Exodus 37:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And he made a rim around it a handbreadth wide, and made a molding of gold around the rim.

NIV: They also made around it a rim a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim.

NASB: And he made a rim for it of a hand width all around, and made a gold molding for its rim all around.

CSB: He made a three-inch frame all around it and made a gold molding all around its frame.

NLT: He decorated it with a 3-inch border all around, and he ran a gold molding along the border.

KJV: Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about.

NKJV: Also he made a frame of a handbreadth all around it, and made a molding of gold for the frame all around it.

Exodus 37:10–16 shows how Bezalel (Exodus 35:30) carefully follows the instructions recorded in Exodus 25:23–29. These are designs for a ceremonial table used in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). The table will hold loaves of consecrated bread (Exodus 25:30).

Bezalel (Exodus 35:30) follows God's instructions to make multiple items for the tabernacle. Most of these are described in Exodus 25. He constructs the ark, table, lampstand, and altar of incense. All of these will be kept inside the main tabernacle building. The text deliberately reproduces the phrasing of God's earlier command to stress Israel's exact obedience to His will.

Moses relays God's instructions for building the tabernacle (Exodus 25—31). The people respond generously (Exodus 35) and follow the Lord's directions exactly (Exodus 36). This pattern continues in chapter 37 as Bezalel (Exodus 35:30) completes designs mostly seen in chapter 25. Other items are depicted in chapter 30. The next two chapters (Exodus 38—39) are more of the same: describing the Israelites carrying out God's design as it was given.

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 9/16/2025 2:33:38 PM