And you shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark by them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The staves are meant to stay in the rings permanently. This isn't about carrying the Ark for processions or temporary moves; it signifies that God's presence, embodied by the Ark, should always be ready to be transported, reflecting His active guidance even when His people were still in transit.
And you shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark by them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Israelites are receiving instructions to build a portable sanctuary, the Tabernacle, which will be God's dwelling place among them in the wilderness. This specific passage details the construction and purpose of the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred container holding the stone tablets of the Law, and how it is to be carried. The Ark, adorned with golden cherubim, represents God's presence and covenant with His people, and its prescribed method of transport emphasizes its holy nature.
Imagine this sacred chest, the very symbol of God's presence, needing to be moved. How and why did it travel?
The ark wasn't meant to stay put. It was designed to be carried.
Designed for Movement
God's instructions for the ark included specific details for its transportation: rings on its sides and poles to fit through them. This wasn't an afterthought; it was a core design element.
Why Move It?
During their journey in the wilderness, the Israelites didn't have a permanent home. The tabernacle, and the ark within it, had to move with the people. This constant movement served as a powerful, visible reminder that God was actively traveling with them, leading them step by step.
Respectful Handling
The poles ensured the ark itself was never touched directly by human hands. This highlighted its supreme holiness and the reverence due to God's presence.
Those poles weren't just for convenience; they carried a deeper meaning about service and God's people.
The poles used to carry the ark represented more than just a practical means of transport. They symbolized a vital ministry.
Faithful Bearers
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Commentators like Gill suggest these staves, fitted into rings and used by ministers (Levites), represented those who bear Christ and His Gospel. They are enriched with spiritual gifts and carry the precious truths of God.
Continuous Connection
The staves remained in the rings, indicating a constant readiness to move and a continuous connection to the sacred. This highlights the ongoing nature of ministry and service.
Upholding God's Word
Ultimately, the ark contained God's testimony – His law. The staves enabled its respectful carrying, symbolizing how God's people are called to bear and uphold His Word and presence in the world.
Understand the original words
aron · Hebrew Noun
The Ark (or chest) refers specifically to the Ark of the Covenant, the sacred box containing the tablets of the Law. It served as the earthly footstool of God's throne and the place where His presence uniquely dwelt among His people.
This passage details Moses writing down the Law and giving it to the priests, emphasizing the importance of the written testimony that the Ark would carry. It highlights that the Ark was meant to hold God's commands and serve as a reminder to the people.
1 Samuel 4:4This verse shows the Ark being carried into battle, illustrating its significance as a symbol of God's presence and a powerful object for the people. It demonstrates the gravity and reverence associated with carrying the Ark, even in moments of conflict.
2 Samuel 6:3This passage describes the Ark being carried on a new cart, which ends in disaster, contrasting with the proper method of carrying it with staves as instructed in Exodus 25:14. It underscores the divinely ordained way the Ark was to be transported, emphasizing obedience to God's specific instructions.
Hebrews 9:4This New Testament passage confirms that the Ark contained the golden pot of manna and Aaron's rod that budded, in addition to the stone tablets. It expands on the Ark's contents, showing it was a repository of miraculous provision and God's chosen leadership, beyond just the Law.
1 Kings 8:6-7This verse describes the Ark, with its staves, being placed in the Most Holy Place of Solomon's Temple, fulfilling the instructions given in Exodus. It shows the ultimate placement and purpose of the Ark within the sanctuary, signifying God's dwelling among His people.
gillExodus 25:14: "And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them."
And thou shall put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark,.... This shows for what use the rings were; namely, to put the staves into them and the use of the staves thus put was: that the ark might be borne with them; which staves overlaid with gold, and put into golden rings, figured the ministers of Christ, enriched with the gifts and graces of his Spirit, and…
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…
The staves are meant to stay in the rings permanently. This isn't about carrying the Ark for processions or temporary moves; it signifies that God's presence, embodied by the Ark, should always be ready to be transported, reflecting His active guidance even when His people were still in transit.
The Israelites are receiving instructions to build a portable sanctuary, the Tabernacle, which will be God's dwelling place among them in the wilderness. This specific passage details the construction and purpose of the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred container holding the stone tablets of the Law, and how it is to be carried. The Ark, adorned with golden cherubim, represents God's presence and covenant with His people, and its prescribed method of transport emphasizes its holy nature.
The Israelites are receiving instructions to build a portable sanctuary, the Tabernacle, which will be God's dwelling place among them in the wilderness. This specific passage details the construction and purpose of the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred container holding the stone tablets of the Law, and how it is to be carried. The Ark, adorned with golden cherubim, represents God's presence and covenant with His people, and its prescribed method of transport emphasizes its holy nature.
"And you shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark by them." — The staves are meant to stay in the rings permanently. This isn't about carrying the Ark for processions or temporary moves; it signifies that God's presence, embodied by the Ark, should always be…
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Last reviewed October 2026