Exodus 25:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: You shall cast four rings of gold for it and put them on its four feet, two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it.

NIV: Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other.

NASB: You shall also cast four gold rings for it and fasten them on its four feet; two rings shall be on one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it.

CSB: Cast four gold rings for it and place them on its four feet, two rings on one side and two rings on the other side.

NLT: Cast four gold rings and attach them to its four feet, two rings on each side.

KJV: And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in the four corners thereof; and two rings shall be in the one side of it, and two rings in the other side of it.

NKJV: You shall cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in its four corners; two rings shall be on one side, and two rings on the other side.

For the main body of the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10), Israel was to use wood covered in a thin layer of gold (Exodus 25:11). The rings for carrying poles (Exodus 25:13) are to be "cast," implying that they are solid gold. The ark is a large box and will carry stone tablets (Exodus 24:12; 25:16; 2 Chronicles 5:10). But gold, the element, is incredibly soft. This raises questions about how to make the rings strong enough to bear weight.

In both the modern and ancient worlds, very few objects are made of 100% pure elemental gold. Most are made of an alloy: a blending of metals. Gold mined from the earth is almost always naturally blended with other metals. Today, the most common alloy for gold jewelry, called "14 karat," is only about half elemental gold. These mixtures make the metal far more durable. Alloying is what makes bronze (Genesis 4:22) out of copper and tin, brass out of copper and zinc, and steel out of iron and carbon. Most likely, the rings were made of an alloy, in the same way we refer to modern alloys as "gold." This same idea probably applies to the other "pure gold" items listed in this section (Exodus 25:17, 29, 31).

These carrying rings are important. This is the only way in which the ark should be transported (Numbers 4:15; 1 Chronicles 15:13–15). In fact, the poles are meant to stay in their rings permanently (Exodus 25:14–15). Putting the rings on the ark's feet means it would be lifted higher. If poles were carried on men's shoulders, the ark would be well above their heads.

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.