Seder 63: Exodus 25:15----Keep your Poles in the Rings

 Exodus 25 contains some fairly detailed descriptions of the main tabernacle furnishings.  Since these instructions come from God, they have been the subject of intense study over the centuries, and lessons that might be drawn from them have been proposed.  

For example, the ark of the covenant is described in Exodus 25:10-16.  It was a gold-plated wooden box that stood on four "feet", with a ring attached to each foot.  The ark was transported by the use of two poles that each went through a pair of the rings.  In verse 15 we read:

"The poles shall remain in the rings of the ark; they shall not be taken from it."

This instruction is listed as one of the 613 commandments in the famous list of Maimonides.  What is the reason for it?  

One possible reason is based on practicality.  The poles would not get in the way in the Holy of Holies, where the ark would be placed; and if the poles were kept in the rings, they would never be misplaced.

Another reason involves respect for the holiness of the ark.  Keeping the poles in the rings was a reminder that this was the only means by which the ark should be transported.  

A third reason is more symbolic.  The men who put the poles on their shoulders to carry the ark were, symbolically, placing themselves in submission to the words on the tablets contained in the ark.  Keeping the poles in the ark could symbolize that this commitment to obey God was a full time commitment that could not be abandoned.  

Jesus made the same point with a different metaphor in Luke 9:62:  "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."   Once you have put your poles in the rings, you should leave them there.  

Exodus 25:15 raises another question.  Since the poles are to stay in the rings, why not just have the poles welded in place, permanently fastened to the rings?  Then it would be impossible to remove the poles. 

Perhaps the fact that the poles are removable symbolizes the principle that God wants us to make our commitment to him voluntarily.  The poles should not be removed from the rings, but we are free to choose what to do.

There are many lessons to be learned from the tabernacle instructions.  Let's keep studying, and keep our poles in the rings!