Exodus 25:36 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Their calyxes and their branches shall be of one piece with it, the whole of it a single piece of hammered work of pure gold.

NIV: The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold.

NASB: Their bulbs and their branches shall be of one piece with it; all of it shall be one piece of hammered work of pure gold.

CSB: Their buds and branches are to be of one piece. All of it is to be a single hammered piece of pure gold.

NLT: The almond buds and branches must all be of one piece with the center stem, and they must be hammered from pure gold.

KJV: Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold.

NKJV: Their knobs and their branches shall be of one piece; all of it shall be one hammered piece of pure gold.

The menorāh (Exodus 25:31) is not made of wood overlaid with metal (Exodus 25:10–11, 23–24) like other parts of the sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9). It is made of solid metal. The "pure" description here does not mean that the metal is elemental gold, today called "24 karat." When mined, gold is usually mixed with other metals. Such alloys are measured deliberately to improve strength and color.

Israel's sacred lampstand includes ornate components meant to look like almond blossoms (Exodus 25:33–34). Each blossom is composed of a flower and a bud, also called a "calyx," from which the flower petals grow. Most depictions of the menorah use curved branches, making three half-circles. Some also arrange the blossoms to make radial lines. Other interpretations are triangular, with the branches perfectly straight.

The ornate elements are not to be formed by pouring molten gold into a cast. Nor are they to be cut and tied together with wire or rivets. Instead, these flowers are to be "hammered" work, requiring great skill (Exodus 31:1–11). A goldsmith would hammer out the individual segments and join them together permanently. Once brazed or soldered, the components would become a single piece.

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.