The Ark of the Testimony
Exodus 25:10-22
Exo.25.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עצי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שטים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אמתים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וחצי: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,const
- ארכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ואמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וחצי: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,const
- רחבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- ואמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וחצי: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,const
- קמתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.37.1 (quotation): Bezalel's account of actually making the ark repeats the same material and gives the identical dimensions — a direct exegetical repetition of Exod 25:10.
- Exod.25.11 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the ark instructions (overlay with pure gold, rings, and poles); closely tied to the same unit of Torah instructions about the ark's construction.
- Exod.40.20 (structural): Describes Moses placing the finished ark into the tent of meeting — connects the measured construction in Exod 25:10 with the ark's installation and cultic role.
- Hebrews 9:4 (allusion): New Testament reference to the ark (gold‑covered and containing sacred items) that alludes to the Israelite ark traditions derived from the Exodus instructions.
- 2 Sam.6:2 (thematic): Narrative about David bringing up the ark emphasizes the ark's central religious and communal function, linking the Exodus construction details to the ark's later role in Israel's history.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall make an ark of acacia wood: two cubits and a half its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height.
- "And they shall make an ark of acacia wood: two cubits and a half its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height.
Exo.25.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וצפית: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומחוץ: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תצפנו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- זר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סביב: ADV
Parallels
- Exodus 37:2 (verbal): Bezalel's construction narrative repeats the command: the ark is made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold within and without, using very similar wording to Exod 25:11.
- Exodus 25:17-22 (structural): Instructions for the mercy‑seat (the ark's cover) likewise specify overlaying with pure gold and placing the cherubim — part of the same tabernacle specification and closely connected in function and language.
- 1 Kings 6:20 (thematic): Solomon's inner sanctuary (the oracle) is described as overlaid within with pure gold, reflecting the wider temple/tabernacle motif of gilding sacred furniture and spaces.
- Hebrews 9:4 (allusion): The NT description of the ark (Hebrews 9:4) echoes the OT detail that the ark was overlaid all around with gold, recalling the Exodus specification in a later theological context.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall overlay it with pure gold—inside and outside you shall overlay it—and you shall make for it a molding of gold all around.
- You shall overlay it with pure gold; inside and outside you shall overlay it, and you shall make on it a gold molding all around.
Exo.25.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצקת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- טבעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונתתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- פעמתיו: NOUN,f,pl,cs,3,m,sg
- ושתי: CONJ+NUM,f,du
- טבעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- צלעו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- האחת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ושתי: CONJ+NUM,f,du
- טבעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- צלעו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- השנית: ADJ,ord,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 25:13-15 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the instructions: commands for making the carrying poles to be put through the rings just described (same language and ritual function).
- Exodus 37:3-5 (verbal): Bezalel's artisan account repeats the same details—casting four gold rings and fitting poles for the ark—parallel construction narrative of the tabernacle furniture.
- 1 Kings 8:8 (allusion): Solomon's account notes that the poles were still in the side rings of the ark when brought into the temple, echoing the function and later history of the rings described in Exodus 25:12.
- 2 Chronicles 5:7 (quotation): Chronicles retells the temple installation and explicitly records that the poles were in the rings of the ark, directly recalling the Exodus prescription for rings and poles.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall cast for it four rings of gold and set them on its four feet: two rings on the one side of it and two rings on the other side of it.
- And you shall cast for it four rings of gold, and you shall put them on its four feet, two rings on the one side of it and two rings on the other side of it.
Exo.25.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- בדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- עצי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שטים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וצפית: VERB,piel,perf,2,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 37:3 (verbal): Bezalel's construction narrative repeats the instruction verbatim—bars of acacia (shittim) wood overlaid with gold, executing Exodus 25:13.
- Exodus 25:14 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same instruction: it directs the rings and insertion of the bars so the ark may be carried, clarifying the purpose of the bars.
- 1 Chronicles 15:15 (thematic): David's Levites carry the ark 'with the poles on their shoulders, as Moses commanded,' applying Exodus' instruction in ritual practice.
- 1 Chronicles 13:7-10 (thematic): An earlier, improper attempt to move the ark on a cart (not using the prescribed poles) leads to Uzzah's death—contrasting the commanded method of transport.
- Hebrews 9:4 (allusion): The New Testament description of the ark as overlaid with gold echoes the Exodus command to overlay the ark's fittings with gold, reflecting continuity of the tradition.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.
- And you shall make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.
Exo.25.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והבאת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הבדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בטבעת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- על: PREP
- צלעת: NOUN,f,sg,construct
- הארן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לשאת: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- הארן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exod.37:4-5 (verbal): Bezalel's construction of the ark repeats the instruction to make rings on its sides and to put the carrying poles into them (wording mirrors Exod 25:14–15).
- Num.4:15 (thematic): Law concerning the Kohathites carrying the holy things with poles and not touching the sacred objects—continues the practical rules for transporting sanctified furniture.
- 1 Chr.15:13-15 (structural): David's charge to the Levites to carry the ark on their shoulders with the poles follows the prescribed method for transporting the ark described in Exodus.
- 1 Kgs.8:8 (allusion): In Solomon's temple the poles of the ark are left projecting so they could still be used to carry it, alluding to the Exodus regulation that poles remain in the ark's rings.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall bring the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to carry the ark by them.
- And you shall bring the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to carry the ark by them.
Exo.25.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בטבעת: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הארן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הבדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- יסרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.25:13 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same instruction: places the poles into the rings on the ark’s sides.
- Exod.37:5 (verbal): Bezalel’s construction narrative repeats the same wording about rings and putting the poles into them.
- Exod.40:21 (structural): The installation of the ark in the tabernacle uses the same action — poles placed in the rings — as part of the cultic setting up.
- 1 Kgs.8:8 (allusion): Solomon’s temple account notes the poles remained in the rings (their ends visible), echoing the rule that the poles are not removed.
- 1 Chr.15:15 (thematic): Describes the Levites carrying the ark on their shoulders with the poles — connects to the function of the rings and fixed poles for transport.
Alternative generated candidates
- The poles shall be in the rings of the ark; they shall not be removed from it.
- The poles shall be in the rings of the ark; they shall not be removed from it.
Exo.25.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונתת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- הארן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- העדת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתן: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.40:20 (quotation): Moses carries out the same command: he places the testimony (the tablets) into the ark — a direct repetition of Exodus 25:16.
- Deut.10:4-5 (verbal): Describes Moses placing the two tablets (the testimony) into an ark of acacia wood—parallels the content and action of putting the covenant tablets into the ark.
- Deut.31:26 (structural): Commands that the Book of the Law be placed beside the ark of the covenant, showing the ark’s role as the repository for the covenant texts.
- 1 Kings 8:9 (thematic): Solomon’s statement that nothing was in the ark except the two tablets of the covenant echoes the function of the ark as the container of the testimony.
- Heb.9:4 (allusion): New Testament summary noting the ark contained the golden jar, Aaron’s rod, and the tablets of the covenant — alluding to the ark’s role as keeper of the testimony (the tablets) mentioned in Exodus 25:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall put into the ark the testimony that I will give you.
- And you shall put into the ark the testimony that I will give you.
Exo.25.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- כפרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- אמתים: NOUN,f,du,abs
- וחצי: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,const
- ארכה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וחצי: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,const
- רחבה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.25.10 (verbal): The ark's dimensions are given as two cubits and a half by a cubit and a half—same measurements as the atonement cover (kaporet) described in 25:17, linking cover to ark structure.
- Exod.37.6 (quotation): In the account of Bezalel's construction the narrator repeats that he 'made the atonement cover of pure gold' with the same dimensions—direct repetition of 25:17.
- Lev.16.2 (thematic): The mercy seat (atonement cover) is the place where God appears above the cover; Leviticus 16 emphasizes the cover's cultic function as the location of divine presence and atonement.
- Heb.9:5 (quotation): The New Testament refers explicitly to the ark, the mercy seat, and the cherubim overshadowing the cover (hilastērion), echoing the cultic significance and description of the kaporet from Exod.25:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make a cover of pure gold: two cubits and a half its length and a cubit and a half its width.
- And you shall make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half its length, and a cubit and a half its width.
Exo.25.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כרבים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מקשה: ADJ,m,sg
- תעשה: VERB,qal,imf,2,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- משני: PREP+NUM,m,dual
- קצות: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- הכפרת: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Exod.37:7-9 (structural): Bezalel's construction of two beaten-gold cherubim on the ark/mercy‑seat repeats the instruction in Exod 25:18–20; parallel in form and materials.
- Hebrews 9:5 (quotation): The NT recalls the golden cherubim overshadowing the mercy‑seat (the 'ark of the covenant' and its cherubim), directly alluding to Exodus' description.
- 1 Kings 6:23-28 (structural): Solomon's inner sanctuary contains two large cherubim overlaid with gold whose wings meet — a temple implementation of the Exodus pattern.
- Ezekiel 10:1-22 (thematic): Ezekiel's visionary cherubim serve as throne‑bearers for God's presence, developing the cultic imagery of cherubim associated with the divine seat (mercy‑seat) from Exodus 25.
- Psalm 80:1 (allusion): The plea addresses 'him who sits between the cherubim,' echoing the theological idea of God's enthronement between the cherubim on the ark's mercy‑seat described in Exodus 25:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work you shall make them, from the two ends of the cover.
- And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work you shall make them, at the two ends of the mercy seat.
Exo.25.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כרוב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- מקצה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכרוב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- מקצה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- הכפרת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תעשו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הכרבים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- על: PREP
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- קצותיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.25:18-20 (structural): Immediate context: instructions to fashion two cherubim on the two ends of the mercy seat and their wings overshadowing it — directly continuous with 25:19.
- Exod.37:7-9 (verbal): Bezalel's construction of the ark repeats the Exodus instructions almost verbatim: one cherub at each end of the mercy seat (materialized fulfillment of 25:19).
- 1 Kings 6:23-28 (structural): Solomon's inner sanctuary features two large cherubim placed in the Holy of Holies, reflecting the Exodus pattern transplanted into the temple's cultic architecture.
- Hebrews 9:5 (allusion): New Testament reference to the ark and the cherubim above the mercy seat — interprets the Exodus imagery theologically in light of Christ's ministry.
- Ezekiel 10:1-22 (thematic): Ezekiel's visionary cherubim draw on and transform the cultic cherubim motif (wings, presence, and mobility), reworking Exodus imagery in prophetic vision.
Alternative generated candidates
- Make one cherub from the one end and one cherub from the other end; from the cover you shall make the cherubim on its two ends.
- Make one cherub at the one end and one cherub at the other end; of one piece with the mercy seat you shall make the cherubim on its two ends.
Exo.25.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הכרבים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- פרשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- כנפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- למעלה: ADV
- סככים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בכנפיהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- הכפרת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ופניהם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- הכפרת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הכרבים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Exod.25.18-22 (structural): Immediate context: instructions for making the two cherubim and the placement of the mercy seat between them; verses directly frame 25:20 and explain their function as the site of God's presence.
- Exod.37.7-9 (verbal): Bezalel's artisan execution of the ark repeats the Exodus 25 description—cherubim with outstretched wings overshadowing the atonement/mercy seat.
- 1 Samuel 4:4 (thematic): The ark is described as 'the ark of God' with the cherubim on it; the passage treats the cherubim/ark as the locus of God's dwelling among Israel, echoing Exodus' function of the cherubim over the mercy seat.
- 2 Chron.3.10-13 (verbal): Solomon's temple description of two great cherubim with outstretched wings mirrors the Exodus imagery and dimensions of cherubim overshadowing the inner sanctuary.
- Heb.9.5 (allusion): The New Testament recalls the 'cherubim of glory' that overshadow the mercy seat, explicitly alluding to the Exodus depiction when discussing the earthly sanctuary and its typological significance.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the cherubim shall be spreading wings upward, overshadowing the cover with their wings; their faces, each toward the other; toward the cover shall the faces of the cherubim be.
- And the cherubim shall be spreading wings upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be.
Exo.25.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונתת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הכפרת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- על: PREP
- הארן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מלמעלה: ADV
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- הארן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תתן: VERB,qal,imprf,2,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- העדת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתן: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.25.22 (structural): Direct continuation: God promises to meet and speak with Moses from above the mercy seat placed on the ark (same setting and language).
- Exod.37:6-9 (verbal): Bezalel’s construction account: places the mercy seat on the ark and puts the testimony (the tablets) into the ark, repeating the command and physical arrangement of 25:21.
- Num.7:89 (verbal): Describes the LORD speaking to Moses from above the mercy seat on the ark of testimony — echoes the functional role of the mercy seat as locus of divine speech/presence.
- Lev.16:2 (thematic): In the Day of Atonement context God indicates His appearing/manifestation at the mercy seat, reinforcing the theme of divine presence above the kapporet.
- Heb.9:4-5 (allusion): New Testament summary of the holy objects: locates the cherubim and the mercy seat over the ark of the covenant and refers to the ‘testimony,’ alluding to the Exodus description and its cultic significance.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall put the cover on the ark above, and into the ark you shall put the testimony that I will give you.
- And you shall set the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I will give you.
Exo.25.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונועדתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- ודברתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- אתך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- מעל: PREP
- הכפרת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מבין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- הכרבים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- ארן: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- העדת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אצוה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- אותך: PRON,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Leviticus 16:2 (allusion): God’s presence/manifestation is described as appearing on or above the mercy seat; parallels the idea of God speaking/meeting Moses from above the atonement cover.
- Exodus 37:7-9 (verbal): Bezalel’s description of the mercy seat and the two cherubim on the ark repeats the same language and imagery used in Exod 25:22.
- 1 Samuel 4:4 (allusion): Refers to the ark of the covenant as dwelling ‘between the cherubim,’ echoing the locus of divine presence named in Exod 25:22.
- 1 Kings 8:6-7 (structural): Solomon places the ark in the inner sanctuary where the cherubim overshadow the ark — a later temple setting that continues the Exodus pattern of God’s presence above the mercy seat.
- Hebrews 9:5 (thematic): New Testament reflection on the earthly tabernacle notes the cherubim over the mercy seat, treating the space above the ark as the locus of sacred presence/typology.
Alternative generated candidates
- There I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the cover, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, all that I command you to the Israelites.
- There I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, about all that I command you for the Israelites."
And they shall make an ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. And you shall overlay it with pure gold; inside and outside you shall overlay it, and you shall make on it a gold molding all around. And you shall cast for it four gold rings and set them on its four feet—two rings on one of its sides and two rings on its other side. And you shall make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. And you shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to carry the ark by them.
In the rings of the ark the poles shall remain; they shall not be removed from it. And you shall put into the ark the testimony that I shall give you. And you shall make a mercy seat of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work you shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat. And make one cherub at this end and one cherub at that end; of one piece with the mercy seat you shall make the cherubim on its two ends. And the cherubim shall have wings spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings; their faces shall be toward one another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be. And you shall set the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall give you. And I will meet with you there, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, all that I command you for the Israelites.