Exodus 25:10
And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשׂ֥וּ
And they shall make
H6213
וְעָשׂ֥וּ
And they shall make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְאַמָּ֥ה
thereof and a cubit
H520
וְאַמָּ֥ה
thereof and a cubit
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
וְאַמָּ֥ה
thereof and a cubit
H520
וְאַמָּ֥ה
thereof and a cubit
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
Historical Context
Acacia trees grew in the Sinai wilderness, providing the primary structural wood for the tabernacle. The Ark would later contain the tablets of the law, a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod (Hebrews 9:4), each symbolizing God's covenant relationship with Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Ark's combination of wood and gold illustrate Christ's two natures?
- What does it mean that God's throne rests upon the law that Christ perfectly fulfilled?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Ark's construction begins with acacia wood (שִׁטִּים, shittim), the most durable wood available in Sinai, overlaid with pure gold. Wood represents Christ's humanity (from earth), gold His deity (incorruptible). The dimensions (2.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 cubits, approximately 3.75' × 2.25' × 2.25') made it portable yet dignified. The Ark housed the law, showing that God's throne rests on His righteous standards, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.