Exodus 25:13

And thou shalt make staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.

Exodus 25:13 (KJV)

Context

God gave Moses these instructions on Mount Sinai while revealing the design for the tabernacle. The Ark of the Covenant was the sacred container for the tablets of the Ten Commandments, and it needed to be carried as Israel traveled. The staves, or poles, were to be made of shittim wood and overlaid with gold, so the Ark could be borne from place to place.

Meaning

Shittim wood, also known as acacia, grew in the Sinai wilderness. It was strong, durable, and resistant to decay, making it suitable for sacred furniture. The gold overlay was a precious covering that set the Ark apart for God’s service. Together, the wood and gold show that even the poles used to carry the Ark were holy. The same pattern was used for the table of shewbread (Exodus 25:28) and the altar of incense (Exodus 30:5), showing a consistent design for the tabernacle’s furniture. This consistency reveals that every part of worship, even the means of transport, mattered to God.

Biblical connections

The combination of wood and gold in the tabernacle points to Jesus Christ, who is both fully human and fully divine. The wood represents His humanity, strong and approachable; the gold represents His deity and glory. The staves also remind us that the Ark was meant to move with the Israelites. Believers are called to carry God’s presence through life’s journey, being both strong in faith and adorned with holiness. The construction of these items was later carried out by Bezaleel, as recorded in Exodus 37:4 and 37:28, confirming the faithful execution of God’s commands.

Application

First, just as the Ark was made from durable wood, we are called to build our lives on a firm foundation, the teachings of Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:24-25). Second, the gold overlay reminds us of the preciousness of God’s presence. We are to honour Him and acknowledge His holiness in all we do (1 Peter 1:15-16). Third, the Ark points us to Jesus, the perfect mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

Reflection

Exodus 25:13 highlights the materials and construction of the Ark of the Covenant. It symbolizes the strength and durability of Jesus, represented by shittim wood, and the divine glory and holiness of God’s presence, represented by the gold. It reminds us to build our lives on Christ, honour God’s holiness, and recognise Jesus as the ultimate mediator. As the staves carried the Ark, so we are to be prepared to move with God, carrying His presence wherever we go. The poles were not an afterthought; they were part of God’s careful plan, teaching us that even the practical details of our lives can be holy when devoted to Him.