Exodus 25:14
And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.
Original Language Analysis
וְהֵֽבֵאתָ֤
And thou shalt put
H935
וְהֵֽבֵאתָ֤
And thou shalt put
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 11
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבַּדִּים֙
the staves
H905
הַבַּדִּים֙
the staves
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
בַּטַּבָּעֹ֔ת
into the rings
H2885
בַּטַּבָּעֹ֔ת
into the rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
צַלְעֹ֣ת
by the sides
H6763
צַלְעֹ֣ת
by the sides
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
6 of 11
a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje
לָשֵׂ֥את
may be borne
H5375
לָשֵׂ֥את
may be borne
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
8 of 11
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
Historical Context
During Israel's wilderness wanderings, the Ark led the way (Numbers 10:33), with the staves permanently in place. This arrangement allowed quick mobility while maintaining reverence—no one needed to touch the holy object.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's presence both travel with you and maintain its holiness?
- What in your life is 'consecrated' for carrying God's presence to others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The staves are placed through the rings 'that the ark may be borne with them.' This design ensures both mobility and protection—God's presence travels with His people, yet His holiness remains inviolate. The staves become extensions of the Ark's sanctity, teaching that whatever is consecrated for carrying God's presence shares in its holiness.