Exodus 25:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And you shall make a rim around it a handbreadth wide, and a molding of gold around the rim.

NIV: Also make around it a rim a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim.

NASB: And you shall make for it a rim of a hand width around it; and you shall make a gold border for the rim around it.

CSB: Make a three-inch frame all around it and make a gold molding for it all around its frame.

NLT: Decorate it with a 3-inch border all around, and run a gold molding along the border.

KJV: And thou shalt make unto it a border of an hand breadth round about, and thou shalt make a golden crown to the border thereof round about.

NKJV: You shall make for it a frame of a handbreadth all around, and you shall make a gold molding for the frame all around.

The rim described here is a decorative lip around the top of a special table (Exodus 25:23–24). This table is made of wood overlaid with gold. It will be used in God's sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9). The table's main purpose is holding twelve loaves of sacred bread (Exodus 25:30). These are changed weekly and only eaten by priests (Leviticus 24:5–9). Israel will also place bowls and cups made of solid gold on this surface.

Along with the table, this passage instructs Israel to make an ornate chest to store the covenant with God (Exodus 25:10–11, 22). Scripture also gives detailed instructions for a seven-branched lampstand called a menorah (Exodus 25:31). God provides designs for an altar of sacrifice (Exodus 27:1–8) and an altar of incense (Exodus 30:1–10). These will be kept within various parts of the tabernacle: a portable temple (Exodus 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.

Accessed 7/1/2025 8:17:24 AM