Exodus 37:3
And he cast for it four rings of gold, to be set by the four corners of it; even two rings upon the one side of it, and two rings upon the other side of it.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּצֹ֣ק
And he cast
H3332
וַיִּצֹ֣ק
And he cast
Strong's:
H3332
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard
טַבָּעֹ֔ת
rings
H2885
טַבָּעֹ֔ת
rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
זָהָ֔ב
of gold
H2091
זָהָ֔ב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
5 of 18
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פַּֽעֲמֹתָ֑יו
corners
H6471
פַּֽעֲמֹתָ֑יו
corners
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
8 of 18
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
טַבָּעֹ֔ת
rings
H2885
טַבָּעֹ֔ת
rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
צַלְע֖וֹ
side
H6763
צַלְע֖וֹ
side
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
12 of 18
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
הָֽאֶחָ֔ת
upon the one
H259
הָֽאֶחָ֔ת
upon the one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
טַבָּעֹ֔ת
rings
H2885
טַבָּעֹ֔ת
rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
The four rings (two per side) received poles for carrying. Later, touching the ark directly resulted in death (Uzzah, 2 Samuel 6:6-7), demonstrating the serious holiness it represented. The rings and poles allowed Levites to transport the ark without direct contact.
Questions for Reflection
- What do the rings enabling non-direct carrying teach about approaching God's holiness with reverence?
- How does the ark's portability illustrate God's accompaniment of His people through their journeys?
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Analysis & Commentary
Four rings of gold (אַרְבַּע טַבְּעֹת זָהָב, arba tabba'ot zahav) in the ark's four corners enable carrying without touching it directly—teaching that God's holiness requires reverential distance. The number four (representing earth's four corners) suggests universal reach of God's covenant. These rings made the ark portable, demonstrating that God's presence accompanies His people through their journeys—He is not confined to one location. The rings picture how Christ is accessible (can be approached) yet holy (must be approached properly).