Making the Ark of the Covenant — Exodus 37:1–9
Bezalel began constructing the sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle according to the detailed instructions God had given Moses on Mount Sinai. The first major item he made was the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object within the Tabernacle.
The Ark was made from acacia wood and completely covered with pure gold, both inside and outside. It measured:
- 2.5 cubits long
- 1.5 cubits wide
- 1.5 cubits high
Gold molding was placed around it, and four gold rings were attached to its four feet so that it could be carried without being touched directly.
Two poles were made from acacia wood and covered with gold. These poles were placed through the rings on the sides of the Ark.
The Ark was designed to be carried wherever Israel traveled. It represented God’s covenant and His presence among His people.
Bezalel then made the mercy seat, or cover, from pure gold. It was placed on top of the Ark.
Two cherubim were made from gold and positioned at the two ends of the mercy seat. Their wings stretched upward and toward one another, overshadowing the mercy seat.
“Their faces were toward each other; the faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.”
The Ark therefore combined several important ideas: God’s covenant, His holiness, His presence, and His mercy.
The mercy seat was especially significant because it was associated with the place where atonement would be made for Israel’s sins.
Making the Table for the Bread of the Presence — Exodus 37:10–16
Bezalel next constructed the table for the Bread of the Presence, which was placed in the Holy Place.
Like the Ark, the table was made from acacia wood and covered with pure gold.
Its measurements were:
- 2 cubits long
- 1 cubit wide
- 1.5 cubits high
A gold molding surrounded the top of the table.
Four gold rings were attached near its corners so that poles could be inserted for transportation. The poles were made from acacia wood and covered with gold.
The craftsmen also made the various utensils required for the table from pure gold.
These included:
- Plates
- Cups
- Bowls
- Vessels used for pouring
The table would later hold the Bread of the Presence, which symbolized God’s provision and Israel’s continuing fellowship with Him.
Just as God provided manna for Israel in the wilderness, the bread in the Tabernacle served as a reminder that the people depended upon God for their sustenance.
Making the Golden Lampstand — Exodus 37:17–24
Bezalel then made the golden lampstand, another important furnishing of the Holy Place.
Unlike the table, which was made from wood and covered with gold, the lampstand itself was made entirely from pure gold.
It consisted of a central shaft with three branches extending from each side, giving it six branches plus the central shaft.
The lampstand was beautifully decorated.
The branches were designed with cups shaped like almond blossoms, along with buds and flowers.
The central shaft contained four almond-blossom-shaped cups as well.
Everything was carefully crafted according to the pattern God had given Moses.
The lampstand was not merely decorative. Its purpose was to provide light within the Holy Place.
The priests would tend its lamps so that the Holy Place would remain illuminated.
The lampstand therefore represented God’s light shining among His people.
It was also another reminder that worship was to take place according to God’s instructions rather than human creativity alone.
All the utensils associated with the lampstand—including its tongs and trays—were also made from pure gold.
A total of one talent of pure gold was used to make the lampstand and all its utensils.
Making the Altar of Incense — Exodus 37:25–29
Bezalel then made the altar of incense, which was placed in the Holy Place in front of the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place.
The altar was made from acacia wood and covered with pure gold.
Its measurements were:
- 1 cubit long
- 1 cubit wide
- 2 cubits high
It was therefore square at its base and taller than it was wide.
Four horns were made on its four corners as part of the altar.
A gold molding surrounded it, and four gold rings were attached to its sides so that it could be carried with poles.
The poles were made from acacia wood and covered with gold.
The altar of incense had a specific purpose: incense was to be burned upon it before the Lord.
The rising fragrance of the incense would become closely associated with worship and prayer.
After constructing the altar, Bezalel prepared the holy anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense according to God’s instructions.
These were not ordinary mixtures for everyday use. They were specially prepared for worship in the Tabernacle.
The anointing oil would be used to consecrate the sacred objects and priests, while the incense would be burned as part of Israel’s worship.
The Sacred Furnishings Work Together
Exodus 37 is essentially a record of God’s instructions becoming physical reality.
Earlier chapters described what God wanted Moses and Israel to make. Now Bezalel and the craftsmen were actually constructing those things.
The furnishings also formed a meaningful picture of Israel’s relationship with God.
The Ark of the Covenant represented God’s covenant and holy presence.
The mercy seat reminded Israel that sinful people needed God’s mercy and atonement.
The Table of the Bread of the Presence represented God’s provision and fellowship with His people.
The Golden Lampstand provided light in the Holy Place and pointed toward God’s illuminating presence.
The Altar of Incense was associated with worship and the continual offering of fragrant incense before God.
Together, these objects showed that Israel’s relationship with God involved His presence, mercy, provision, light, worship, and covenant.
The arrangement of the Tabernacle was also intentional. The Ark was placed in the Most Holy Place, while the table, lampstand, and altar of incense were situated in the Holy Place.
The bronze altar and basin were located farther outward in the courtyard.
There were boundaries and stages of approach because God is holy.
Application
Exodus 37 reminds us that God cares about how His people approach Him.
The craftsmen did not simply make beautiful objects according to whatever designs they personally preferred. They carefully followed God’s instructions.
Their work required patience, precision, skill, and obedience.
This challenges us to consider whether we treat our relationship with God casually.
The Tabernacle reminds Israel that God is both near and holy. He chose to dwell among His people, yet His holiness meant that they could not approach Him carelessly.
For Christians, the New Testament gives us an even greater picture of God’s desire to dwell with His people. Through Jesus Christ, the barrier between God and His people is ultimately dealt with.
The Ark’s mercy seat also points us toward the greater mercy found in Christ. Humanity’s deepest need is not simply better behavior or religious activity. We need forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
The lampstand reminds us that God is our light.
The table reminds us that God is our provider.
The incense reminds us of worship and prayer.
And the Ark reminds us that God’s presence is more valuable than anything else.
Exodus 37 therefore invites us to ask:
Am I treating God’s presence as precious?
The Israelites were carefully building a place for God’s presence to dwell among them.
Today, the believer’s life is called to be devoted to God.
Our time, abilities, possessions, work, worship, and entire lives can become offerings to Him.
The God who desired to dwell among His people is the same God who calls us to draw near to Him through Christ.
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