Exodus 37:15
And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold, to bear the table.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ
And he made
H6213
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
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
אֹתָ֖ם
H853
אֹתָ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
זָהָ֑ב
them with gold
H2091
זָהָ֑ב
them with gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
8 of 11
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
לָשֵׂ֖את
to bear
H5375
לָשֵׂ֖את
to bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
9 of 11
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
Historical Context
The staves were long enough for two bearers per side (four total) to carry the table at shoulder height. Like the ark's staves, these remained permanently in the rings, symbolizing readiness to move when God led. The Kohathites carried the table using these gold-overlaid poles.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the consistent pattern (wood overlaid with gold) throughout tabernacle furniture illustrate the incarnation principle?
- What does bearers of God's provision needing gold-overlay themselves teach about ministers being transformed by the message they carry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Staves of shittim wood overlaid with gold continue the pattern—humanity (wood) clothed in divinity (gold) for the purpose of carrying God's provision (the table). This consistent pattern throughout tabernacle furniture teaches theological unity: every aspect of God's dwelling and every element of His provision reflects the incarnation—divine glory expressed through human vehicle. Those who carry God's provision must themselves be transformed by His glory.