Exodus Chapter 37
Building the Tabernacle Furniture
A. The Furniture of the Most Holy Place
1. (Exodus 37:1–5) The Ark of the Covenant (according to the command and description in Exodus 25:10–16).
“Then Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits was its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height. He overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold all around it. And he cast for it four rings of gold to be set in its four corners: two rings on one side, and two rings on the other side of it. He made poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold. And he put the poles into the rings at the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.”
The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred piece of furniture in the entire tabernacle because it symbolized the very presence of God among His people. Constructed by Bezalel according to divine instruction, it was made from acacia wood, a durable material resistant to decay, and overlaid with pure gold both inside and outside, reflecting the holiness and incorruptibility of God. The molding of gold around it served both as decoration and as a crown-like border, symbolizing divine majesty. The four golden rings at its corners held the poles, also made of acacia wood and covered in gold, which were used to carry the ark. This design ensured that no one touched the ark directly, demonstrating that sinful man cannot come into direct contact with the holiness of God without mediation. The carrying poles also ensured that the ark could be transported safely whenever Israel journeyed, showing that the Lord’s presence went with His people wherever they traveled.
The ark was not only the throne of God on earth but also the container of His covenant with Israel. It held the two tablets of the Law given to Moses, later joined by Aaron’s rod that budded and a golden pot of manna (Hebrews 9:4). These represented God’s authority, provision, and covenant faithfulness. The ark thus pointed forward to Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies God’s presence among His people, the fulfillment of the Law, and the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).
2. (Exodus 37:6–9) The Mercy Seat (the gold lid to the Ark of the Covenant, according to the command and description in Exodus 25:17–22).
“He also made the mercy seat of pure gold; two and a half cubits was its length and a cubit and a half its width. He made two cherubim of beaten gold; he made them of one piece at the two ends of the mercy seat: one cherub at one end on this side, and the other cherub at the other end on that side. He made the cherubim at the two ends of one piece with the mercy seat. The cherubim spread out their wings above, and covered the mercy seat with their wings. They faced one another; the faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.”
The mercy seat was a solid slab of pure gold that covered the ark, forming the place where atonement was made. The two cherubim of beaten gold were part of the same piece, emphasizing unity and divine craftsmanship. Their wings stretched upward, overshadowing the mercy seat, while their faces looked downward toward it, symbolizing the reverent attention of the heavenly beings to the atoning work of God.
This mercy seat represented the very throne of God on earth. It was there, between the cherubim, that God promised to meet and speak with Moses (Exodus 25:22). The name “mercy seat” (Hebrew kapporet) comes from the root meaning “to cover” or “to make atonement.” On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sin offering upon it (Leviticus 16:14–15), signifying that atonement had been made and that mercy had covered the demands of the Law contained within the ark.
The mercy seat was thus a vivid picture of the gospel. The Law inside the ark condemned Israel’s sin, but the blood sprinkled upon the mercy seat symbolized the satisfaction of God’s justice through substitutionary sacrifice. This foreshadowed the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is both our High Priest and our propitiation. As written in Romans 3:25, “whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed.”
In Christ, the mercy seat finds its fulfillment. He is the meeting place between God and man, the true Ark of the Covenant who embodies both divine justice and mercy. The cherubim looking down upon the mercy seat remind us of the wonder of redemption that even angels desire to look into (1 Peter 1:12).
B. The Furniture of the Holy Place
1. (Exodus 37:10–16) The Table of Showbread with Its Utensils (according to the command and description in Exodus 25:23–30).
“He made the table of acacia wood; two cubits was its length, a cubit its width, and a cubit and a half its height. And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made a molding of gold all around it. Also he made a frame of a handbreadth all around it, and made a molding of gold for the frame all around it. And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings on the four corners that were at its four legs. The rings were close to the frame, as holders for the poles to bear the table. And he made the poles of acacia wood to bear the table, and overlaid them with gold. He made of pure gold the utensils which were on the table: its dishes, its cups, its bowls, and its pitchers for pouring.”
The Table of Showbread was the first piece of furniture in the Holy Place, positioned on the north side of the tabernacle opposite the golden lampstand. Like the ark, it was made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, symbolizing Christ’s dual nature — His humanity and His divinity. The table’s gold molding around the edges served as both ornamentation and protection, forming a border that signified the holiness of that which it held.
The twelve loaves of bread that were continually placed upon it represented the twelve tribes of Israel (Leviticus 24:5–9), signifying God’s continual provision for His people and His covenant relationship with them. This bread was called “the bread of the Presence,” for it was always before the Lord. It also symbolized fellowship, as the priests were to eat it every Sabbath in the Holy Place, showing that communion with God was sustained through His covenant.
The utensils made of pure gold — dishes, cups, bowls, and pitchers — were used for the drink offerings and other functions associated with the table. Every detail demonstrated reverence for the holy nature of service to God. The poles, also made of acacia wood and covered in gold, ensured that the table could be carried without direct contact, again emphasizing the separation between God’s holiness and man’s uncleanness.
Spiritually, the Table of Showbread points to Jesus Christ as the Bread of Life. In John 6:35, He declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” Just as the bread in the tabernacle was continually renewed, Christ continually sustains and nourishes His people through fellowship with Him. The table represents communion and satisfaction found only in the presence of God.
2. (Exodus 37:17–24) The Gold Lampstand (according to the command and description in Exodus 25:31–40).
“He also made the lampstand of pure gold; of hammered work he made the lampstand. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and its flowers were of the same piece. And six branches came out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side. There were three bowls made like almond blossoms on one branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower, and three bowls made like almond blossoms on the other branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower — and so for the six branches coming out of the lampstand. And on the lampstand itself were four bowls made like almond blossoms, each with its ornamental knob and flower. There was a knob under the first two branches of the same, a knob under the second two branches of the same, and a knob under the third two branches of the same, according to the six branches extending from it. Their knobs and their branches were of one piece; all of it was one hammered piece of pure gold. And he made its seven lamps, its wick-trimmers, and its trays of pure gold. Of a talent of pure gold he made it, with all its utensils.”
The golden lampstand, or menorah, stood on the south side of the Holy Place opposite the Table of Showbread. Unlike the table and ark, it was made entirely of pure gold with no wood, emphasizing the divine, uncorrupted nature of the light it provided. It was formed of one solid piece of hammered gold, showing the unity, purity, and perfection of God’s light. The craftsmanship required immense skill, and its design reflected life, beauty, and fruitfulness — each branch decorated with almond blossoms, knobs, and flowers.
The almond tree was the first tree to bloom after winter, symbolizing life, resurrection, and vigilance. In Jeremiah 1:11–12, the Lord uses the almond branch as a symbol of His watchfulness to perform His word. Therefore, the design of the lampstand communicated both the continual presence of divine light and the vitality of life that comes from God.
The seven lamps on top of the branches were filled with pure olive oil, providing continual light within the Holy Place. Since there were no windows, the light of the lampstand was the only illumination, representing the presence and revelation of God that guides His people. In the New Testament, light is a consistent symbol of truth and holiness. Jesus Christ declared in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” The lampstand thus typifies Christ as the true Light who brings divine illumination and life to the believer.
The seven lamps also symbolize the fullness of the Holy Spirit, as described in Revelation 4:5: “And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.” In this way, the lampstand portrays the Spirit-filled life of the believer, shining the light of God into a dark world.
The wick trimmers and trays made of pure gold further emphasized the perfection and holiness of the service within the Holy Place. The wicks required regular trimming so that the light would continue to burn brightly, illustrating the need for continual renewal and maintenance in the spiritual life. As the priests cared for the lampstand daily, so must believers walk in constant fellowship with Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to keep their spiritual light burning brightly (Matthew 5:16).
3. (Exodus 37:25–28) The Altar of Incense (according to the command and description in Exodus 30:1–10).
“He made the incense altar of acacia wood. Its length was a cubit and its width a cubit — it was square — and two cubits was its height. Its horns were of one piece with it. And he overlaid it with pure gold: its top, its sides all around, and its horns. He also made for it a molding of gold all around it. He made two rings of gold for it under its molding, by its two corners on both sides, as holders for the poles with which to bear it. And he made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold.”
The Altar of Incense stood directly before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. Though small compared to the other furnishings, its purpose was profound. Made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, it symbolized the purity, permanence, and divine character of the prayers that ascended from it. Its square design and golden horns reflected unity, strength, and sanctity, while the golden molding around its edges mirrored the perfection and majesty of God’s presence.
Each morning and evening, the priest would burn sweet incense upon this altar, made from a sacred mixture prescribed by God Himself (Exodus 30:34–38). This daily offering represented the continual prayers and intercessions of God’s people rising before Him. Psalm 141:2 connects this symbolism clearly: “Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” The altar was therefore not a place of blood sacrifice, but of spiritual communion — a place where the worshiper’s heart and voice ascended to God.
The incense altar stood close to the Ark of the Covenant, separated only by the veil, showing that the prayers of the saints are the nearest thing to the throne of God. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would take coals from this altar, along with the blood of the sin offering, and enter beyond the veil to sprinkle the blood on the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:12–13). This act demonstrated that prayer and atonement were inseparable — access to God’s throne must always come through the covering of blood.
In the New Testament, the Altar of Incense finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. Hebrews 7:25 says, “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” The golden altar represents His continual intercession for the believer, and the sweet fragrance of the incense foreshadows the spiritual prayers of the saints rising before God through Christ (Revelation 5:8).
The poles of acacia wood overlaid with gold again ensured that the altar could be carried without direct contact, emphasizing holiness and separation. Every detail of the construction showed that approaching God must be done with reverence, purity, and order — a truth that remains unchanged for believers today.
4. (Exodus 37:29) The Anointing Oil and Incense (according to the command and description in Exodus 30:22–38).
“He also made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the perfumer.”
The making of the anointing oil and pure incense was the final act in completing the sacred items for the tabernacle. The anointing oil was composed of specific ingredients blended with skill, including myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil (Exodus 30:23–25). It was to be used exclusively for consecrating the tabernacle, the furnishings, and the priests who ministered within it. This oil symbolized the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying presence and empowerment. When applied to the priests and the sacred objects, it set them apart for divine service.
The incense, described as “pure” and made from sweet spices, was likewise crafted “according to the work of the perfumer.” Its composition was unique and not to be imitated for personal use, under penalty of death (Exodus 30:37–38). The exclusivity of its fragrance underscored the sanctity of worship and the distinction between what is holy and what is common.
Spiritually, the anointing oil and incense together represented the two essential elements of worship: consecration and communion. The oil signifies being set apart by the Spirit for God’s service, while the incense represents the worship and prayer that ascends to Him. Both were made with care, purity, and obedience to divine instruction, reminding believers that true worship is not man-made or self-defined but prescribed by God and made acceptable only through His Spirit.
In the New Testament, these elements find their fulfillment in Christ and His people. The anointing oil points to the indwelling Holy Spirit who consecrates every believer (1 John 2:20: “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things”). The incense reflects the prayers and worship of the saints that rise before God as a pleasing aroma (Revelation 8:3–4). Thus, the completion of the anointing oil and incense signified not only the finishing of the tabernacle furnishings but also the readiness of God’s dwelling place to become a meeting point between heaven and earth.
