height.

Coming Soon!Here begins a description of what may be the Old Testament's most famous object. The ark of the covenant has become the focal point of various myths and legends. Some of these are due to popular culture and media. Other rumors are driven by the ark's absence, as archaeologists have not located it. The ark is by far the most important part of Israel's covenant rituals. Yet it has no special power by itself. The ark is only sacred because God chooses to use it for sacred purposes; otherwise, it is simply a gilded wooden box.

This container has square ends and rectangular sides. A cubit was roughly the length of a forearm. This would make the ark of the covenant about 113 centimeters, or 45 inches, on the long edges and 69 centimeters, or 27 inches, on the short edges. This likely does not include its feet (Exodus 25:12). The rest of this passage details how the ark is to be covered in gold and topped with a special lid (Exodus 25:11–22).

The term "ark" leads to occasional confusion. Noah (Genesis 6:14) was instructed to build something described by the root word tēbāh. This refers to a water vessel or floating box. The same word was applied to the basket that held Moses when he was an infant (Exodus 2:3). The container described by Moses in this chapter uses the word 'aron, which means a box or chest. It can even be used to describe a coffin (Genesis 50:26). Context helps explain which is in mind. Most references to an "ark" mean the container used in the Mosaic covenant. The chest was meant to contain stone tablets recording covenant law, so the ark of the covenant" literally means "the box of the testimony."

Exodus 25:10–22 records the design of the ark of the covenant. This is a wooden box with square ends and rectangular sides overlaid with gold. Rings will be used to hold poles for carrying the ark. This box will store the written laws given by God to Israel (Exodus 24:12). The ark's lid features two golden angels facing each other with outstretched, covering wings. This "mercy seat" will be the focal point of God's interactions with Israel. Since the angels are not being worshipped, they are not the prohibited "graven images" of the second commandment (Exodus 20:4–6). Scripture never credits the ark as a source of supernatural power.

Israelites are to contribute precious metals, cloth, oils, and other resources to create a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. These will be used to form various sacred objects. Among these are the renowned ark of the covenant, a table for consecrated bread, and a lampstand with seven ornate lamps. These will be kept in the most sacred parts of the sanctuary. Upcoming chapters will focus on an elaborate tent which will serve as a portable temple (Exodus 26—28).

The Lord has given the foundations of His covenant to Israel (Exodus 20—23) and they have affirmed it (Exodus 24). Now God gives Moses detailed instructions for a system of worship. This begins with designs for a sacred container—the ark of the covenant—as well as a table and lampstand. These will be kept in the "tabernacle:" an ornate tent used as a portable temple for Israel (Exodus 26—28).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.