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Exodus 25:13 - Ark's sacred transport poles

Exodus 25:13 - שמות 25:13

Hebrew Text

וְעָשִׂיתָ בַדֵּי עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים וְצִפִּיתָ אֹתָם זָהָב׃

English Translation

And thou shalt make poles of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.

Transliteration

Ve'asita vadei atzei shitim vetzipita otam zahav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ בַדֵּ֖י עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים וְצִפִּיתָ֥ אֹתָ֖ם זָהָֽב׃
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ בַדֵּ֖י עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים וְצִפִּיתָ֥ אֹתָ֖ם זָהָֽב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Source and Context

This verse (Shemot 25:13) is part of the Torah's detailed instructions for constructing the Aron HaKodesh (Holy Ark), which housed the Luchot HaBrit (Tablets of the Covenant). The poles (badim) were used to carry the Ark and were never to be removed (Shemot 25:15).

Material Significance: Shittim Wood and Gold

Rashi (on Shemot 25:5) explains that shittim wood (עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים) refers to acacia wood, a durable and spiritually symbolic material. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 9) teaches that Yaakov Avinu prophetically planted these trees in Egypt, knowing they would later be used for the Mishkan.

The gold overlay (צִפִּיתָ אֹתָם זָהָב) represents both physical beauty and spiritual refinement. The Ramban (on Shemot 25:11) notes that gold symbolizes the divine presence, while the wood underneath represents human participation in holiness.

Halachic and Symbolic Dimensions

  • Permanence: The poles were never removed (Shemot 25:15), symbolizing that Torah is always "portable" and accessible (Talmud Yoma 72a).
  • Dual Materials: The wood and gold combination teaches that Torah must be integrated into both physical and spiritual life (Sforno on Shemot 25:13).
  • Carrying the Ark: The poles remind us that Torah leaders must support the Torah's weight without personal agendas (Malbim on Shemot 25:14).

Mishkan as Microcosm

The Kli Yakar (Shemot 25:13) connects the poles to the concept of Ma'aseh Merkavah (Divine Chariot), where the Ark represents the Throne of Glory and the poles symbolize the "arms" that carry divine presence into the world, much like the angels in Yechezkel's vision (Yechezkel 1:8).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 72a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the construction and sanctity of the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing the materials used and their significance.
📖 Menachot 98a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the dimensions and materials of the Ark, comparing it to other sacred objects in the Tabernacle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the poles (badim) in Exodus 25:13 used for?
A: The poles mentioned in this verse were used to carry the Aron HaKodesh (Holy Ark) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, they were never to be removed from the Ark, as they were essential for its transportation and symbolized the constant readiness to serve Hashem.
Q: Why were the poles made of shittim (acacia) wood and covered in gold?
A: The shittim wood represents durability and humility, while the gold overlay symbolizes holiness and purity. The Midrash teaches that combining these materials shows a balance between earthly and spiritual qualities—essential for sacred vessels in the Mishkan.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the poles being permanently attached to the Ark?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 72a) explains that just as the poles were always connected to the Ark, Torah must always be 'portable' and accessible in our lives—ready to guide us wherever we go. This teaches us to keep Torah study and mitzvot central at all times.
Q: Why does the Torah specify the materials for the Ark's poles?
A: The Rambam teaches that every detail in the Mishkan's construction carries meaning. The specific materials emphasize that holiness requires both inner substance (wood) and outward beauty (gold), reflecting how our mitzvot should combine proper intention and beautiful action.