Exodus 37:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And on the lampstand itself were four cups made like almond blossoms, with their calyxes and flowers,

NIV: And on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms.

NASB: And on the lampstand there were four cups shaped like almond blossoms, its bulbs and its flowers;

CSB: There were four cups shaped like almond blossoms on the lampstand shaft along with its buds and petals.

NLT: The center stem of the lampstand was crafted with four lamp cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and petals.

KJV: And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers:

NKJV: And on the lampstand itself were four bowls made like almond blossoms, each with its ornamental knob and flower.

Exodus 37:17–24 is a point-by-point repeat of the designs given in Exodus 25:31–39. Bezalel (Exodus 35:30) crafts an ornate lampstand with seven lights. This will be kept in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9) along with a sacred table (Exodus 25:23) and an incense altar (Exodus 30:1).

Bezalel (Exodus 35:30) follows God's instructions to make multiple items for the tabernacle. Most of these are described in Exodus 25. He constructs the ark, table, lampstand, and altar of incense. All of these will be kept inside the main tabernacle building. The text deliberately reproduces the phrasing of God's earlier command to stress Israel's exact obedience to His will.

Moses relays God's instructions for building the tabernacle (Exodus 25—31). The people respond generously (Exodus 35) and follow the Lord's directions exactly (Exodus 36). This pattern continues in chapter 37 as Bezalel (Exodus 35:30) completes designs mostly seen in chapter 25. Other items are depicted in chapter 30. The next two chapters (Exodus 38—39) are more of the same: describing the Israelites carrying out God's design as it was given.

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 11/2/2025 7:48:16 AM