Exodus 37:4 - Ark's sacred transport poles.

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Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ בַּדֵּי עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים וַיְצַף אֹתָם זָהָב׃

English Translation

And he made poles of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as badei atzei shitim vay'tzaf otam zahav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ בַּדֵּ֖י עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים וַיְצַ֥ף אֹתָ֖ם זָהָֽב׃

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse describes the construction of the poles used to carry the Ark of the Covenant, made from shittim wood (acacia wood) and overlaid with gold. This detail appears in Exodus 37:4, within the context of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) construction.

Traditional Jewish Sources

Rashi (Exodus 37:4): Rashi explains that the poles were made of shittim wood due to its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizing the eternal nature of the Torah. The gold overlay represents the Torah's splendor and sanctity.
Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:13): Rambam emphasizes that the poles were never removed from the Ark, underscoring their permanence and the idea that the Torah is always "carried" with the Jewish people.
Midrash Tanchuma (Terumah 11): The Midrash teaches that the shittim wood was chosen because it grew in the desert, demonstrating that holiness can emerge even in harsh conditions. The gold overlay signifies the refinement of physical materials for sacred purposes.

Symbolism of the Materials

The combination of wood and gold reflects a balance between humility (wood as a modest material) and majesty (gold as a precious metal). This duality teaches that Torah study and observance must be approached with both reverence and accessibility.

Halachic Significance

The Talmud (Yoma 72a) derives from this verse that Torah scholars must embody both inner substance (like the sturdy wood) and outer refinement (like the gold), ensuring their wisdom is both profound and presented with dignity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the poles being made of shittim wood and overlaid with gold in Exodus 37:4?
A: According to Rashi, the poles were made of shittim (acacia) wood because it is a durable and lightweight wood, suitable for carrying the Ark. Overlaying them with gold symbolizes both beauty and holiness, as gold represents purity and the Divine presence. The combination of wood and gold teaches that even physical objects used in holy service must be treated with reverence.

Q: Why were the poles of the Ark never removed, as mentioned in Exodus 25:15 and alluded to here?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 72a) explains that the poles of the Ark were never removed because they symbolize the Torah's constant readiness to be carried and shared with the Jewish people. This teaches us that the Torah is always accessible and should never be 'put aside' or neglected.

Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the poles being covered in gold?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 10) teaches that covering the wooden poles with gold represents the idea that even the 'carriers' of holiness—those who support Torah study and mitzvot—are elevated and honored. This reminds us that assisting in sacred work is itself a sacred act.

Q: Why specifically shittim wood for the Ark's poles?
A: Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that shittim wood was used because it was readily available in the wilderness and was known for its strength and resistance to decay. This teaches that holiness can be drawn from simple, earthly materials when they are dedicated to a higher purpose.