Exodus 25:13
And thou shalt make staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ
And thou shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 7
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בַדֵּ֖י
staves
H905
בַדֵּ֖י
staves
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
Historical Context
The poles were substantial enough to bear the Ark's weight across desert terrain. Their gold overlay ensured they matched the Ark's glory, teaching that even the means of approach must be consecrated.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ serve as the 'stave' by which we approach God's holiness?
- Why must even our means of approach be 'gold-covered' (made holy through Christ)?
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Analysis & Commentary
Staves (poles) of acacia wood overlaid with gold—like the Ark itself, combining wood (humanity) with gold (divinity). These staves enable the Ark to be transported without direct human contact, maintaining holiness. They prefigure Christ as the mediator: His humanity (wood) makes God accessible, while His divinity (gold) preserves God's holiness. We approach God through Christ, never around Him.