And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold, to bear the table.

EXODUS 37:15KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 37:15 (KJV)

What does Exodus 37:15 mean?

Exodus 37:15 describes how poles made from acacia wood were covered with gold so that the table could be carried. This verse explains a practical detail about the construction of the table for the tabernacle, showing how it was designed to be portable.

In the context of Exodus, Bezalel is building the tabernacle’s furnishings as God instructed Moses. The table mentioned is the table of showbread, an important piece used in Israelite worship. The use of acacia wood and gold shows both durability and value, and the poles allowed the table to be moved without being touched directly.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 37:15

  • שִׁטִּים (shittim): This word refers to acacia wood, a tough and durable wood native to the region. Its use highlights the practical and lasting nature of the tabernacle’s furniture.
  • צָפָה (tsaphah): Translated as "overlaid," this word means to cover something, often with a precious metal. Here, it emphasizes that the wood was entirely covered with gold, not just decorated.
  • נָשָׂא (nasa’): This word means "to bear" or "to carry." It clarifies that the poles were specifically made so the table could be transported, underlining the need for mobility in the tabernacle’s design.

Why Exodus 37:15 matters

  • This verse clears up that the table was not meant to be stationary; it was built to be moved as the Israelites traveled, showing the tabernacle’s temporary and mobile nature.
  • The detail about overlaying the poles with gold reveals the care and reverence given to every aspect of the tabernacle, not just the most visible parts.
  • By following God’s instructions exactly, the builders showed obedience and respect for the sacred space, which is a recurring theme in these chapters.

Where else these words appear

“shittim” Hebrew H7848 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 25:5 And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,
  • Exodus 27:1 And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.
  • Exodus 37:1 And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:

“overlaid” Hebrew H6823 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 25:11 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.
  • Exodus 36:36 And he made thereunto four pillars of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold: their hooks were of gold; and he cast for them four sockets of silver.
  • 1 Kings 6:22 And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold.

“staves” Hebrew H905 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 26:1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
  • Exodus 37:4 And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.
  • Numbers 11:14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.

“table” Hebrew H7979 · used in 62 verses

  • Exodus 25:23 Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.
  • 1 Samuel 20:34 So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.
  • Job 36:16 Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.