Exodus 37:5
And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֵ֤א
And he put
H935
וַיָּבֵ֤א
And he put
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 10
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 10
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 10
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 10
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 10
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 10
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
לָשֵׂ֖את
to bear
H5375
לָשֵׂ֖את
to bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
8 of 10
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
Historical Context
The Kohathites bore responsibility for carrying the ark during wilderness journeys (Numbers 4:15), using these permanent poles. The cloud of God's presence led them, and they followed, carrying the ark that represented His throne—a powerful image of God's people following His presence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the ark's design (both sacred and transportable) challenge false dichotomies between holiness and accessibility?
- What does the imagery of Levites carrying God's throne on their shoulders teach about the privilege and responsibility of ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The repetition 'to bear the ark' emphasizes the staves' purpose—enabling movement without profaning holiness. Everything about the ark's construction considered both its sacred status and practical necessity of transport. This balance (holiness and function, glory and utility) teaches that genuine worship doesn't choose between transcendence and relevance—God's dwelling must be both holy and accessible, awesome and approachable. Christ perfectly embodies this: infinitely holy yet 'touched with the feeling of our infirmities' (Hebrews 4:15).