Exodus 25:26
ESV
And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and fasten the rings to the four corners at its four legs.
NIV
Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners, where the four legs are.
NASB
You shall also make four gold rings for it and put rings on the four corners which are on its four legs.
CSB
Make four gold rings for it, and attach the rings to the four corners at its four legs.
NLT
Make four gold rings for the table and attach them at the four corners next to the four legs.
KJV
And thou shalt make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings in the four corners that are on the four feet thereof.
NKJV
And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings on the four corners that are at its four legs.
What does Exodus 25:26 mean?
The Lord is giving Israel details about a portable temple (Exodus 25:8–9), called a "tabernacle" (Exodus 26). The people are to collect materials (Exodus 25:1–7) to make this structure as well as several sacred objects. One is the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10–11). Another is an ornate lampstand called a menorāh (Exodus 25:31). Here, Scripture describes a special table (Exodus 25:23–24) with a decorative edge (Exodus 25:25). This table will hold sacred bread (Exodus 25:30; Leviticus 24:5–9).Like the ark (Exodus 25:12–15), the table includes rings for gilded poles (Exodus 25:27–28). These will be used to carry the table. Unlike the ark, the table does not have to keep its poles always attached.
In both the ancient and modern worlds, 100% unalloyed gold—"elemental gold"—is almost never used for practical purposes. The metal is extremely soft. So, it is usually mixed with other metals to form alloys. These are simply referred to as "gold," regardless of their mixture. Natural gold ore is almost always mixed with other metals. The most common alloy used in modern jewelry is "14 karat" gold, which is almost half silver or zinc. This is much harder and easier to make into usable shapes. The rings mentioned here would have been strong enough to carry the table.
Exodus 25:23–30 describes a small table designed to hold special bread in the sanctuary of the Lord. The table is to be made of wood overlaid with gold. The table is the same height as the ark (Exodus 25:10) and slightly narrower and shorter. On this Israel will keep twelve loaves (Leviticus 24:5–7) to be eaten under tightly controlled rules (Leviticus 24:8–9). Like the ark, the table has rings so it can be carried by poles. Israel is also told to fashion solid gold plates and bowls for use in various offerings.
Israelites are to contribute precious metals, cloth, oils, and other resources to create a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. These will be used to form various sacred objects. Among these are the renowned ark of the covenant, a table for consecrated bread, and a lampstand with seven ornate lamps. These will be kept in the most sacred parts of the sanctuary. Upcoming chapters will focus on an elaborate tent which will serve as a portable temple (Exodus 26—28).
