Exodus 37:2

He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it.

Study Bible

He overlaid it with pure gold
The use of pure gold signifies the holiness and divine nature of the Ark of the Covenant. Gold, a precious and incorruptible metal, symbolizes purity and the glory of God. In the ancient Near East, gold was often associated with royalty and deity, underscoring the Ark's role as the earthly throne of God. This overlaying with gold also prefigures the divine nature of Jesus Christ, who is described as pure and without blemish.

both inside and out
Covering the Ark both inside and out with gold emphasizes the completeness and perfection required in the worship of God. This dual covering can be seen as a reflection of the inner and outer purity expected of believers, aligning with the biblical theme that God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). It also points to the comprehensive nature of Christ's righteousness, which covers believers entirely.

and made a gold molding around it
The gold molding around the Ark served both a decorative and functional purpose, preventing the cover from slipping. This molding can be seen as a type of the crown of thorns placed on Jesus' head, symbolizing His kingship and the suffering He endured. The molding also signifies the boundary between the holy and the profane, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture, reminding believers of the separation between God's holiness and human sinfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Bezalel
The skilled craftsman chosen by God to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Ark of the Covenant. He was filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship (Exodus 31:1-5).

2. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel. It was central to Israel's worship and symbolized God's presence among His people.

3. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness. It was a place of meeting between God and His people.

4. Gold
A precious metal used extensively in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, symbolizing purity, value, and the divine nature of God.

5. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and journeyed through the wilderness to the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Gold
Gold's use in the Ark signifies the purity and holiness required in approaching God. As believers, we are called to pursue holiness in our lives, reflecting God's nature.

God's Presence
The Ark, overlaid with gold, was a tangible representation of God's presence. Today, through Christ, we have direct access to God's presence, and our lives should reflect His glory.

Craftsmanship and Excellence
Bezalel's work on the Ark reminds us of the importance of using our God-given talents with excellence for His glory. Whatever we do, we should do it as unto the Lord.

Covenant Relationship
The Ark housed the tablets of the covenant, reminding us of the importance of living in obedience to God's Word and maintaining a covenant relationship with Him.

Spiritual Significance
The physical beauty and value of the Ark point to the spiritual beauty and worth of a life dedicated to God. We are called to be vessels of honor, set apart for His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the use of gold in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant reflect the nature of God, and how can we apply this understanding to our personal walk with Him?

2. In what ways does the Ark of the Covenant serve as a foreshadowing of Christ's role in the New Covenant, and how does this deepen our appreciation for His sacrifice?

3. Considering Bezalel's craftsmanship, how can we identify and use our own talents and skills to serve God and His kingdom effectively?

4. What does the presence of the Ark among the Israelites teach us about the importance of God's presence in our daily lives, and how can we cultivate an awareness of His presence?

5. How can the concept of a covenant relationship with God, as symbolized by the Ark, influence our commitment to living according to His Word and commands?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:10-11
Provides the initial instructions for the construction of the Ark, emphasizing the use of gold, which signifies the divine nature and holiness of God.

Hebrews 9:4
Mentions the Ark of the Covenant in the context of the earthly sanctuary, highlighting its significance in the Old Covenant and its contents, including the tablets of the covenant.

Revelation 21:18
Describes the New Jerusalem, where gold is used to symbolize the glory and purity of God's eternal kingdom, drawing a parallel to the use of gold in the Tabernacle.