Exodus 25:35 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and a calyx of one piece with it under each pair of the six branches going out from the lampstand.

NIV: One bud shall be under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair—six branches in all.

NASB: A bulb shall be under the first pair of branches coming out of it, and a bulb under the second pair of branches coming out of it, and a bulb under the third pair of branches coming out of it, for the six branches coming out of the lampstand.

CSB: For the six branches that extend from the lampstand, a bud must be under the first pair of branches from it, a bud under the second pair of branches from it, and a bud under the third pair of branches from it.

NLT: There will also be an almond bud beneath each pair of branches where the six branches extend from the center stem.

KJV: And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick.

NKJV: And there shall be a knob under the first two branches of the same, a knob under the second two branches of the same, and a knob under the third two branches of the same, according to the six branches that extend from the lampstand.

A "calyx" is the bud portion of a blossom; from this come the petals which make the flower itself. God's design for an intricate lampstand (Exodus 25:31) includes several of these. Their arrangement creates a line of seven lamps, supported by six branches and a central trunk. The branches and trunk include multiple segments extending from an almond blossom (Exodus 25:32–34). The entire object is made of gold. This menorāh has been a famous symbol of Judaism for thousands of years.

To make detailed pieces, a goldsmith can make individual pieces and join them. Depending on the exact process, this is either called "soldering" or "brazing." The result is "of one piece" unlike pieces joined by rivets or tied wire (Exodus 25:36).

Exodus 25:31–40 indicates how Israel is to form a special candelabra for use in the sanctuary. The Hebrew root word used here is menorāh, which many recognize as a seven-branched candlestick still associated with Judaism. This lampstand is pure gold, with three branches on either side of a central piece. Each branch is made of three flower-like shapes with connecting arcs. The result is a pattern famously associated with Judaism.

Israelites are to contribute precious metals, cloth, oils, and other resources to create a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. These will be used to form various sacred objects. Among these are the renowned ark of the covenant, a table for consecrated bread, and a lampstand with seven ornate lamps. These will be kept in the most sacred parts of the sanctuary. Upcoming chapters will focus on an elaborate tent which will serve as a portable temple (Exodus 26—28).

The Lord has given the foundations of His covenant to Israel (Exodus 20—23) and they have affirmed it (Exodus 24). Now God gives Moses detailed instructions for a system of worship. This begins with designs for a sacred container—the ark of the covenant—as well as a table and lampstand. These will be kept in the "tabernacle:" an ornate tent used as a portable temple for Israel (Exodus 26—28).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.