Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the arkThe instruction to insert poles into the rings on the sides of the Ark of the Covenant highlights the importance of mobility and reverence in handling sacred objects. The Ark, a central symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, was designed to be portable, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The use of poles ensured that the Ark was not touched directly, maintaining its sanctity. This method of transport underscores the holiness of the Ark, as direct contact was forbidden (
2 Samuel 6:6-7). The poles were made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, signifying purity and incorruptibility, which are attributes of God.
in order to carry it
The purpose of the poles was to facilitate the carrying of the Ark by the Levites, specifically the Kohathites, as outlined inNumbers 4:15. This method of transport was a practical solution for the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and later movements, such as the crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 3:14-17). The carrying of the Ark symbolizes the presence and guidance of God with His people, a theme echoed in the New Testament with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers (1 Corinthians 3:16). The Ark's portability also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who would dwell among humanity (John 1:14) and provide a way for God's presence to be accessible to all.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the construction of the Ark of the Covenant from God on Mount Sinai.
2.
Ark of the CovenantA sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel.
3.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were to carry the Ark as they journeyed through the wilderness.
4.
Mount SinaiThe mountain where Moses received the Law and the instructions for the Tabernacle, including the Ark.
5.
TabernacleThe portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where the Ark was to be housed.
Teaching Points
Reverence for God's InstructionsThe specific instructions for carrying the Ark underscore the importance of following God's commands with precision and respect.
Symbol of God's PresenceThe Ark represented God's presence among His people, reminding us of the importance of seeking and honoring God's presence in our lives today.
Obedience and HolinessThe method of carrying the Ark teaches us about the necessity of obedience and the pursuit of holiness in our walk with God.
Community ResponsibilityThe carrying of the Ark by the Israelites signifies the collective responsibility of the community to uphold and honor God's covenant.
Spiritual JourneyJust as the Israelites carried the Ark through the wilderness, we are called to carry God's Word and presence with us on our spiritual journey.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 25:14?
2.How does Exodus 25:14 emphasize the importance of following God's specific instructions?
3.What does the use of poles in Exodus 25:14 signify about God's holiness?
4.How can we apply the obedience shown in Exodus 25:14 to our lives?
5.What connections exist between Exodus 25:14 and the reverence for sacred objects today?
6.How does Exodus 25:14 reflect the broader theme of God's covenant with Israel?
7.Why were poles used to carry the Ark in Exodus 25:14?
8.What does Exodus 25:14 reveal about God's instructions for worship?
9.How does Exodus 25:14 reflect the holiness of the Ark?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 25?
11.In 1 Chronicles 15:2, where David insists only the Levites may carry the Ark, how do we reconcile this claim with any instances where non-Levites handled it or transported it in other texts?
12.Why do the dimensions of the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25) resemble those of Egyptian sacred chests, suggesting borrowed traditions?
13.2 Samuel 6:6–8 – Are there historical or textual inconsistencies between this account of Uzzah and other descriptions of God’s mercy or patience in the Old Testament?
14.Exodus 25:10 – Does using acacia wood and gold overlay for the Ark raise practical or scientific concerns about weight and portability for a traveling community?What Does Exodus 25:14 Mean
Insert the poles“Insert the poles…” (Exodus 25:14) underscores that God gave Israel precise, concrete instructions.
• Detailed obedience matters. Just as Noah followed exact measurements for the ark (Genesis 6:22), so the craftsmen were to follow God’s blueprint here (Exodus 25:9).
• The poles were themselves holy, overlaid with gold (Exodus 25:13), reminding the people that everything associated with God’s presence must reflect His glory (Exodus 28:2).
• When Moses later put the covenant tablets inside the ark, he obeyed down to this step (Exodus 40:20–21). God blesses meticulous faithfulness.
into the rings“…into the rings…” connects the poles with the four gold rings previously described (Exodus 25:12; 37:3).
• The rings were permanent fixtures, fixed in advance. God plans ahead for His people’s needs (Exodus 13:21–22).
• The rings kept human hands from touching the ark itself, protecting the carriers and preserving reverence (Numbers 4:15).
• Uzzah’s death when he touched the ark (2 Samuel 6:6–7) illustrates the seriousness of approaching God on His terms.
on the sides of the ark“…on the sides of the ark…” identifies the exact placement.
• Positioning the rings on both sides distributed the weight, preventing instability—God’s design is always sufficient (Psalm 18:30).
• The ark’s sides faced outward toward the people when carried, visually declaring that God’s covenant stood between Him and Israel (1 Samuel 4:4).
• Transport required unity: at least four Levites shouldered the poles, picturing corporate service (Numbers 7:9;1 Chronicles 15:15).
in order to carry it“…in order to carry it.” The whole arrangement served one purpose—mobility without compromise to holiness.
• Only the Kohathites, a clan of Levites, bore this responsibility (Numbers 4:4–15;Deuteronomy 10:8).
• Whenever the camp moved, the ark led the procession, symbolizing God’s leadership (Numbers 10:33–36;Joshua 3:3–4).
• David later learned that carts, though convenient, violated this command (1 Chronicles 15:2, 13–15). God’s work must be done God’s way.
summaryExodus 25:14 teaches that the living, holy God gives exact directions for how His presence is to be honored and transported. The poles, rings, sides, and carrying protocol all emphasize obedience, reverence, and God-centered order. When we follow His instructions fully, we enjoy the blessing and guidance of His abiding presence.
Verse 14. -
That the ark may be borne withthem. The Hebrew ark was not made, like the Egyptian arks, for processions, and was never exhibited in the way of display, as they were. The need of carrying it arose from the fact, that the Israelites had not yet obtained a permanent abode. As soon as Canaan was reached, the ark had a fixed locality assigned to it, though the locality was changed from time to time (
Joshua 18:1;
1 Samuel 4:3;
1 Samuel 7:1;
2 Samuel 6:10, etc.); but in the desert it required to be moved each time that the congregation changed its camping-ground.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Insertוְהֵֽבֵאתָ֤(wə·hê·ḇê·ṯā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gothe polesהַבַּדִּים֙(hab·bad·dîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 905:Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief ofinto the ringsבַּטַּבָּעֹ֔ת(baṭ·ṭab·bā·‘ōṯ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2885:A seal, signet, a ring of any kindonעַ֖ל(‘al)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe sidesצַלְעֹ֣ת(ṣal·‘ōṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 6763:A rib, a side, a, timber, plankof the ark,הָאָרֹ֑ן(hā·’ā·rōn)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 727:A chest, arkin order to carryלָשֵׂ֥את(lā·śêṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takethe ark.הָאָרֹ֖ן(hā·’ā·rōn)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 727:A chest, ark
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 25:14 You shall put the poles into (Exo. Ex) 
