And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.
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 must stay in the rings always, never removed. Those gold rings signify the churches of Christ, circular and perfect bodies, most precious on earth; the golden staves are His ministers, who must remain with them forever and never depart. Or the rings are His perfect doctrines, in which ministers dwell by meditation and preaching, abiding always.
AI summary
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