And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof:

EXODUS 37:10KJV
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Exodus 37:10 (KJV)

What does Exodus 37:10 mean?

Exodus 37:10 describes how Bezalel, the craftsman, made a table out of acacia wood (called "shittim wood" in the King James Version) for the tabernacle, giving its exact measurements: two cubits long, one cubit wide, and one and a half cubits high. This verse records the careful construction of a specific piece of furniture for Israel’s portable sanctuary.

In the context of Exodus, Moses is overseeing the building of the tabernacle, and Bezalel is carrying out the work according to God’s instructions. The table mentioned here would later hold the "bread of the Presence," an important part of Israel’s worship. The verse emphasizes precision and obedience to the detailed design God gave for the tabernacle’s furnishings.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 37:10

  • שִׁטִּים (shittim): This word refers to acacia wood, a durable and common material in the Sinai region. Its use here highlights the practical and lasting nature of the tabernacle’s furniture.
  • אַמָּה (amah): Translated as "cubit," this was a standard unit of length in ancient Israel, roughly the length of a forearm (about 18 inches or 45 centimeters). The repeated use of this word shows the importance of exact dimensions in the construction.
  • שֻׁלְחָן (shulchan): This word means "table." In this context, it refers specifically to the table that would hold the sacred bread, distinguishing it from ordinary tables.
  • גֹּבַהּ (govah): Meaning "height," this word points to the vertical measurement, showing that every aspect of the table’s size was specified.

Why Exodus 37:10 matters

  • Exodus 37:10 shows that the tabernacle’s furnishings were made with careful attention to God’s detailed instructions, not left to human preference or improvisation.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Exodus, where obedience to God’s commands is central to Israel’s relationship with Him.
  • By recording the exact materials and measurements, the verse helps readers understand the historical and physical reality of Israel’s worship practices, grounding the story in real-world details.