371 And Bezalel made the ark of hard wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide and a cubit and a half high; 2 Plating it inside and out with the best gold, and putting an edge of gold all round it. 3 And he made four gold rings for its four angles, two on one side and two on the other, 4 And rods of the same wood plated with gold. 5 These rods he put in the rings at the sides of the ark, for lifting it. 6 And he made the cover all of gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 7 And he made two winged ones, hammered out of one bit of gold, for the two ends of the cover; 8 Placing one at one end and one at the other; the winged ones were part of the cover. 9 And their wings were stretched out over the cover; the faces of the winged ones were opposite one another and facing the cover.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 37:1-9
Chapter Contents
The making of the ark, and the furniture of the tabernacle.
In the furniture of the tabernacle were emblems of a spiritual and acceptable service. The incense represented the prayers of the saints. The sacrifice of the alter represented the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. The golden pot with manna, or bread from heaven, the flesh of Jesus Christ, which he gave for the life of the world. The candlestick, with its lights, the teaching and enlightening of the Holy Spirit. The shew-bread represented that provision for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, which the gospel, the ordinances and the sacraments of the house of prayer, abundantly bestow. The exactness of the workmen to their rule, should be followed by us; seeking for the influences of the Holy Spirit, that we may rejoice in and glorify God while in this world, and at length be with him for ever.