Exodus 25:28
ESV
You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, and the table shall be carried with these.
NIV
Make the poles of acacia wood, overlay them with gold and carry the table with them.
NASB
And you shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that with them the table may be carried.
CSB
Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, and the table can be carried by them.
NLT
Make these poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.
KJV
And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.
NKJV
And you shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them.
What does Exodus 25:28 mean?
God commanded Israel to collect materials (Exodus 25:1–7) to build a sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9). The sanctuary will be a portable temple, mostly in the form of a tent or "tabernacle" (Exodus 26). In this sanctuary will rest the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10–11) and an ornate lampstand (Exodus 25:31). Other sacred objects are altars for sacrifice (Exodus 27:1–8) and for incense (Exodus 30:1–10).This passage describes a sacred table (Exodus 25:23–27). The table is the same height and length as the ark, made of gilded wood, and has a decorative border. The table must be carried in the same way as the ark: using wooden poles overlaid with gold. God expects the people to keep solid gold utensils on this table (Exodus 25:29) as well as a special bread (Exodus 25:30).
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).
