Exodus 25:37 - Printer Friendly

ESV: You shall make seven lamps for it. And the lamps shall be set up so as to give light on the space in front of it.

NIV: "Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it.

NASB: Then you shall make its lamps seven in number; and they shall mount its lamps so as to shed light on the space in front of it.

CSB: "Make its seven lamps, and set them up so that they illuminate the area in front of it.

NLT: Then make the seven lamps for the lampstand, and set them so they reflect their light forward.

KJV: And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.

NKJV: You shall make seven lamps for it, and they shall arrange its lamps so that they give light in front of it.

The Lord has given instructions for making a seven-branched lampstand (Exodus 25:31). This menorāh will be placed in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). Also used there are the ark (Exodus 25:10–11), table (Exodus 25:23–24), incense altar (Exodus 30:1–10), and sacrificial altar (Exodus 27:1–8).

The lampstand is made of a central trunk and six branches (Exodus 25:32–36). The entire assembly is joined as a single unit of gold (Exodus 25:39). At the end of the seven branches there are places for lamps. The light from these lamps will illuminate one of the central rooms of the tabernacle (Numbers 8:2).

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.

Accessed 7/8/2025 2:19:42 PM