into the rings
The rings were crafted as part of the Ark's design, serving a practical purpose for transportation. They were made of gold, emphasizing the sacredness of the Ark. The use of rings and poles ensured that the Ark was never touched directly by human hands, highlighting the holiness of God's presence. This design reflects the reverence and care required in handling sacred objects, as seen in the tragic account of Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6:6-7, where improper handling led to his death.

on the sides of the ark
The placement of the rings on the sides of the Ark allowed for balanced and stable transportation. The Ark, representing God's covenant and presence among His people, was central to Israelite worship and identity. Its design and the method of carrying it underscore the importance of following divine instructions precisely. The Ark's centrality is echoed in its placement in the Holy of Holies within the Tabernacle and later the Temple, signifying God's dwelling among His people.

in order to carry it
The purpose of the poles and rings was to facilitate the movement of the Ark as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness. This mobility reflects the transient nature of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land and God's guidance throughout. The Levites, specifically the Kohathites, were tasked with carrying the Ark, as outlined in Numbers 4:15. This responsibility underscores the role of the Levites as mediators between God and the people, a role that foreshadows the mediating work of Jesus Christ, our High Priest, as described in Hebrews 4:14-16.

• Exodus 37:5 opens with Bezalel’s simple, obedient action: “He inserted the poles.”

• This fulfills the precise instructions God gave earlier (Exodus 25:13–14), showing that every detail of the tabernacle was carried out exactly as spoken.

• Obedience in small actions matters; God’s people are called to follow His word without alteration, just as Noah did with the ark (Genesis 6:22) and Moses later does with the bronze serpent (Numbers 21:8–9).

• The poles symbolize readiness: whenever God directed the camp to move, the ark could be lifted immediately—no delay, no improvisation.

• Rings were fashioned “of gold” (Exodus 25:12), permanently affixed to the ark.

• The unbroken connection between poles and rings protected Israel from touching the sacred chest itself, guarding the holiness of God’s presence (cf. 2 Samuel 6:6–7).

• These fixed rings remind us that God provides clear boundaries for approaching Him (Leviticus 10:1–3); reverence is never optional.

• Four rings—two on each side—distributed the weight and kept the ark level (Exodus 25:12; 37:3).

• Positioning them on the sides meant the ark always stayed upright, shielding the mercy seat and the tablets within (Deuteronomy 10:5).

• God designs in wisdom; every placement protects what is holy and serves His people’s good (Psalm 18:30).

• The entire purpose of the poles and rings is mobility: “in order to carry it.”

• Only the Levites of Kohath’s clan could shoulder this task (Numbers 4:15; 7:9).

• God’s presence was not confined to one spot; He went with His people through wilderness, battle, and rest (Exodus 33:14; Joshua 3:3).

• The ark-led journeys foreshadow Christ, Immanuel, who “dwelt among us” and now indwells believers by His Spirit (John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 6:16).

Exodus 37:5 highlights exact obedience to God’s blueprint, reverence for His holiness, and the gracious fact that He travels with His people. By inserting poles into rings on the ark’s sides, Israel ensured the sacred chest could be carried safely and swiftly wherever the Lord led, teaching every generation to honor His word and welcome His nearness.

Parallel Commentaries ...