Exodus 25:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: You shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and outside shall you overlay it, and you shall make on it a molding of gold around it.

NIV: Overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it.

NASB: You shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and out you shall overlay it, and you shall make a gold molding around it.

CSB: Overlay it with pure gold; overlay it both inside and out. Also make a gold molding all around it.

NLT: Overlay it inside and outside with pure gold, and run a molding of gold all around it.

KJV: And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.

NKJV: And you shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and out you shall overlay it, and shall make on it a molding of gold all around.

The main body of the ark (Exodus 25:10) is to be overlaid with gold. The sides, themselves, are to be made of acacia wood. Most golden objects seen in museums are not solid metal. Large objects were usually made of wood and "gilded:" coated in a thin layer of gold. Gold can be hammered into extremely thin sheets. Ancient Egyptian gold leaf has been measured at six microns thick. This is roughly one tenth the width of a human hair. To cover a box the size of the ark would require skill, but not an outrageous amount of gold. Other sacred items will be made of pure gold (Exodus 25:31, 38–39).

The ark is also to have a "molding." This is a decorative border. Most likely, this followed the corners and edges of the box. The molding would have been made of wood and gilded like the rest of the ark.

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.

Accessed 7/13/2025 7:22:19 PM