Exodus 25:28
New International Version
Make the poles of acacia wood, overlay them with gold and carry the table with them.

New Living Translation
Make these poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.

English Standard Version
You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, and the table shall be carried with these.

Berean Standard Bible
Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that the table may be carried with them.

King James Bible
And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.

New King James Version
And you shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them.

New American Standard Bible
And you shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that with them the table may be carried.

NASB 1995
“You shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that with them the table may be carried.

NASB 1977
“And you shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that with them the table may be carried.

Legacy Standard Bible
You shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that with them the table may be carried.

Amplified Bible
You shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that the table may be carried with them.

Christian Standard Bible
Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, and the table can be carried by them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, and the table can be carried by them.

American Standard Version
And thou shalt make the staves of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.

English Revised Version
And thou shalt make the staves of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Make the poles out of acacia wood, cover them with gold, and use them to carry the table.

Good News Translation
Make the poles of acacia wood and cover them with gold.

International Standard Version
You are to make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold so the table can be carried with them.

NET Bible
You are to make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that the table may be carried with them.

New Heart English Bible
You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them.

Webster's Bible Translation
And thou shalt make the staffs of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that the table may be carried with them.

World English Bible
You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and you have made the poles of shittim wood, and have overlaid them with gold, and the table has been carried with them;

Young's Literal Translation
and thou hast made the staves of shittim wood, and hast overlaid them with gold, and the table hath been borne with them;

Smith's Literal Translation
And make the bars of acacia wood, and spread over them gold, and lift up with them the table.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The bars also themselves thou shalt make of setim wood, and shalt overlay them with gold to bear up the table.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Likewise, the bars themselves you shall make of setim wood, and surround them with gold, to lift up the table.

New American Bible
These poles for carrying the table you shall make of acacia wood and plate with gold.

New Revised Standard Version
You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, and the table shall be carried with these.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
You shall make the poles of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And make poles of wood of the box tree and overlay them in gold, by which the table is to be carried.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And thou shalt make the staves of acacia-wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And thou shalt make the staves of incorruptible wood, and thou shalt gild them with pure gold; and the table shall be borne with them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Table of Showbread
27The rings are to be close to the rim, to serve as holders for the poles used to carry the table. 28Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that the table may be carried with them. 29You are also to make the plates and dishes, as well as the pitchers and bowls for pouring drink offerings. Make them out of pure gold.…

Cross References
Exodus 37:4-5
Then he made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. / He inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark in order to carry it.

Numbers 4:6
They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles.

1 Kings 8:8
The poles extended far enough that their ends were visible from the Holy Place in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day.

1 Chronicles 15:15
And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 5:9
The poles of the ark extended far enough that their ends were visible from in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day.

Hebrews 9:4
containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.

1 Kings 6:27
And he placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple. Since their wings were spread out, the wing of the first cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the second cherub touched the other wall, and in the middle of the room their wingtips touched.

2 Samuel 6:3
They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart,

1 Chronicles 13:7
So they carried the ark of God from the house of Abinadab on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding the cart.

1 Kings 8:3-4
When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the priests took up the ark, / and they brought up the ark of the LORD and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. So the priests and Levites carried them up.

2 Chronicles 35:3
To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel.

Deuteronomy 10:8
At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.

Joshua 3:3
and commanded the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you are to set out from your positions and follow it.

1 Samuel 4:4
So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

2 Samuel 15:24
Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had passed out of the city.


Treasury of Scripture

And you shall make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.

the table

Exodus 25:14,27
And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them…

Numbers 10:17
And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.

Acts 9:15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Jump to Previous
Acacia Acacia-Wood Borne Carried Carry Gold Lifting Overlaid Overlay Plated Poles Rods Shittim Staffs Staves Table Wood
Jump to Next
Acacia Acacia-Wood Borne Carried Carry Gold Lifting Overlaid Overlay Plated Poles Rods Shittim Staffs Staves Table Wood
Exodus 25
1. What the Israelites were to offer for the building of the tabernacle
10. The dimensions of the ark
17. The mercy seat, with the cherubim
23. The table of show bread, with the furniture thereof
31. The golden candlestick, with the instruments thereof














Make the poles of acacia wood
Acacia wood, known for its durability and resistance to decay, was commonly used in the construction of the tabernacle's furnishings. This choice of material symbolizes the incorruptible nature of God's presence and His eternal covenant with Israel. Acacia trees were abundant in the Sinai region, making them a practical choice for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The use of acacia wood also points to the humanity of Christ, who was incorruptible and sinless.

and overlay them with gold
Gold, a symbol of purity, divinity, and kingship, was used extensively in the tabernacle to reflect God's holiness and glory. The overlaying of gold on the acacia wood signifies the divine nature of Christ covering His humanity. This combination of materials illustrates the hypostatic union, the theological concept of Jesus being both fully God and fully man. Gold's presence in the tabernacle also foreshadows the heavenly sanctuary, where God's glory is fully revealed.

so that the table may be carried with them
The table referred to is the Table of Showbread, which held the bread of the Presence, symbolizing God's provision and fellowship with His people. The portability of the table, facilitated by the poles, underscores the transient nature of the Israelites' journey and God's continual presence with them. This mobility is a reminder of the Christian's pilgrimage on earth, carrying the presence of God within. The carrying of the table also prefigures the mission of the Church to bring the message of Christ, the Bread of Life, to the world.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the Tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were to construct the Tabernacle as a place of worship during their journey in the wilderness.

3. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary that served as the dwelling place of God among His people.

4. Acacia Wood
A durable and common wood in the Sinai region, used for constructing various elements of the Tabernacle.

5. Gold Overlay
Symbolizes purity, divinity, and the precious nature of the items used in worship.
Teaching Points
Obedience to Divine Instructions
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle remind us of the importance of following God's commands precisely.

Symbolism of Materials
Acacia wood and gold represent durability and divinity, teaching us about the eternal and holy nature of God's presence.

God's Presence Among His People
The Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's desire to dwell with His people, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

Preparation for Worship
The care and detail in constructing the Tabernacle elements highlight the reverence and preparation required in our worship today.

Carrying God's Presence
The poles for carrying the table symbolize our role in bearing God's presence into the world through our lives and actions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Exodus 25:28?

2. How does Exodus 25:28 emphasize the importance of following God's specific instructions?

3. What materials were used for the poles, and why are they significant?

4. How does Exodus 25:28 connect to the broader theme of obedience in Scripture?

5. In what ways can we apply the principle of careful obedience in our lives?

6. Why is attention to detail important in fulfilling God's commands, as seen here?

7. Why does Exodus 25:28 specify acacia wood for the poles of the table?

8. What is the significance of overlaying the poles with gold in Exodus 25:28?

9. How does Exodus 25:28 reflect the importance of craftsmanship in worship?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 25?

11. Why do the dimensions of the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25) resemble those of Egyptian sacred chests, suggesting borrowed traditions?

12. What defines acacia wood?

13. Exodus 28:2-5: Where did nomadic Israelites supposedly in the desert acquire the costly fabrics, precious stones, and gold for such elaborate garments?

14. What is the Ark of the Covenant?
What Does Exodus 25:28 Mean
Make the poles of acacia wood

• “Make the poles of acacia wood” (Exodus 25:28). The Lord specifies acacia, the same wood used for the Ark (Exodus 25:10) and the altar (Exodus 27:1).

– Acacia is dense, resistant to decay, and readily available in the Sinai region, showing God’s practical provision in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:15).

– Scripture repeatedly pairs acacia with holy objects, stressing durability and purity in service (Exodus 26:15; 37:15).

– Because the poles were handled by priests, the sturdy wood protected both people and the Table of the Bread of the Presence from damage.

– Spiritually, the incorruptible wood echoes Christ’s sinless humanity, the foundation for every aspect of our worship (Isaiah 53:2; Hebrews 4:15).


and overlay them with gold

• Gold speaks of divine glory and worth. By covering common wood with precious metal, God pictures His own character: pure, radiant, surpassingly valuable (1 Kings 6:22; Revelation 1:13).

– Overlaying wood with gold echoes other pieces in the sanctuary (Exodus 25:11 for the Ark; 30:3 for the altar of incense). God’s consistent pattern shows every article must reflect His holiness and majesty.

– The blend of wood and gold foreshadows the union of Christ’s humanity (wood) and deity (gold), a truth celebrated throughout the New Testament (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9).

– In worship today, this combination challenges believers to pursue holiness, letting God’s glory cover our ordinary lives (Matthew 5:16; 2 Corinthians 4:7).


so that the table may be carried with them

• The poles’ purpose is clear: mobility. Israel was on the move, and the Table had to travel with the people (Exodus 40:4; Numbers 4:7–8).

– God’s presence is not confined to a single spot; He journeys with His covenant community (Deuteronomy 1:31; Joshua 3:3).

– Using poles kept human hands from touching the holy Table directly, upholding reverence and preventing judgment (cf. Numbers 4:15 with 2 Samuel 6:6–7).

– The bread on the Table symbolized continual fellowship. As the Table moved, the reminder of God’s sustaining grace went with the nation (Leviticus 24:5–9; John 6:35).

– Believers today, called temples of the Holy Spirit, carry God’s presence wherever they go (1 Corinthians 6:19; Matthew 28:20).


summary

Exodus 25:28 commands sturdy acacia poles overlaid with pure gold so the Table of the Bread of the Presence could travel safely with Israel. The materials highlight God’s blend of practicality and glory, point to Christ’s united humanity and deity, and demonstrate that the Lord’s fellowship is meant to accompany His people on every step of their journey.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Make
וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ (wə·‘ā·śî·ṯā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

the poles
הַבַּדִּים֙ (hab·bad·dîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 905: Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of

of acacia
שִׁטִּ֔ים (šiṭ·ṭîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 7848: Acacia (a tree and a wood)

wood
עֲצֵ֣י (‘ă·ṣê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

and overlay
וְצִפִּיתָ֥ (wə·ṣip·pî·ṯā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6823: To lay out, lay over

them with gold,
זָהָ֑ב (zā·hāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

so that the table
הַשֻּׁלְחָֽן׃ (haš·šul·ḥān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7979: A table, a meal

may be carried
וְנִשָּׂא־ (wə·niś·śā-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

with them.
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case


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OT Law: Exodus 25:28 You shall make the poles of acacia (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 25:27
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