Exodus 25:14
ESV
And you shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark by them.
NIV
Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry it.
NASB
You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to carry the ark with them.
CSB
Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark in order to carry the ark with them.
NLT
Insert the poles into the rings at the sides of the Ark to carry it.
KJV
And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.
NKJV
You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, that the ark may be carried by them.
What does Exodus 25:14 mean?
Many instructions about the sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9) are precise. This is a recurring theme of Scripture. When God gives exact instructions, He expects exact obedience. Deviating from those details is disobedience, despite good intentions (1 Samuel 15:22–23). In this case, the poles (Exodus 25:13) described here are the only approved way to transport the ark (Exodus 25:10). Scripture clarifies this later (Numbers 4:15). The poles are not to be removed (Exodus 25:15). Failure to follow these instructions causes an infamous incident during the time of King David (1 Chronicles 13:1–14; 15:13–15).The rings which hold these poles are attached to the ark's feet (Exodus 25:12). This would lift the ark higher when it was carried. Putting the poles on men's shoulders would raise it well above head level.
