1 Chronicles 28:15

Translation
King James Version
Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Even the weight H4948 for the candlesticks H4501 of gold H2091, and for their lamps H5216 of gold H2091, by weight H4948 for every candlestick H4501, and for the lamps H5216 thereof: and for the candlesticks H4501 of silver H3701 by weight H4948, both for the candlestick H4501, and also for the lamps H5216 thereof, according to the use H5656 of every candlestick H4501.
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Complete Jewish Bible
the weight of the gold needed for the gold menorahs, the weight needed for each menorah and for its lamps; and for the menorahs of silver, the weight of silver needed for each menorah and for its lamps, according to the way each menorah was to be used;
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Berean Standard Bible
the weight of the gold lampstands and their lamps, including the weight of each lampstand and its lamps; the weight of each silver lampstand and its lamps, according to the use of each lampstand;
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American Standard Version
by weight also for the candlesticks of gold, and for the lamps thereof, of gold, by weight for every candlestick and for the lamps thereof; and for the candlesticks of silver, silver by weight for every candlestick and for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick;
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World English Bible Messianic
by weight also for the lamp stands of gold, and for its lamps, of gold, by weight for every lamp stand and for its lamps; and for the lamp stands of silver, by weight for every lamp stand and for its lamps, according to the use of every lamp stand;
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Geneva Bible (1599)
The weight also of golde for the candlestickes, and gold for their lampes, with the weight for euery candlesticke, and for the lampes thereof, and for the candlestickes of siluer by the weight of the candlesticke, and the lampes thereof, according to the vse of euery candlesticke,
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Young's Literal Translation
and by weight for the candlesticks of gold, and their lamps of gold, by weight for candlestick and candlestick, and its lamps; and for the candlesticks of silver, by weight for a candlestick and its lamps, according to the service of candlestick and candlestick;
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See also
Exodus 25:31Exodus 25:39Zechariah 4:2Zechariah 4:32 Chronicles 4:71 Kings 7:19Zechariah 4:11
In the KJVVerse 11,159 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 28:15 meticulously details King David's divinely inspired instructions to his son Solomon concerning the precise specifications for the Temple's lampstands and their associated lamps. This verse emphasizes the exact "weight" required for both gold and silver components, underscoring God's demand for excellence, exactness, and the highest quality in the sacred furnishings intended for His dwelling place, ensuring their proper function and profound symbolic significance within the Holy Place.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is intricately woven into a pivotal narrative (1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30) where King David, in his advanced age, convenes the entire leadership of Israel in Jerusalem. He formally charges his son Solomon with the monumental task of constructing the Temple, a project David himself longed to undertake but was providentially prevented from doing so due to his history of warfare (1 Chronicles 22:8). David not only provides Solomon with vast accumulated resources (1 Chronicles 29:2-5) but also delivers the architectural plans and precise specifications for every part of the Temple and its furnishings, explicitly stating that these were given to him "by the hand of the Lord" (1 Chronicles 28:19). The meticulous nature of these instructions, exemplified by the detailed precision for the lampstands in 1 Chronicles 28:15, highlights the divine origin and sacredness of the entire enterprise, establishing a direct continuity with the divinely revealed pattern of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:9).
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The construction of a central Temple in Jerusalem represented a monumental undertaking, signifying the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people, thereby replacing the movable Tabernacle. This act solidified Jerusalem's status as the religious and political capital of Israel. In the ancient Near East, temples were routinely built with immense extravagance, utilizing the finest materials and skilled craftsmanship, as a reflection of the power and glory of the deity they honored. The use of specific weights for precious metals like gold and silver was a customary practice for valuable items and offerings, serving to indicate their worth and ensure accountability. The lampstands, or menorot, were not merely decorative but profoundly functional, providing essential light in the Holy Place where priests performed their daily service, symbolizing God's illuminating presence and the radiant light of His truth.
  • Key Themes: The meticulous instructions in 1 Chronicles 28:15 contribute significantly to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Chronicles. First, the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Revelation is paramount, as David repeatedly asserts that the entire Temple design, down to the precise weight of the lampstands, was "given to me in writing by the hand of the Lord" (1 Chronicles 28:19). This emphasizes that true worship is not a human invention but a divine prescription, revealed by God Himself. Second, the theme of Excellence and Worthy Worship is powerfully evident in the demand for precise weights of precious gold and silver, signifying that God deserves the very best from His people. This echoes the stringent standards for Tabernacle construction found in passages like Exodus 25:3-7 and foreshadows the New Testament call for believers to offer their "best" in service and devotion, presenting their bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Finally, the theme of Order and Functionality in Sacred Space is highlighted by the phrase "according to the use of every candlestick," indicating that every detail was purposed for the proper and effective operation of the Temple's worship, ensuring the sacred light would continually shine as commanded (Leviticus 24:2-4).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Weight (Hebrew, mishqâl', H4948): This term appears three times in 1 Chronicles 28:15, powerfully emphasizing the absolute precision required for the lampstands and their lamps. Mishqâl (H4948) denotes a measured quantity, a specific standard of mass, indicating that these items were not to be estimated or crafted arbitrarily but weighed out according to a divine blueprint. This highlights God's demand for exactness and His meticulous attention to every detail of His worship and dwelling place, underscoring the intrinsic value and profound sacredness of the materials and the objects themselves.
  • Candlesticks (Hebrew, mᵉnôwrâh', H4501): The KJV translation "candlesticks" can be somewhat misleading in a modern context, as these were not designed for candles but for oil lamps. The Hebrew mᵉnôwrâh (H4501, plural mᵉnôwrôt) refers to a lampstand, typically multi-branched, specifically designed to hold oil lamps. These were crucial elements in the Holy Place, providing the continuous light necessary for priestly service. The term immediately evokes the iconic golden lampstand of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-40), signifying continuity in divine instruction and the profound symbolic importance of light in God's presence.
  • Use (Hebrew, ʻăbôdâh', H5656): The phrase "according to the use of every candlestick" employs the Hebrew word ʻăbôdâh (H5656), which encompasses meanings such as "work," "service," "office," or "tillage." In this specific context, it signifies the proper function, prescribed purpose, or established operational requirement for each lampstand. This implies that the design and weight specifications were not merely aesthetic but were intrinsically linked to the practical and ritualistic function of providing light in the Holy Place. It ensured that each lampstand could fulfill its designated role precisely as intended by God for the sacred service of the Temple.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof:" This initial clause establishes the non-negotiable requirement for precise measurement ("weight") for the lampstands and their accompanying lamps made of gold. The repetition of "by weight" serves to underscore the absolute and non-negotiable nature of this divine standard. It indicates that the immense value and profound sacredness of these items were intrinsically tied to their exact material composition and the meticulous craftsmanship, reflecting God's demand for excellence and acknowledging the significant cost involved in their creation.
  • "and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, [both] for the candlestick, and [also] for the lamps thereof," This part extends the same meticulous standard of measurement to lampstands and lamps crafted from silver. While gold was the primary and most precious metal, silver also held a significant and valuable role in the Temple furnishings. The reiteration of "by weight" for silver items reinforces the comprehensive nature of the divine instructions, ensuring that even items of secondary preciousness were held to the same exacting standard of precise measurement and quality, demonstrating God's oversight of all details.
  • "according to the use of every candlestick." This conclusive phrase provides the profound rationale behind the detailed specifications. The "use" (Hebrew ʻăbôdâh) refers to the prescribed function, service, or intended purpose of each lampstand. This means the precise weights and materials were not arbitrary but were fundamentally integral to ensuring that each lampstand could properly fulfill its role of providing continuous light in the Holy Place. It powerfully highlights that divine design is always purposeful, ensuring both aesthetic beauty and practical functionality for sacred service within God's dwelling.

Literary Devices

1 Chronicles 28:15 employs several literary devices to powerfully emphasize its central message of divine precision and sacred excellence. Repetition is prominently featured with the word "weight" appearing multiple times, reinforcing the critical importance of exact measurement and the divine standard of meticulousness. This repetition serves to underscore the rigorous nature of God's instructions and David's faithful transmission of them. There is also a clear form of Parallelism or Dichotomy in the explicit mention of "gold" and "silver" lampstands, which comprehensively covers the range of precious metals designated for these sacred objects, indicating a complete and exhaustive instruction for all such items. The entire verse functions as a powerful example of Emphasis on Detail, highlighting the divine blueprint's granular level of specificity. This meticulous detailing communicates the profound sacredness of the Temple and its furnishings, implying that absolutely nothing within God's dwelling place was left to human discretion, approximation, or casual construction.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The meticulous detail regarding the "weight" of the lampstands in 1 Chronicles 28:15 speaks volumes about God's character and His profound expectations for worship. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent to the specifics of devotion but one who demands excellence, precision, and intentionality in all that pertains to Him. This divine blueprint for the Temple, down to the exact measurements of its furnishings, underscores the enduring principle that true worship is not merely spontaneous but is often ordered, structured, and offered with the highest possible quality and reverence. The lampstands, providing essential light in the Holy Place, symbolize God's illuminating presence, and their precise construction ensures that this light is presented in a manner worthy of His glory. This Old Testament emphasis on the material excellence and precise construction of the physical dwelling place of God foreshadows the spiritual excellence and intentionality God desires in the lives of His New Testament people, who are now collectively His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16).

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

1 Chronicles 28:15, with its exacting specifications for the Temple lampstands, offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It challenges us to deeply consider the quality and intentionality of our own "worship" and service to God. Just as God prescribed precise weights for gold and silver, He desires that we offer Him our "weightiest" and most valuable resources—our time, our unique talents, and our earthly treasures—with unwavering diligence and uncompromising excellence, not merely as an afterthought or a casual offering. This verse powerfully reminds us that God is a God of order, beauty, and profound intentionality, and He delights when His people approach Him with reverence and a steadfast commitment to doing things well, not out of legalism, but out of a deep and abiding love and an earnest desire to honor His majestic character. It encourages us to critically examine our spiritual disciplines, our service within the local church, and indeed, our daily lives, prompting us to ask if we are consistently offering God our very best, living "according to the use" He has intended for us as His redeemed instruments in a world desperately in need of His light.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what specific areas of your life and service do you tend to offer God less than your "weightiest" effort or focused attention?
  • How does the divine emphasis on precision and excellence in the Temple's construction challenge your current understanding and practice of worship in the modern age?
  • What does it truly mean to live "according to the use" God has specifically for you, and how can you more intentionally and consistently fulfill that divine purpose?
  • Beyond formal worship services, how can the principle of offering God our "best" be practically and consistently applied in your daily walk and interactions?

FAQ

Why is the "weight" of the lampstands emphasized so heavily in this verse?

Answer: The emphasis on "weight" (Hebrew: mishqâl) is crucial for several profound reasons. Firstly, it underscores the divine demand for absolute precision and exactness in the construction of sacred objects intended for God's dwelling. This was not left to human estimation, artistic license, or approximation but was a divinely prescribed, non-negotiable standard. Secondly, it highlights the immense value and preciousness of the materials (gold and silver) used, indicating that the Temple furnishings were to be of the highest possible quality and worth, reflecting the glory of the God they served. This precision also ensured consistency and unwavering adherence to the divine blueprint, signifying that every single detail mattered immensely to God. Ultimately, it speaks to God's character as one who is meticulously ordered, supremely excellent, and desires nothing less than perfection in all that pertains to His glory and the sacred worship offered to Him.

What is the significance of using both gold and silver for the lampstands and their lamps?

Answer: The explicit use of both gold and silver signifies a comprehensive approach to the Temple's furnishings, covering the full spectrum of precious metals available and specifically designated by God. Gold was consistently the most precious metal, typically reserved for the holiest items and areas, symbolizing purity, divine glory, and immense, unparalleled value. Silver, while also precious and valuable, was often utilized for items of slightly lesser, though still significant, value or for larger quantities where gold would be prohibitively expensive. By specifying both, the verse ensures that all lampstands, regardless of their primary material, were subject to the same divine standard of precise weight and quality. This demonstrates God's unwavering demand for excellence across all levels of the Temple's sacred inventory, ensuring that every detail, from the most precious to the merely precious, contributed to the overall grandeur, sanctity, and functional integrity of His house (1 Kings 7:49-50).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The meticulous instructions for the Temple lampstands in 1 Chronicles 28:15 find their ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The lampstands were designed to provide essential light in the Holy Place, serving as a powerful symbol of God's illuminating presence among His people. Jesus, however, declared, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). He is not merely a symbol, but the true and perfect Light, who fully illuminates the path to God and definitively dispels all spiritual darkness. Furthermore, the Temple itself, with its precise divine blueprint and sacred furnishings, served as a profound type and shadow of Christ's perfect body and His redemptive work. Jesus explicitly spoke of His body as the true temple, which would be destroyed and miraculously raised in three days (John 2:19-21). The "weight" and immense value of the gold and silver specified for the lampstands foreshadow the immeasurable worth and perfect, unblemished sacrifice of Christ, whose precious blood was beyond any earthly measure (1 Peter 1:18-19). Just as every minute detail of the lampstands was "according to the use" (purpose) intended by God, so too was every aspect of Christ's life, His sacrificial death, and His glorious resurrection perfectly aligned with God's sovereign, precise, and eternal plan of salvation, bringing the light of truth and eternal life to all who believe (Ephesians 1:9-10).

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 28 verses 11–21

As for the general charge that David gave his son to seek God and serve him, the book of the law was, in that, his only rule, and there needed no other; but, in building the temple, David was now to give him three things: - 1. A model of the building, because it was to be such a building as neither he nor his architects ever saw. Moses had a pattern of the tabernacle shown him in the mount (Heb 8:5), so had David of the temple, by the immediate hand of God upon him, Ch1 28:19. It was given him in writing, probably by the ministry of an angel, or as clearly and exactly represented to his mind as if it had been in writing. But it is said (Ch1 28:12), He had this pattern by the Spirit. The contrivance either of David's devotion or of Solomon's wisdom must not be trusted to in an affair of this nature. The temple must be a sacred thing and a type of Christ; there must be in it not only convenience and decency, but significancy: it was a kind of sacrament, and therefore it must not be left to man's art or invention to contrive it, but must be framed by divine institution. Christ the true temple, the church the gospel temple, and heaven the everlasting temple, are all framed according to the divine councils, and the plan laid in the divine wisdom, ordained before the world for God's glory and ours. This pattern David gave to Solomon, that he might know what to provide and might go by a certain rule. When Christ left with his disciples a charge to build his gospel church he gave them an exact model of it, ordering them to observe that, and that only, which he commanded. The particular models are here mentioned, of the porch, which was higher than the rest, like a steeple, - then the houses, both the holy place and the most holy, with the rooms adjoining, which were for treasuries, chambers, and parlours, - especially the place of the mercy-seat (Ch1 28:11), - of the courts likewise, and the chambers about them, in which the dedicated things were laid up. Bishop Patrick supposes that, among other things, the tabernacle which Moses reared and all the utensils of it, which there was now no further occasion for, were laid up here, signifying that in the fulness of time all the Mosaic economy, all the rites and ceremonies of that dispensation, should be respectfully laid aside, and something better come in their room. He gave him a table of the courses of the priests, patterns of the vessels of service (Ch1 28:13), and a pattern of the chariot of the cherubim, Ch1 28:18. Besides the two cherubim over the mercy-seat, there were two much larger, whose wings reached from wall to wall (Kg1 6:23, etc.), and of these David here gave Solomon the pattern, called a chariot; for the angels are the chariots of God, Psa 68:17. 2. Materials for the most costly of the utensils of the temple. That they might not be made any less than the patterns, he weighed out the exact quantity for each vessel both of gold and silver, Ch1 28:14. In the tabernacle there was but one golden candlestick; in the temple there were ten (Kg1 7:49), besides silver ones, which, it is supposed, were hand-candlesticks, Ch1 28:15. In the tabernacle there was but one table; but in the temple, besides that on which the show-bread was set, there were ten others for other uses (Ch2 4:8), besides silver tables; for, this house being much larger than that, it would look bare if it had not furniture proportionable. The gold for the altar of incense is particularly said to be refined gold (Ch1 28:18), purer than any of the rest; for that was typical of the intercession of Christ, than which nothing is more pure and perfect. 3. Directions which way to look for help in this great undertaking. "Fear not opposition; fear not the charge, care, and trouble; fear not miscarrying in it, as in the case of Uzza; fear not the reproach of the foolish builder, that began to build and was not able to finish. Be not dismayed. (1.) God will help thee, and thou must look up to him in the first place (Ch1 28:20): The Lord God, even my God, whom I have chosen and served, who has all along been present with me and prospered me, and to whom, from my own experience of his power and goodness, I recommend thee, he will be with thee, to direct, strengthen, and prosper thee; he will not fail thee nor forsake thee." Note, We may be sure that God, who owned our fathers and carried them through the services of their day, will, in like manner, if we be faithful to him, go along with us in our day, and will never leave us, while he has any work to do in us or by us. The same that was Joshua's encouragement (Jos 1:5), and Solomon's, is given to all believers, Heb 13:5. He will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. God never leaves any unless they first leave him. (2.) "Good men will help thee, Ch1 28:21. The priests and Levites will advise thee, and thou mayest consult them. Thou hast good workmen, who are both willing and skilful;" and these are two very good properties in a workman, especially in those that work at the temple. And, lastly, "The princes and the people will be so far from opposing or retarding the work that they will be wholly at thy command, every one in his place ready to further it." Then good work is likely to go on when all parties concerned are hearty in it, and none secretly clog it, but all drive on heartily in it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–21. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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