Exodus 37:14
Over against the border were the rings, the places for the staves to bear the table.
Original Language Analysis
לְעֻמַּת֙
Over against
H5980
לְעֻמַּת֙
Over against
Strong's:
H5980
Word #:
1 of 9
conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with
הַמִּסְגֶּ֔רֶת
the border
H4526
הַמִּסְגֶּ֔רֶת
the border
Strong's:
H4526
Word #:
2 of 9
something enclosing, i.e., a margin (of a region, of a panel); concretely, a stronghold
הָי֖וּ
H1961
הָי֖וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַטַּבָּעֹ֑ת
were the rings
H2885
הַטַּבָּעֹ֑ת
were the rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
בָּתִּים֙
the places
H1004
בָּתִּים֙
the places
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 9
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לַבַּדִּ֔ים
for the staves
H905
לַבַּדִּ֔ים
for the staves
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
לָשֵׂ֖את
to bear
H5375
לָשֵׂ֖את
to bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
7 of 9
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
Historical Context
Positioning rings near the table's border (edges) rather than centrally ensured balanced carrying by four bearers. This engineering detail demonstrates the Spirit-given wisdom (35:31) extending to practical mechanics, not just aesthetic design.
Questions for Reflection
- What does careful positioning of rings for optimal carrying teach about God's concern for practical wisdom in His work?
- How does attention to engineering details illustrate that methodology and execution honor God alongside theological accuracy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Rings positioned 'close by the border' (לְעֻמַּת הַמִּסְגֶּרֶת, le'ummat hamisgeret) for the staves demonstrate intentional design—rings precisely located for optimal carrying. This attention to engineering details teaches that God cares about how His work is accomplished, not just that it's accomplished. Practical wisdom in execution honors God as much as theological accuracy in conception. The placement 'by the border' (not center) distributed weight properly, illustrating that wise methodology matters.