“And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.”
To understand the significance of this verse, let’s break it down and explore its context:
The Tabernacle:The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary that the Israelites constructed in the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. It was a place of worship and represented God’s presence among His people. The construction of the Tabernacle is described in detail in the book of Exodus, chapters 25 to 40.
The Ark of the Covenant:The verse specifically refers to the “staves” which were made of shittim (acacia) wood and overlaid with gold. These staves were used to carry and transport the Ark of the Covenant, which was one of the central pieces of furniture inside the Tabernacle. The Ark was a sacred chest that housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded.
Materials Used:The construction of the Tabernacle involved using specific materials, and these materials held symbolic significance. Shittim wood was highly valued for its durability and resistance to decay, which made it suitable for the staves that would bear the weight of the Ark. Gold, on the other hand, was a precious metal often associated with God’s glory and divine nature.
Symbolism:The use of shittim wood overlaid with gold symbolizes the combination of humanity and divinity. The wood represents humanity, as it is a natural and earthly material, while the gold symbolizes divinity, representing God’s holiness and majesty. This combination reminds us of the Incarnation, where Jesus Christ, fully God, took on human flesh to dwell among us.
Application:As we reflect on this verse, we can draw several lessons. One key lesson is the importance of recognizing and acknowledging God’s presence among His people. The Tabernacle served as a physical reminder of God’s dwelling with the Israelites. Similarly, in our lives today, we should be mindful of God’s presence in our midst through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers.
Holiness and Purity:The use of gold also reminds us of the holiness and purity required to approach God. The Ark of the Covenant, containing the Ten Commandments, signified God’s righteous standards. It reminds us of the need for repentance and obedience to God’s Word as we seek to approach Him with reverence and awe.
Service and Obedience:The staves were made to carry and transport the Ark, signifying the responsibility of the Levites, the priestly tribe, to serve and minister before God. This reminds us of our own call to serve God faithfully and obediently, carrying His Word and message to the world around us.
Overall, Exodus 37:28 emphasizes the intersection of the human and divine realms, the need for purity and reverence in approaching God, and the call to obediently serve Him. It serves as a reminder of God’s desire to dwell among His people and the profound privilege we have in carrying His message to the world.
