Exodus 25:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and fasten the rings to the four corners at its four legs.

NIV: Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners, where the four legs are.

NASB: You shall also make four gold rings for it and put rings on the four corners which are on its four legs.

CSB: Make four gold rings for it, and attach the rings to the four corners at its four legs.

NLT: Make four gold rings for the table and attach them at the four corners next to the four legs.

KJV: And thou shalt make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings in the four corners that are on the four feet thereof.

NKJV: And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings on the four corners that are at its four legs.

The Lord is giving Israel details about a portable temple (Exodus 25:8–9), called a "tabernacle" (Exodus 26). The people are to collect materials (Exodus 25:1–7) to make this structure as well as several sacred objects. One is the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10–11). Another is an ornate lampstand called a menorāh (Exodus 25:31). Here, Scripture describes a special table (Exodus 25:23–24) with a decorative edge (Exodus 25:25). This table will hold sacred bread (Exodus 25:30; Leviticus 24:5–9).

Like the ark (Exodus 25:12–15), the table includes rings for gilded poles (Exodus 25:27–28). These will be used to carry the table. Unlike the ark, the table does not have to keep its poles always attached.

In both the ancient and modern worlds, 100% unalloyed gold—"elemental gold"—is almost never used for practical purposes. The metal is extremely soft. So, it is usually mixed with other metals to form alloys. These are simply referred to as "gold," regardless of their mixture. Natural gold ore is almost always mixed with other metals. The most common alloy used in modern jewelry is "14 karat" gold, which is almost half silver or zinc. This is much harder and easier to make into usable shapes. The rings mentioned here would have been strong enough to carry the table.

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.