2 Chronicles 4:20

KJV

Moreover the candlesticks with their lamps, that they should burn after the manner before the oracle, of pure gold;

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover the candlesticks {H4501} with their lamps {H5216}, that they should burn {H1197} after the manner {H4941} before {H6440} the oracle {H1687}, of pure {H5462} gold {H2091};

Complete Jewish Bible

the menorahs with their lamps to burn in front of the sanctuary as specified, of pure gold;

Berean Standard Bible

the lampstands of pure gold and their lamps, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary as prescribed;

American Standard Version

and the candlesticks with their lamps, to burn according to the ordinance before the oracle, of pure gold;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 4:20 describes the golden lampstands and their lamps within Solomon's magnificent Temple, specifying their material as "pure gold" and their function to burn continuously "before the oracle." This verse highlights the meticulous craftsmanship and immense value placed on the sacred furnishings, underscoring the divine presence, the purity required for worship, and the perpetual illumination symbolizing God's enduring light within His dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a detailed account of the construction and furnishing of Solomon's Temple, specifically found in [2 Chronicles 3](/2_chronicles/3 "2 Chronicles 3 - Solomon Builds the Temple") and [2 Chronicles 4](/2_chronicles/4 "2 Chronicles 4 - Temple Furnishings"). Following descriptions of the bronze altar, the molten sea, and the ten lavers (washing basins) in [2 Chronicles 4:1-19](/2_chronicles/4-1 "2 Chronicles 4:1-19 - Bronze Furnishings"), the narrative shifts to the golden implements of the Holy Place. The lampstands, along with the tables for the showbread and other golden vessels mentioned in [2 Chronicles 4:21-22](/2_chronicles/4-21 "2 Chronicles 4:21-22 - Golden Furnishings"), were essential for the daily ritual and maintenance of the sanctuary. This section emphasizes the opulence and divine standards applied to every aspect of God's house, building upon the foundational instructions for the Tabernacle's single lampstand found in [Exodus 25:31-40](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25:31-40 - The Golden Lampstand for the Tabernacle").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign marked a zenith of Israelite power, wealth, and influence, allowing for the construction of a permanent, magnificent Temple that far surpassed the portable Tabernacle. The Temple in Jerusalem became the central place of worship for the nation, a physical representation of God's covenant presence among His people. In the ancient Near East, light played a crucial role in temple rituals, often symbolizing divine presence, life, and guidance. The use of "pure gold" for sacred objects was not merely an aesthetic choice but reflected the highest value and purity, signifying that only the most precious and incorruptible materials were deemed worthy for the dwelling of a holy God. This dedication of immense resources underscored the people's devotion and the king's commitment to honoring Yahweh.

* **Key Themes:** The description of the lampstands in [2 Chronicles 4:20](/2_chronicles/4-20 "2 Chronicles 4:20 - The Golden Lampstands") contributes to several overarching themes within Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Presence and Glory**, as the lampstands provided perpetual light "before the oracle," the very dwelling place of God's presence. Secondly, the emphasis on "pure gold" underscores **Holiness and Purity**, signifying that God's sanctuary and everything within it must be set apart and undefiled. Thirdly, the continuous burning of the lamps points to **Worship and Service**, illustrating the unceasing devotion and care required in serving God. Finally, the expansion from one lampstand in the Tabernacle (as described in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")) to ten in Solomon's Temple reflects **Continuity and Development** in God's redemptive plan, showcasing an increase in glory and provision commensurate with the established kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Candlesticks (Hebrew, מְנוֹרָה, _menorah'_):** This term refers to the lampstands, which were elaborate, multi-branched structures designed to hold oil lamps. In the Tabernacle, there was a single _menorah_ (Exodus 25:31), but Solomon's Temple featured ten, five on each side of the Holy Place, signifying an abundance of light and perhaps the magnified glory of God's presence in the permanent sanctuary. Their primary function was to provide continuous illumination within the windowless Holy Place.
* **Oracle (Hebrew, דְּבִיר, _debir'_):** This word specifically designates the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctuary of the Temple where the Ark of the Covenant resided. The term literally means "speaking place" or "inner sanctuary," implying that it was the place where God communed with His people, particularly through the high priest on the Day of Atonement. The lampstands being "before the oracle" emphasizes their proximity to God's immediate presence.
* **Pure gold (Hebrew, זָהָב טָהוֹר, _zahav tahor'_):** The repeated emphasis on "pure gold" for these and other Temple vessels (see 2 Chronicles 4:21) highlights their immense value, durability, and symbolic purity. Gold, being incorruptible and precious, represented the divine nature, holiness, and the preciousness of God's dwelling. It signified that only the very best, the most unblemished and valuable, was acceptable for God's service and presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the candlesticks with their lamps":** This clause introduces the specific items being described: the golden lampstands themselves, along with the individual lamps or bowls that held the oil and wicks. This clarifies that the entire apparatus, not just the stands, was part of the divine command and design.
* **"that they should burn after the manner":** This phrase indicates that the lamps were to be lit and maintained according to a specific, prescribed ritual or custom. It implies continuous burning, as was the practice in the Tabernacle (Exodus 27:20-21), ensuring that the Holy Place was never in darkness. This perpetual light symbolized God's unceasing presence and illumination.
* **"before the oracle":** This specifies the precise location of the lampstands within the Temple. They were situated in the Holy Place, directly preceding the entrance to the Most Holy Place (the "oracle"). Their light therefore shone constantly towards the innermost sanctuary, emphasizing the sacredness and the constant awareness of the divine presence within.
* **"of pure gold":** This final phrase reiterates the material composition, emphasizing the extraordinary value and symbolic purity of these sacred objects. The use of pure gold underscored the holiness of the Temple, the preciousness of God's presence, and the unblemished nature required for worship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Symbolism** and **Emphasis through Material Description**. The "candlesticks with their lamps" are symbolic of divine light, God's presence, and spiritual illumination. The continuous burning signifies God's enduring nature and the perpetual worship offered in His sanctuary. The phrase "before the oracle" symbolically places these objects in the immediate vicinity of God's most sacred dwelling, highlighting the accessibility yet profound holiness of His presence. The repeated mention of "pure gold" (both here and in the subsequent verse, [2 Chronicles 4:21](/2_chronicles/4-21 "2 Chronicles 4:21 - Golden Flowers and Lamps")) serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the immense value, purity, and divine standard applied to the Temple's furnishings. Gold itself is a powerful symbol of divinity, incorruptibility, and supreme worth, reinforcing the sanctity of God's house.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The golden lampstands in Solomon's Temple, perpetually burning before the oracle, serve as a profound theological symbol. They represent God's unceasing presence and His role as the source of all light and truth. Just as the physical light dispelled darkness in the sanctuary, God's spiritual light illuminates the path for humanity, revealing His character and will. This imagery connects the Old Testament sanctuary to the New Testament revelation of God's dwelling among His people, not in a physical structure, but through the person of Jesus Christ and His Spirit. The meticulous design and "pure gold" material speak to the holiness of God and the purity required of those who would approach Him in worship. This foreshadows the perfect and unblemished sacrifice of Christ, which alone makes true access to God possible.

* [Exodus 27:20-21](/exodus/27-20 "Exodus 27:20-21 - Perpetual Lamp in the Tabernacle")
* [Revelation 1:12-13](/revelation/1-12 "Revelation 1:12-13 - Christ Among the Lampstands")
* [Revelation 1:20](/revelation/1-20 "Revelation 1:20 - The Seven Lampstands are the Churches")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The golden lampstands, burning continuously before the oracle, offer a rich tapestry for reflection on our own spiritual lives and worship. They remind us that God's presence is constant and illuminating, and that our lives, like those lamps, are meant to perpetually reflect His light. The "pure gold" challenges us to consider the quality of our offerings to God—not just material possessions, but our time, talents, and affections. Are they pure, unblemished, and given with wholehearted devotion? Just as the lamps dispelled the physical darkness of the Holy Place, believers are called to be agents of spiritual light in a world shrouded in darkness. This involves living lives of integrity, speaking truth, and demonstrating love, thereby pointing others to the ultimate source of light, Jesus Christ. Our worship, whether corporate or individual, should be continuous and intentional, a constant burning before the "oracle" of God's indwelling presence within us and among us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the continuous burning of the lamps signify for the consistency and endurance of my faith and worship?**
* **In what ways can I ensure that my "offerings" to God (my time, talents, resources, and character) are "of pure gold"—unblemished and given with integrity?**
* **How does the concept of light "before the oracle" inspire me to live in constant awareness of God's presence in my daily life?**
* **As a follower of Christ, how am I actively reflecting His light into the "darkness" of the world around me?**

### FAQ
**Why were there ten lampstands in Solomon's Temple, unlike the single one in the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The increase from one lampstand in the Tabernacle to ten in Solomon's Temple (five on each side of the Holy Place) reflects the magnified glory, wealth, and permanence of the new sanctuary. Solomon's Temple was a much larger and grander structure than the portable Tabernacle, necessitating more sources of light to illuminate the expanded Holy Place. This multiplication also symbolized the abundant provision and presence of God in a more established and magnificent dwelling, befitting the peak of Israel's kingdom. It underscored the increased splendor and divine favor upon the nation during Solomon's reign.

**What is the significance of the "oracle" in this verse?**

Answer: The "oracle" (Hebrew: _debir_) refers to the Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies, the innermost and most sacred chamber of the Temple. This was the place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, symbolizing the very throne and dwelling place of God's special presence among His people. The term _debir_ itself means "speaking place," indicating it was where God communed with His people, particularly through the high priest on the Day of Atonement. The lampstands were positioned in the Holy Place, directly before this innermost sanctuary, signifying that their light shone perpetually toward the very heart of God's dwelling, emphasizing the constant awareness of His presence.

**Why was "pure gold" used for the lampstands and other Temple furnishings?**

Answer: The use of "pure gold" for the lampstands and other sacred vessels was highly significant. Gold, in ancient cultures, was the most precious and incorruptible metal, symbolizing divinity, purity, value, and permanence. Its unblemished nature represented the holiness of God and the unblemished character required for His service. By using pure gold, the Israelites demonstrated that only the absolute best was fitting for God's dwelling and worship. It underscored the sanctity of the Temple, the preciousness of God's presence, and the high standards of purity and devotion expected in His service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The golden lampstands of Solomon's Temple, burning continuously before the oracle, find their ultimate fulfillment and greater reality in Jesus Christ. Just as the physical lamps provided light in the earthly sanctuary, Jesus declares Himself to be the "light of the world" in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), dispelling the spiritual darkness of sin and ignorance. He is the true and perfect illumination, the one through whom God's presence is fully revealed (see [John 1:4-5](/john/1-4 "John 1:4-5 - Life and Light")). Moreover, if the "oracle" was the "speaking place" where God communed with His people, then Jesus is the ultimate "oracle," the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), through whom God speaks directly and intimately to humanity. The "pure gold" of the lampstands, symbolizing purity and divine worth, points to Christ's perfect, sinless nature and His infinitely precious sacrifice, which alone grants true access to God's presence. As believers, we are now called to be "the light of the world" ([Matthew 5:14-16](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14-16 - You Are the Light of the World")), reflecting the light of Christ in a dark world, just as the Temple's lamps continuously burned before God. Our lives, empowered by the Spirit, are to be a constant, pure, and illuminating witness to the glory of the one who is the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [Light of the World](/john/9-5 "John 9:5 - Jesus, the Light of the World").

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

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.

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 25:37

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

Psalms 28:2

Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.

1 Kings 8:6

And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy [place, even] under the wings of the cherubims.

1 Kings 6:5

And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, [against] the walls of the house round about, [both] of the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about:

Exodus 27:20

¶ And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.