Exodus 37: Building the Ark and Lampstand

Pentateuch

Jul 28

Short answer: Exodus 37 describes Bezalel constructing the ark of the covenant, the table for showbread, the golden lampstand, and the altar of incense, using acacia wood and pure gold. It emphasizes careful craftsmanship and obedience to the divine instructions given earlier.

What Exodus 37 says

The chapter opens with Bezalel making the ark of acacia wood, its dimensions specified, and overlaying it with pure gold inside and out. He casts four gold rings for its feet and makes acacia wood poles overlaid with gold to carry it. The mercy seat of pure gold is crafted with two cherubim of beaten work at its ends, their wings spreading above and their faces toward each other and toward the mercy seat. This construction follows the pattern given earlier, highlighting the sacredness of the object that will represent God's throne among His people.

Next, Bezalel makes the table of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold, with a gold molding and a border. He casts four gold rings for its four feet, close to the border, to hold the poles for carrying. The poles are made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. He also makes the vessels for the table, including dishes, spoons, bowls, and pitchers, all of pure gold. This table will hold the bread of the Presence, a continual offering before the Lord, and its craftsmanship reflects the honor due to God.

Then the lampstand of pure gold is made of beaten work, with its base, shaft, cups, buds, and flowers as one piece. Six branches extend from its sides, three on each side, with almond blossom cups, buds, and flowers. The lampstand itself has four cups, and a bud under each pair of branches. The whole is one beaten work of pure gold. Its seven lamps, snuffers, and snuff dishes are also made of pure gold, using a talent of pure gold. This lampstand will give light in the tabernacle, symbolizing God's presence and guidance.

Finally, Bezalel makes the altar of incense of acacia wood, square, with horns of one piece. He overlays it with pure gold, including its top, sides, and horns, and makes a gold molding around it. Two golden rings are placed under the molding on its two sides for poles, which are made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. He also makes the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, following the perfumer's art. This altar will be used for burning incense before the Lord, a pleasing aroma, and the oil for consecration.

Verses that carry the chapter

“Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood. Its length was two and a half cubits, and its width a cubit and a half, and a cubit and a half its height.” (Exodus 37:1) — This verse introduces the construction of the ark, the most sacred object in the tabernacle, showing Bezalel's obedience to the divine pattern.
“He made a mercy seat of pure gold. Its length was two and a half cubits, and a cubit and a half its width.” (Exodus 37:6) — The mercy seat is where God's presence would meet with His people, and its pure gold construction underscores its holiness.
“He made the lamp stand of pure gold. He made the lamp stand of beaten work. Its base, its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers were of one piece with it.” (Exodus 37:17) — The lampstand of pure gold, with its intricate design, represents the light of God's presence and the careful artistry required for His dwelling.
“He made the altar of incense of acacia wood. It was square: its length was a cubit, and its width a cubit. Its height was two cubits. Its horns were of one piece with it.” (Exodus 37:25) — The altar of incense, though smaller, was central for worship, and its construction with horns and gold overlay shows its importance in approaching God.

Gospel connection

The detailed construction of the tabernacle furnishings in Exodus 37 points forward to the greater dwelling of God with humanity. The ark, mercy seat, lampstand, and incense altar all foreshadow the work of Christ, who is the true meeting place between God and sinners. The pure gold and careful craftsmanship reflect the worthiness of God, and the mercy seat in particular anticipates the atonement, where blood would be sprinkled for the forgiveness of sins. Ultimately, these physical objects prepared the way for the incarnation, where the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us, full of grace and truth.

Application

This chapter invites us to consider how we approach God. The meticulous obedience of Bezalel in following God's instructions challenges us to take God's commands seriously, not adding or subtracting from them. It also reminds us that worship is not about our creativity but about honoring God on His terms. As we read, we can ask whether our own lives reflect the same care and reverence in our devotion to God, and whether we value the means He has provided for us to draw near to Him through Christ.

Biblical fidelity check

The chapter does not tell us how long the construction took, nor does it describe the reactions of the people. It does not mention Moses speaking or giving instructions here; it simply records what Bezalel made. It also does not explain the symbolic meaning of the objects or their use in worship, leaving that to other passages. The text is silent on the spiritual condition of Bezalel or the artisans, focusing only on the physical work done in obedience to the commands given earlier.

Questions for study

Why do you think the ark was overlaid with gold both inside and outside, and what might that suggest about God's holiness?
The lampstand was made of one piece of beaten gold. How does that detail reflect the unity and craftsmanship required in worship?
What is the significance of the table and its vessels being made of pure gold, and how does that challenge our own giving to God's work?
The altar of incense had horns and rings for carrying. What does this teach us about the mobility of worship and God's presence with His people?
How does the careful obedience of Bezalel in this chapter inspire you in your own service to God, even in tasks that seem mundane?

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FAQ

What materials were used to make the ark of the covenant?

The ark was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold inside and outside, with gold rings and acacia wood poles overlaid with gold.

How many branches did the lampstand have?

The lampstand had six branches, three on each side, plus the central shaft, making seven lamps in total.

What was the altar of incense used for?

The altar of incense was used for burning incense before the Lord, and it was overlaid with pure gold and had horns and rings for carrying.

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