Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it.
The ark is the chest where God's law, written by His finger, was to rest in the holiest place. Mark how careful preservation of those tables teaches us to treasure God's word, hiding it deep in our hearts as the ark was hidden in the Holy of Holies. Divine Providence guards His revelation in the church as faithfully as ever.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 25:10-22
The staves shall be in the rings of the ark,.... Not only be put into them, but remain in them, yea, always: they shall not be taken from it; or, as the Septuagint version is, be immovable; so that those gold rings in the ark may signify the churches of Christ, which are instrumental to bear his name, and spread his truth in the world...
The ark, plated within and without with pure gold and fitted with a golden rim, was borne by poles that never left the rings, so the bearers could not touch the sacred chest itself. This arrangement enforced reverence and kept defilement at distance from God's most holy vessel.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 25:10-15