You shall cast four rings of gold for it and put them on its four feet, two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The rings were placed on the "feet" of the Ark, signifying that it was meant to be carried, not permanently placed or revered in one spot. This emphasizes that God's presence was mobile and intended to journey with the people, not remain static in a temple.
You shall cast four rings of gold for it and put them on its four feet, two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is giving Moses instructions for constructing the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest that will house the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. This detailed plan includes specifying materials like gold and acacia wood, and then outlining the creation of specific components like rings for carrying poles, the mercy seat, and cherubim figures. The Ark's construction is a crucial step in establishing God's presence among the Israelites as they journey through the wilderness.
Why were there rings on the Ark? It wasn't just for show; these details reveal God's intentionality for His sacred presence.
The instructions for four gold rings on the Ark (Exodus 25:12) were not arbitrary. Their primary purpose was practical: to serve as anchor points for poles that would carry the Ark.
A Sacred Burden
These rings ensured the Ark could be transported reverently and safely. Commentaries consistently note that the poles were permanently inserted into the rings (Exodus 25:15). This means the Ark was never to be touched directly by human hands when moved. This wasn't about avoiding germs; it was about maintaining the sanctity of God's presence.
Elevated and Reverent
Placed at the 'feet' or lower corners, the rings and poles elevated the Ark. This prevented direct contact with the carriers and ensured a dignified procession, underscoring that the Ark, and by extension God's presence, was set apart and holy.
The materials and placement of the Ark's rings speak volumes about how God wanted His presence to be handled.
The instruction to cast 'four rings of gold' for the Ark is significant. Gold, a precious and incorruptible metal, signifies the divine and eternal nature of God's presence.
A Material of Majesty
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Gold wasn't just for decoration; it symbolized the holiness and glory of God. By casting the rings from gold, God Himself ordained that the means of carrying His presence be as precious and enduring as His own nature.
Strategic Placement
The directive to place 'two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side' ensured stability and balance during transport. This wasn't a minor detail but crucial for the safe and dignified movement of the Ark. It demonstrates God's concern for every aspect of how His presence was to be mediated.
Understand the original words
tabba'ath · Hebrew Noun
In biblical context, rings were metal fasteners attached to objects for the purpose of carrying them with poles. They were essential for the mobility of sacred items that were not to be touched directly by human hands.
This passage describes the construction of the Ark of the Covenant itself, highlighting the process of casting gold rings and attaching them to the ark for the poles used in its transportation, directly paralleling the instructions in Exodus 25:12.
Numbers 3:25-26This passage details the responsibilities of the Gershonites, who were tasked with carrying specific parts of the tabernacle, including the Ark, demonstrating the practical application of the rings and poles for transport mentioned in Exodus 25:12.
1 Kings 8:7-8This passage describes the placement of the Ark of the Covenant in Solomon's Temple, explicitly stating that the staves were placed through the rings at its ends, showing the continuity of the design and its function from the wilderness tabernacle to the Temple.
Hebrews 9:4This New Testament passage lists the contents of the Holy of Holies, including the Ark of the Covenant with its golden staves inserted through the rings, confirming the significance and continued symbolic meaning of this construction detail.
calvinExodus 25:1-22: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
Expandentque cherubim duas alas superne tegentes alis suis propitiatorium, et se mutuo aspicient: ad propitiatorium erunt facies cherubim.
And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put th…
pulpitExodus 25:12: "And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in the four corners thereof; and two rings shall be in the one side of it, and two rings in the other side of it."
Verse 12. - Four rings of gold. These rings were to be fixed, not at the upper, but at the lower corners of the chest, which are called pa'amoth, literally "feet" or "bases." The object was, no doubt, that no part of the chest should come in contact with the persons of the priests when carrying it (see ver.…
The rings were placed on the "feet" of the Ark, signifying that it was meant to be carried, not permanently placed or revered in one spot. This emphasizes that God's presence was mobile and intended to journey with the people, not remain static in a temple.
God is giving Moses instructions for constructing the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest that will house the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. This detailed plan includes specifying materials like gold and acacia wood, and then outlining the creation of specific components like rings for carrying poles, the mercy seat, and cherubim figures. The Ark's construction is a crucial step in establishing God's presence among the Israelites as they journey through the wilderness.
God is giving Moses instructions for constructing the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest that will house the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. This detailed plan includes specifying materials like gold and acacia wood, and then outlining the creation of specific components like rings for carrying poles, the mercy seat, and cherubim figures. The Ark's construction is a crucial step in establishing God's presence among the Israelites as they journey through the wilderness.
"You shall cast four rings of gold for it and put them on its four feet, two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it." — The rings were placed on the "feet" of the Ark, signifying that it was meant to be carried, not permanently placed or revered in one spot. This emphasizes that God's presence was mobile and intended…
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Last reviewed October 2026