“And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.”
The Ark of the Covenant:In the preceding verses of Exodus 37, we learn about the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark was a rectangular box made of acacia wood, also known as shittim wood, overlaid with pure gold. It had specific dimensions and a lid known as the mercy seat, where two cherubim faced each other with outstretched wings.
The Staves of Shittim Wood:Staves are long poles or rods used for carrying an object. In the case of the Ark of the Covenant, these staves were also made of shittim wood, the same wood used to construct the Ark itself. They were designed to be inserted into gold rings on each side of the Ark, which allowed the Levites to carry it without touching it directly. This method emphasized the sacredness of the Ark, as it symbolized God’s presence and the covenant He made with the Israelites.
The Symbolism:The use of shittim wood overlaid with gold carries significant spiritual symbolism. In the Bible, wood often represents humanity, and gold symbolizes divinity or God’s holiness. This combination signifies the dual nature of Jesus Christ as both fully human and fully divine, known as the “hypostatic union.” Jesus, like the Ark, embodies the meeting point between God and humanity.
Carrying God’s Presence:The Ark of the Covenant was considered the “footstool” of God’s presence on Earth. The staves made it transportable, enabling the Israelites to carry God’s presence with them during their journeys in the wilderness. This foreshadows the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives today (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). As Christians, we carry the presence of God within us, making us “temples of the Holy Spirit.”
Obedience and Reverence:The construction of the Ark, including the staves, followed specific instructions given by God to Moses (Exodus 25:10-22). This highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands. The careful construction and handling of the Ark with the staves also emphasized the need for reverence and respect in approaching God.
In conclusion, Exodus 37:18 offers us insights into the construction and symbolism of the Ark of the Covenant. It points to the unique nature of Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between God and humanity. It also reminds us of God’s desire to dwell among His people and the importance of obedience and reverence in our relationship with Him. As we study such passages, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s character and His plan of redemption for humanity.
