What does Exodus 37:5 mean?
ESV: and put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark.
NIV: And he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry it.
NASB: He put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to carry it.
CSB: He inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark for carrying the ark.
NLT: He inserted the poles into the rings at the sides of the Ark to carry it.
KJV: And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.
NKJV: And he put the poles into the rings at the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Exodus 37:1–9 explains that Bezalel (Exodus 35:30) exactly followed the Lord's designs for the ark. The ark is a large golden chest meant to hold stone tablets. The tablets record the Ten Commandments (Exodus 25:16). Bezalel's work here directly mirrors the instructions recorded in Exodus 25:10–22.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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.
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