1 Chronicles 28:15

KJV

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.

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}.

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;

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;

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 28:15 meticulously details King David's divinely inspired instructions to his son Solomon for the construction of the Temple's lampstands and their associated lamps. This verse emphasizes the precise "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 symbolic significance within the Holy Place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a pivotal passage (1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30) where King David, in his old age, publicly convenes all the leaders of Israel in Jerusalem. He formally charges his son Solomon with the monumental task of building the Temple, a project David himself longed to undertake but was forbidden due to his wars (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 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 detailed nature of these instructions, exemplified by the 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 was a monumental undertaking, signifying the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people, 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 often built with great extravagance, using the finest materials and skilled craftsmanship, reflecting the power and glory of the deity they honored. The use of specific weights for precious metals like gold and silver was common for valuable items and offerings, indicating their worth and ensuring accountability. The lampstands, or menorot, were not merely decorative but functional, providing light in the Holy Place where priests performed daily service, symbolizing God's illuminating presence and the light of His truth.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous instructions in 1 Chronicles 28:15 contribute significantly to several overarching themes in Chronicles. First, the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Revelation** is paramount, as David repeatedly asserts that the entire Temple design, down to the weight of the lampstands, was "given to me in writing by the hand of the Lord" (1 Chronicles 28:19). This emphasizes that worship is not a human invention but a divine prescription. Second, the theme of **Excellence and Worthy Worship** is 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 standards for Tabernacle construction in [Exodus 23:29-30](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions") and foreshadows the call for believers to offer their "best" in service and devotion today (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 (Leviticus 24:2-4).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Weight (Hebrew, _mishqal'_):** This term appears three times in this single verse, emphasizing the absolute precision required for the lampstands and their lamps. _Mishqal_ 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 value and sacredness of the materials.
* **Candlesticks (Hebrew, _menorot'_):** The KJV translation "candlesticks" can be misleading as these were not for candles but for oil lamps. The Hebrew _menorot_ (plural of _menorah_) refers to lampstands, typically multi-branched, designed to hold oil lamps. These were crucial elements in the Holy Place, providing the continuous light necessary for priestly service. The term evokes the iconic golden lampstand of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-40), signifying continuity in divine instruction and the symbolic importance of light in God's presence.
* **Use (Hebrew, _mishpat'_):** The phrase "according to the use of every candlestick" employs the Hebrew word _mishpat_, which often translates to "judgment," "justice," "ordinance," or "custom." In this context, it signifies the proper function, prescribed purpose, or established order 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, ensuring that each lampstand fulfilled its designated role precisely as intended by God.

#### 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 specifies the requirement for precise measurement ("weight") for the lampstands and their lamps made of gold. The repetition of "by weight" underscores the non-negotiable nature of this standard. It indicates that the value and sacredness of these items were tied to their exact material composition and craftsmanship, reflecting the divine demand for excellence and 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 to lampstands and lamps made of silver. While gold was the primary and most precious metal, silver also had a significant 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 standard of exact measurement and quality.
* **"according to the use of every candlestick."** This final phrase provides the rationale behind the detailed specifications. The "use" (Hebrew _mishpat_) refers to the prescribed function or purpose of each lampstand. This means the precise weights and materials were not arbitrary but were integral to ensuring that each lampstand could properly fulfill its role of providing light in the Holy Place. It highlights that divine design is always purposeful, ensuring both aesthetic beauty and practical functionality for sacred service.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to emphasize its message. **Repetition** is prominent with the word "weight" appearing multiple times, reinforcing the critical importance of precise measurement and the divine standard of exactness. This repetition serves to underscore the meticulous nature of God's instructions and David's faithful transmission of them. There is also a form of **Parallelism** or **Dichotomy** in the mention of "gold" and "silver" lampstands, which covers the range of precious metals designated for these sacred objects, indicating a comprehensive instruction for all such items. The entire verse functions as an 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 nothing within God's dwelling place was left to human discretion or approximation.

### 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 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 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 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 His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16).

* [Exodus 25:31-40](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25:31-40 - Instructions for the Golden Lampstand")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Heavenly Pattern for Earthly Worship")
* [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - God as the Light of the New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 28:15, with its exacting specifications for the Temple lampstands, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It challenges us to 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, talents, and treasures—with diligence and excellence, not merely as an afterthought. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order and beauty, and He delights when His people approach Him with reverence and a commitment to doing things well, not out of legalism, but out of love and a desire to honor His majesty. It encourages us to examine our spiritual disciplines, our service in the church, and our daily lives, asking if we are offering God our best, "according to the use" He has intended for us as His instruments in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life and service do you tend to offer God less than your "weightiest" effort or attention?**
* **How does the divine emphasis on precision and excellence in Temple construction challenge your understanding of worship in the modern age?**
* **What does it mean to live "according to the use" God has for you, and how can you more intentionally fulfill that purpose?**
* **How can the principle of offering God our "best" be applied practically in your daily walk, beyond formal worship services?**

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

Answer: The emphasis on "weight" (Hebrew: _mishqal_) is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the divine demand for absolute precision and exactness in the construction of sacred objects for God's dwelling. This was not left to human estimation or artistic license but was a divinely prescribed 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 quality and worth. This precision also ensured consistency and adherence to the divine blueprint, signifying that every detail mattered to God. It speaks to God's character as one who is meticulous and desires excellence in all that pertains to His glory and worship.

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

Answer: The use of both gold and silver signifies a comprehensive approach to the Temple's furnishings, covering the full spectrum of precious metals available and specified by God. Gold was the most precious metal, typically reserved for the holiest items and areas, symbolizing purity, divine glory, and immense value. Silver, while also precious, was often used 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 demand for excellence across all levels of the Temple's sacred inventory, ensuring that every detail contributed to the overall grandeur and sanctity 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 fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The lampstands were designed to provide light in the Holy Place, a symbol of God's illuminating presence. Jesus 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](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). He is the true and perfect Light, not merely a symbol, who illuminates the path to God and dispels spiritual darkness. Furthermore, the Temple itself, with its precise divine blueprint, served as a type and shadow of Christ's perfect body and His redemptive work. Jesus spoke of His body as the true temple, which would be destroyed and raised in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")). The "weight" and immense value of the gold and silver specified for the lampstands foreshadow the immeasurable worth and perfect sacrifice of Christ, whose blood was "precious" beyond any earthly measure ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption through Precious Blood")). Just as every detail of the lampstands was "according to the use" (purpose) intended by God, so too was every aspect of Christ's life, death, and resurrection perfectly aligned with God's sovereign and precise plan of salvation, bringing the light of truth and life to all who believe ([Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - God's Plan of Redemption")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 25:31

¶ And thou shalt make a candlestick [of] pure gold: [of] beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.

Exodus 25:39

[Of] a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels.

Zechariah 4:2

And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all [of] gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which [are] upon the top thereof:

Zechariah 4:3

And two olive trees by it, one upon the right [side] of the bowl, and the other upon the left [side] thereof.

2 Chronicles 4:7

And he made ten candlesticks of gold according to their form, and set [them] in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left.

1 Kings 7:19

And the chapiters that [were] upon the top of the pillars [were] of lily work in the porch, four cubits.

Zechariah 4:11

¶ Then answered I, and said unto him, What [are] these two olive trees upon the right [side] of the candlestick and upon the left [side] thereof?