Exodus 25:23 - Printer Friendly

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

NIV: "Make a table of acacia wood—two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high.

NASB: You shall also make a table of acacia wood, two cubits long and one cubit wide, and one and a half cubits high.

CSB: "You are to construct a table of acacia wood, thirty-six inches long, eighteen inches wide, and twenty-seven inches high.

NLT: Then make a table of acacia wood, 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 27 inches high.

KJV: Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

NKJV: “You shall also make a table of acacia wood; two cubits shall be its length, a cubit its width, and a cubit and a half its height.

This begins to describe the second sacred object in God's sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9). This is a table constructed in the same way as the ark (Exodus 25:10–11, 24). The table is made of a durable hardwood common to that area referred to as "acacia." This is then "gilded:" covered in a thin sheet of precious metal. In this case, the choice is gold.

The table is the same length and height as the ark (Exodus 25:10). However, it is about one-third narrower. Like the ark, this table has a decorative border. Also like the ark, this table is designed to be carried with gilded poles (Exodus 25:13–14; 26–28). Unlike the ark, this passage does not command that the poles always remain in place (Exodus 25:15). Unlike the ark, the table has a rim (Exodus 25:25), probably to stop objects from rolling off. This is one "handbreadth" tall; the measurement is literal and refers to the distance between the bottom knuckles of the first and fourth fingers.

The table will hold a set of ornate bowls and utensils (Exodus 25:29). Israel will also keep twelve loaves of bread on this table (Leviticus 24:5–7). This is sometimes called "shewbread," or "bread of the Presence" (Exodus 25:30). It is only meant to be eaten by certain people at certain times (Leviticus 24:8–9). In an emergency, soon-to-be King David will break those rules (1 Samuel 21:4–6; Mark 2:25–26).

Exodus 25:23–30 describes a small table designed to hold special bread in the sanctuary of the Lord. The table is to be made of wood overlaid with gold. The table is the same height as the ark (Exodus 25:10) and slightly narrower and shorter. On this Israel will keep twelve loaves (Leviticus 24:5–7) to be eaten under tightly controlled rules (Leviticus 24:8–9). Like the ark, the table has rings so it can be carried by poles. Israel is also told to fashion solid gold plates and bowls for use in various offerings.

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.