Exodus 37:4
Then he made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold.
Then he made poles of acacia wood
The use of acacia wood is significant due to its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizing the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. Acacia trees were common in the Sinai region, making the wood readily available for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The poles were essential for transporting the Ark of the Covenant, ensuring it was carried without being touched directly, which aligns with the holiness and reverence required in handling sacred objects. This practice underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as seen in the detailed commands given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

and overlaid them with gold.
Gold, a symbol of purity, divinity, and kingship, was used extensively in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The overlaying of the acacia wood with gold signifies the divine nature and glory of God, as well as the preciousness of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. This act of overlaying also points to the future glory of Christ, who is both fully human (represented by the wood) and fully divine (represented by the gold). The use of gold in the Tabernacle foreshadows the heavenly sanctuary and the eternal kingdom of God, where His glory is fully revealed.

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

2. Acacia Wood
A durable and resistant wood used extensively in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. It symbolizes incorruptibility and endurance.

3. Gold Overlay
Represents purity, divinity, and the glory of God. Gold was used to cover many items in the Tabernacle, signifying their sacred purpose.

4. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites. It was a central place of worship and sacrifice.

5. Poles
Used for carrying the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred items, ensuring they were not touched directly, which was a sign of reverence and obedience to God's commands.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Instructions
Bezalel's work exemplifies the importance of following God's specific instructions in our lives. Just as he adhered to the divine blueprint, we are called to live according to God's Word.

Symbolism of Materials
The use of acacia wood and gold in the Tabernacle teaches us about the incorruptible nature of God's presence and the purity required in our worship. We should strive for purity and holiness in our relationship with God.

Reverence for the Sacred
The poles used for carrying the Ark remind us of the reverence due to God and His commands. We must approach God with respect and honor, recognizing His holiness.

God's Presence Among His People
The construction of the Tabernacle signifies God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, through the Holy Spirit, God dwells within us, calling us to be living temples of His presence.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Bezalel's obedience to God's instructions in crafting the Tabernacle inspire you in your daily walk with God?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of acacia wood and gold in the Tabernacle be applied to your personal life and spiritual growth?

3. How can we show reverence for God in our modern-day worship practices, drawing from the example of the poles used to carry the Ark?

4. What does the construction of the Tabernacle teach us about God's desire to be present with His people, and how can this understanding impact your relationship with God today?

5. How can the continuity of God's instructions from the Tabernacle to the Temple, and ultimately to Christ, deepen your appreciation for the unity of Scripture and God's redemptive plan?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25:10-15
Provides the initial instructions for making the Ark of the Covenant, including the use of acacia wood and gold overlay, highlighting the continuity and obedience to God's design.

1 Kings 6:20-22
Describes the use of gold in Solomon's Temple, showing the continued significance of gold in places of worship and its representation of God's holiness.

Hebrews 9:4
Mentions the Ark of the Covenant and its contents, connecting the Old Testament practices to the New Testament understanding of Christ's fulfillment of the law.
The Ark, the Table, and the CandlestickJ. Orr Exodus 37:1-25
The Furnishing of the TabernacleJ. Orr Exodus 37:1-28
People
Bezaleel, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Acacia, Acacia-wood, Gold, Maketh, Overlaid, Overlayeth, Plated, Poles, Rods, Shittim, Staffs, Staves, Wood
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 37:1-4

     4552   wood

Exodus 37:1-5

     4528   trees

Exodus 37:1-9

     7306   ark of the covenant

Library
Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
(at Jerusalem. Probably b.c. 6.) ^C Luke I. 5-25. ^c 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa [a Jewish proselyte, an Idumæan or Edomite by birth, founder of the Herodian family, king of Judæa from b.c. 40 to a.d. 4, made such by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Mark Antony and Octavius Cæsar], a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course [David divided the priests into twenty-four bodies or courses, each course serving in rotation one week in the temple
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Exodus 37:4 NIV
Exodus 37:4 NLT
Exodus 37:4 ESV
Exodus 37:4 NASB
Exodus 37:4 KJV

Exodus 37:4 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Exodus 37:3
Top of Page
Top of Page