Exodus 25:29 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And you shall make its plates and dishes for incense, and its flagons and bowls with which to pour drink offerings; you shall make them of pure gold.

NIV: And make its plates and dishes of pure gold, as well as its pitchers and bowls for the pouring out of offerings.

NASB: You shall also make its dishes, its pans, its jars, and its libation bowls with which to pour drink offerings; you shall make them of pure gold.

CSB: You are also to make its plates and cups, as well as its pitchers and bowls for pouring drink offerings. Make them out of pure gold.

NLT: Make special containers of pure gold for the table — bowls, ladles, pitchers, and jars — to be used in pouring out liquid offerings.

KJV: And thou shalt make the dishes thereof, and spoons thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls thereof, to cover withal: of pure gold shalt thou make them.

NKJV: You shall make its dishes, its pans, its pitchers, and its bowls for pouring. You shall make them of pure gold.

Israel is to build a sanctuary where they can worship the Lord (Exodus 25:8–9). Various raw materials will be used for this (Exodus 25:1–7). So far, the Lord has instructed the people on how to build an ark (Exodus 25:10–11) and a sacred table (Exodus 25:23–24). Along with the table, the Lord requires solid gold utensils and containers. These are to be made of "pure gold," which means they are not gilded wood like the ark and the table.

The term "solid gold" means something made entirely of precious metal, but not necessarily unmixed elemental gold. Most gold mined from earth is mixed with other metals like silver, copper, or zinc. In fact, the most common "gold" used in jewelry is "14 karat," which is almost half a different metal. This gives the incredibly soft gold additional strength. The same was true in the ancient world; these vessels are made of "pure" metal, not overlaid wood.

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 7/16/2025 7:07:55 AM