The rings were placed close to the rimThe placement of the rings close to the rim of the table signifies the importance of stability and balance in the design of the tabernacle's furnishings. This detail reflects the meticulous instructions given by God for the construction of the tabernacle, emphasizing the need for precision and care in worship. The proximity to the rim suggests ease of access and functionality, ensuring that the table could be carried without difficulty. This design choice highlights the practical aspects of worship, where every element serves a purpose in facilitating the Israelites' relationship with God.
to serve as holders for the poles
The rings served a specific function as holders for the poles, which were essential for the mobility of the tabernacle. This reflects the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites during their wilderness journey, where the tabernacle needed to be portable. The use of poles and rings ensured that the sacred objects could be transported without being touched directly, preserving their sanctity. This design also foreshadows the concept of God's presence being with His people wherever they go, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.
used to carry the table
The table referred to here is the Table of Showbread, which held the bread of the Presence, symbolizing God's provision and covenant with Israel. The ability to carry the table underscores the transient nature of the Israelites' journey and their reliance on God's guidance. This portability is a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly dwellings and the eternal promise of God's presence. The carrying of the table also prefigures the New Testament understanding of Jesus as the Bread of Life, who sustains and accompanies believers on their spiritual journey.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
BezalelThe skilled craftsman appointed by God to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the table of showbread.
2.
TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.
3.
Table of ShowbreadA sacred table in the Tabernacle where the bread of the Presence was placed, symbolizing God's provision and covenant with Israel.
4.
Rings and PolesFunctional elements designed for the mobility of the table, ensuring it could be carried as the Israelites traveled.
5.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, for whom the Tabernacle was constructed as a place of worship and divine encounter.
Teaching Points
God's Attention to DetailThe specific instructions for the rings and poles remind us that God cares about the details of our lives and our worship.
Mobility and ObedienceThe design for carrying the table signifies the need for readiness and obedience in following God's leading, wherever He may direct.
Symbol of ProvisionThe table of showbread represents God's continual provision and presence, encouraging us to trust in His sustenance.
Holiness and ReverenceThe careful handling of the table underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect for His holiness.
Community and WorshipThe table's role in the Tabernacle highlights the communal aspect of worship, reminding us of the importance of gathering together in God's presence.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 37:14?
2.How does Exodus 37:14 demonstrate God's attention to detail in craftsmanship?
3.What can we learn about obedience from Bezalel's work in Exodus 37:14?
4.How does Exodus 37:14 connect to the broader theme of worship in Exodus?
5.In what ways can we apply the precision of Exodus 37:14 to our lives?
6.How does the craftsmanship in Exodus 37:14 reflect God's character and holiness?
7.What is the significance of Exodus 37:14 in the construction of the Tabernacle?
8.How does Exodus 37:14 reflect God's attention to detail in worship?
9.Why is the description of the Ark's design important in Exodus 37:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 37?
11.Exodus 37:10-16: Where did they obtain enough high-quality timber and gold to construct a table so precisely, and is there archaeological evidence of such abundance?
12.Exodus 37:25-29: Is there any historical or extrabiblical record to confirm the special incense formula mentioned, or does it appear only in biblical tradition?
13.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?
14.Exodus 27:1-8: How could the Israelites feasibly construct and transport such a large bronze-covered acacia wood altar during prolonged desert wanderings?What Does Exodus 37:14 Mean
The ringsExodus 37:14 begins by mentioning “the rings.” These were four solid-gold fittings affixed to the legs of the table of the bread of the Presence (cf.Exodus 37:13;Exodus 25:26–27). God instructed Bezalel to fashion them exactly as He had described to Moses on Sinai. The rings testified that every detail of worship was designed by the LORD, not left to human invention (Hebrews 8:5).
• Gold, a symbol of purity and royalty, reminds us that fellowship with God is precious (Revelation 3:18).
• The rings’ permanence declared that God’s prescribed way of approaching Him does not change (Malachi 3:6).
Placed close to the rim“They were placed close to the rim.” The rim was a border of gold that surrounded the tabletop (Exodus 37:12). Positioning the rings right beneath this border accomplished two things:
• Stability—keeping the carrying-poles level so the holy bread would not slide (1 Chronicles 9:32).
• Visibility—making it obvious that transport was part of the table’s design, not an afterthought (Numbers 4:7–8).
God’s people were to see that holiness must be protected whether the tabernacle was stationary or on the move (Psalm 15:1).
To serve as holdersThe rings “serve as holders.” They were functional, not ornamental. Their sole purpose was to secure the poles. This underscores a scriptural pattern: God equips what He commands (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
• Without holders, the table could not be moved without direct contact, risking irreverence (2 Samuel 6:6–7).
• By providing holders, God removed any excuse for disobedient shortcuts (Exodus 40:4).
For the polesThe poles were acacia wood overlaid with gold (Exodus 37:15). Acacia is durable; gold is glorious—together pointing to the union of humanity and divinity fulfilled perfectly in Christ (John 1:14;Colossians 2:9).
• The poles ensured that bearers never touched the sacred table itself, keeping a clear line between holy and common (Leviticus 10:10).
• They allowed continual readiness to move at God’s command (Numbers 9:17–23).
Used to carry the tableFinally, the text states the poles were “used to carry the table.” Only Kohathite Levites could handle the poles (Numbers 4:15). The scene pictures:
• Mobility—God journeys with His people, not confined to one place (Exodus 40:36–38).
• Reverence—worship remains central even in transit; the bread of the Presence traveled untouched, just as Christ’s body saw no decay (Acts 13:35).
• Responsibility—leaders must bear the weight of ministry God’s way, not their own (1 Peter 5:2–3).
summaryExodus 37:14 highlights God’s meticulous provision for transporting the table of the bread of the Presence. The gold rings, fitted near the rim, held the poles that allowed the chosen Levites to lift the table without defilement. Every detail shows that the LORD cares about both the purity and the portability of true worship. Obedience to His precise instructions safeguards holiness, preserves fellowship, and prepares His people to move forward whenever He leads.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The ringsהַטַּבָּעֹ֑ת(haṭ·ṭab·bā·‘ōṯ)Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2885:A seal, signet, a ring of any kindwere placedהָי֖וּ(hā·yū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, benext toלְעֻמַּת֙(lə·‘um·maṯ)Preposition-l
Strong's 5980:Society, near, beside, along withthe frameהַמִּסְגֶּ֔רֶת(ham·mis·ge·reṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4526:Something enclosing, a margin, a strongholdas holdersבָּתִּים֙(bāt·tîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1004:A housefor the polesלַבַּדִּ֔ים(lab·bad·dîm)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 905:Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief ofused to carryלָשֵׂ֖את(lā·śêṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takethe table.הַשֻּׁלְחָֽן׃(haš·šul·ḥān)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7979:A table, a meal
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 37:14 The rings were close by the border (Exo. Ex) 
