Exodus – Chapter 37

Old Testament29 Verses

Chapter Summary

Exodus 37 opens with the words: "And Beseleel made also, the ark of setim wood: it was two cubits and a half in length, and a cubit and a half in breadth, and the height…" Across its 29 verses, two threads run through the text: holiness and God's kingdom and kingship. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1And Beseleel made also, the ark of setim wood: it was two cubits and a half in length, and a cubit and a half in breadth, and the height was of one cubit and a half: and he overlaid it with the purest gold within and without.

2And he made to it a crown of gold round about,

3Casting four rings of gold at the four corners thereof: two rings in one side, and two in the other.

4And he made bars of setim wood, which he overlaid with gold,

5And he put them into the rings that were at the sides of the ark to carry it.

6He made also the propitiatory, that is, the oracle, of the purest gold, two cubits and a half in length, and a cubit and a half in breadth.

7Two cherubims also of beaten gold, which he set on the two sides of the propitiatory:

8One cherub in the top of one side, and the other cherub in the top of the other side: two cherubims at the two ends of the propitiatory,

9Spreading their wings, and covering the propitiatory, and looking one towards the other, and towards it.

10He made also the table of setim wood, in length two cubits, and in breadth one cubit, and in height it was a cubit and a half.

11And he overlaid it with the finest gold, and he made to it a golden ledge round about,

12And to the ledge itself he made a polished crown of gold, of four fingers breadth, and upon the same another golden crown.

13And he cast four rings of gold, which he put in the four corners at each foot of the table,

14Over against the crown: and he put the bars into them, that the table might be carried.

15The bars also themselves he made of setim wood, and overlaid them with gold.

16And the vessels for the divers uses of the table, dishes, bowls, and cups, and censers of pure gold, wherein the libations are to be offered.

17He made also the candlestick of beaten work of the finest gold. from the shaft whereof its branches, its cups, and bowls, and lilies came out:

18Six on the two sides: three branches on one side, and three on the other.

19Three cups in manner of a nut on each branch, and bowls withal and lilies: and three cups of the fashion of a nut in another branch, and bowls withal and lilies. The work of the six branches, that went out from the shaft of the candlestick was equal.

20And in the shaft itself were four cups after the manner of a nut, and bowls withal at every one, and lilies:

21And bowls under two branches in three places, which together made six branches going out from one shaft.

22So both the bowls, and the branches were of the same, all beaten work of the purest gold.

23He made also the seven lamps with their snuffers, and the vessels where the snuffings were to be put out, of the purest gold.

24The candlestick with all the vessels thereof weighed a talent of gold.

25He made also the alter of incense of setim wood, being a cubit on every side foursquare, and in height two cubits: from the corners of which went out horns.

26And he overlaid it with the purest gold, with its grate, and the sides, and the horns.

27And he made to it a crown of gold round about, and two golden rings under the crown at each side, that the bars might be put into them, and the altar be carried.

28And the bars themselves he made also of setim wood, and overlaid them with plates of gold.

29He compounded also the oil for the ointment of sanctification, and incense of the purest spices, according to the work of a perfumer.

Important Verses in Exodus 37

And Beseleel made also, the ark of setim wood: it was two cubits and a half in length, and a cubit and a half in breadth, and the height was of one cubit and a half: and he overlaid it with the purest gold within and without.

Exodus 37:1

And he made bars of setim wood, which he overlaid with gold,

Exodus 37:4

Two cherubims also of beaten gold, which he set on the two sides of the propitiatory:

Exodus 37:7

He compounded also the oil for the ointment of sanctification, and incense of the purest spices, according to the work of a perfumer.

Exodus 37:29

Historical Context

Exodus belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for israel in every generation, commanded to remember the Passover as a perpetual memorial. Chapter 37 of 40 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 29 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. It opens with the line: "And Beseleel made also, the ark of setim wood: it was two cubits and a half in length, and a cubit and a half in…" It concludes: "He compounded also the oil for the ointment of sanctification, and incense of the purest spices, according to the work…" The wider setting of Exodus is this: Exodus recounts the defining event of the Old Testament: God's liberation of Israel from slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh, most likely Ramesses II. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Exodus around Describes events of the 13th century BC; reached final written form between the 10th and 5th centuries BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Moses, with later inspired editing

When It Was Written

Describes events of the 13th century BC; reached final written form between the 10th and 5th centuries BC

Catholic Commentary

In this 29-verse passage, the sacred author describes events, speeches, or revelations central to liberation, law, and worship. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And Beseleel made also, the ark of setim wood: it was two cubits and a half in length, and a cubit and a half in breadth, and the height was of one cubit and a…" The passage repeatedly touches on holiness before God.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of liberation, law, and worship. the Church sees the Exodus as prefiguring Baptism and the Eucharist (CIC 1221, 1363). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 618).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God delivers His people from slavery. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Exodus 37 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • 'Be holy, for I am holy': God calls His people to be set apart for Him in every area of life.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.

Reflection for Today

Sacred Scripture presents Exodus Chapter 37 as a unique stage in salvation history, not merely as background to other books.

St. Augustine and other Fathers of the Church meditated on texts like this one, seeing in them instruction for the spiritual life. the Church sees the Exodus as prefiguring Baptism and the Eucharist (CIC 1221, 1363). The passage calls believers to grasp that God delivers His people from slavery.

May your reading of Exodus Chapter 37 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how God delivers His people from slavery applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Exodus Chapter 37 about?

Exodus 37 contains 29 verses. It opens with "And Beseleel made also, the ark of setim wood: it was two cubits and a half in length, and a cubit and a half in…" and closes with "He compounded also the oil for the ointment of sanctification, and incense of the purest spices, according to the work…". The book as a whole is narrative, law, and liturgical instruction.

What is a key verse in Exodus 37?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And Beseleel made also, the ark of setim wood: it was two cubits and a half in length, and a cubit and a half in breadth, and the height was of one cubit and a half: and he…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Exodus and when?

Traditionally attributed to Moses, with later inspired editing. Describes events of the 13th century BC; reached final written form between the 10th and 5th centuries BC.

Deepen your understanding with these related articles