2 Chronicles 4:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} ten {H6235} candlesticks {H4501} of gold {H2091} according to their form {H4941}, and set {H5414} them in the temple {H1964}, five {H2568} on the right hand {H3225}, and five {H2568} on the left {H8040}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made the ten menorahs of gold in accordance with their specifications and set them in the temple, five on the right and five on the left.

Berean Standard Bible

He made ten gold lampstands according to their specifications and placed them in the temple, five on the south side and five on the north.

American Standard Version

And he made the ten candlesticks of gold according to the ordinance concerning them; and he set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 4:7 offers a precise account of King Solomon's construction and strategic placement of ten magnificent golden lampstands within the Holy Place of the First Temple. These elaborate fixtures, meticulously crafted in adherence to a divinely revealed pattern, served not only to illuminate the sacred space but also powerfully symbolized the abundant presence, radiant glory, and perpetual truth of God dwelling among His people in Jerusalem. This detailed description underscores the unparalleled splendor and divine authorization of Solomon's Temple, reflecting an era of immense prosperity and profound dedication to Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the broader narrative of Solomon's Temple construction, specifically within 2 Chronicles 4, which meticulously details the various bronze and gold furnishings for the sanctuary. Following the completion of the main architectural structure in [2 Chronicles 3](/2_chronicles/3 "2 Chronicles 3 - Solomon Builds the Temple"), chapter 4 shifts focus to the sacred implements. It systematically lists the bronze altar, the great Sea, the ten lavers, and then transitions to the golden articles, including the altars, tables for the showbread, and, as highlighted here, the ten golden lampstands. This section, along with the preceding chapters detailing the building process, collectively emphasizes the immense scale, the preciousness of the materials, and the divine authorization underpinning every facet of the Temple. It implicitly contrasts the Temple's grandeur with the portable Tabernacle, underscoring the permanence and amplified glory of God's new, established dwelling place.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon's reign, spanning approximately 970-931 BC, is widely regarded as a pinnacle of Israelite history, characterized by unprecedented wealth, political stability, and ambitious architectural endeavors. The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem stood as the crowning achievement of his rule, fulfilling the long-cherished desire of his father, David, to establish a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, temples were universally understood as the dwelling places of deities, and their opulence directly reflected the power, majesty, and honor attributed to the god they housed. The exclusive use of pure gold, a metal of immense value and durability, for the lampstands and other sacred vessels, unequivocally underscored the Temple's sanctity and the supreme honor bestowed upon Yahweh. The number ten, frequently symbolizing completeness, divine order, or abundance in biblical numerology, further amplified the sense of overflowing glory and comprehensive presence of God within this grand new sanctuary.
* **Key Themes:** The creation and placement of these ten lampstands contribute significantly to several overarching themes pervasive in the book of Chronicles. Firstly, they powerfully articulate the theme of **Magnificence and Abundance**, showcasing the extraordinary wealth and unwavering dedication Solomon invested in God's house, a scale far surpassing the single lampstand of the Tabernacle, as described in [Exodus 25:31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25:31 - The Tabernacle Lampstand"). Secondly, there is a strong emphasis on **Continuity and Expansion**. The phrase "according to their form" is a direct affirmation of adherence to the divinely prescribed design of the original Tabernacle menorah, while the multiplication of lampstands signifies an expansion of God's manifest presence and the reach of His illuminating truth within a more established, permanent dwelling. Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, the lampstands embody the **Symbolism of Light**. Their primary function was to provide perpetual illumination within the sacred Holy Place. In biblical thought, light consistently represents God's presence, His truth, divine guidance, and revelation. The constant illumination of the Holy Place by these golden lampstands powerfully symbolized the enduring presence of God's truth and His unfailing guidance among His people, echoing the profound sentiment found in [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp and Light") that God's word serves as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Candlesticks (Hebrew, _mᵉnôwrâh'_):** The Hebrew term מְנוֹרָה (_mᵉnôwrâh_), appearing here in its plural form (_mᵉnôwrôt_), specifically refers to a lampstand designed to hold oil lamps, not candles (which were not in use in ancient Israel). This distinction is vital, as oil lamps provided a continuous, flickering light, symbolizing the enduring and living presence of God. As defined by H4501, it is a "chandelier" or "candlestick," derived from a root suggesting a "yoke" or "beam," perhaps referencing its structure. The _menorah_ was a foundational piece of Tabernacle furniture, and its replication and multiplication in the Temple signify both continuity with divine instruction and the amplified glory of God's dwelling.
* **According to their form (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** The phrase כְּמִשְׁפָּטָם (_kemishpâṭām_), literally "according to their judgment" or "according to their ordinance," uses the root _mishpâṭ_ (H4941), which signifies a verdict, sentence, or formal decree, encompassing concepts of law, custom, and due order. In this context, it denotes strict adherence to a precise, established pattern or regulation. This is a direct allusion to the divinely revealed blueprint given to Moses for the Tabernacle's lampstand in [Exodus 25:31-40](/exodus/25-31-40 "Exodus 25:31-40 - Instructions for the Golden Lampstand"). It underscores that despite the increased number and the Temple's grandeur, the fundamental design and spiritual significance of these sacred objects remained rooted in God's original, authoritative instruction, ensuring their authenticity and spiritual efficacy.
* **Temple (Hebrew, _hêykâl'_):** The Hebrew word הֵיכָל (_hêykâl_, H1964) refers to a "large public building, such as a palace or temple." In this context, it specifically designates the main sanctuary building of God's dwelling place in Jerusalem, distinct from the outer courts. The term emphasizes the grandeur and official status of the structure, serving as the central place of worship and the symbolic residence of God's presence among His people. Its use here highlights the permanent and majestic nature of Solomon's edifice compared to the portable Tabernacle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made ten candlesticks of gold":** This initial clause highlights King Solomon's active role in commissioning and overseeing the meticulous creation of these magnificent objects. The material, "gold" (H2091, _zâhâb_), signifies purity, preciousness, and divine glory, entirely fitting for the dwelling place of God. The quantity, "ten" (H6235, _ʻeser_), is a significant departure from the single lampstand of the Tabernacle, symbolizing the amplified glory, abundance, and perhaps the increased scope of God's presence and light in the permanent Temple compared to the portable sanctuary.
* **"according to their form":** This crucial phrase emphasizes that these new lampstands were not arbitrary human inventions but were meticulously replicated according to the divinely prescribed design of the original Tabernacle menorah. This adherence to a pre-existing, sacred pattern (H4941, _mishpâṭ_) ensured continuity with God's revealed will and the spiritual heritage of Israel, grounding the Temple's new splendor in ancient, holy traditions and divine authority.
* **"and set [them] in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left":** This describes the strategic and symmetrical placement of the lampstands within the Holy Place (H1964, _hêykâl_), the main chamber of the Temple accessible to priests. The verb "set" (H5414, _nâthan_) implies deliberate and purposeful placement. Placing them "five on the right hand" (H3225, _yâmîyn_) and "five on the left" (H8040, _sᵉmôʼwl_) ensured comprehensive and balanced illumination of the sacred space. This arrangement not only provided practical light for priestly duties but also visually reinforced the pervasive and encompassing nature of God's presence and truth within His sanctuary.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "candlesticks of gold" symbolizing divine presence, truth, and revelation. The material, "gold," itself symbolizes purity, kingship, and divine glory, elevating the sacred space and the objects within it. The number "ten" can be seen as symbolic of completeness, divine order, or abundance, signifying the overflowing blessings and glory associated with God's established dwelling. The phrase "according to their form" utilizes **Allusion** to the detailed divine instructions for the Tabernacle menorah found in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"), linking the new Temple's furnishings directly to God's original blueprint and emphasizing continuity with divine will. Furthermore, the narrative subtly employs **Contrast** between the single lampstand of the portable Tabernacle and the ten lampstands of the permanent Temple, highlighting the increased glory, permanence, and amplified manifestation of God's dwelling among His people in the Solomonic era. The symmetrical placement "five on the right hand, and five on the left" can also be seen as a form of **Merism**, indicating comprehensive coverage and balanced order within the sacred space.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The ten golden lampstands in Solomon's Temple served as powerful and multifaceted symbols of God's enduring presence, His illuminating truth, and His unfailing guidance. Their perpetual light within the Holy Place represented the constant illumination provided by God's revelation to His people, a light that was not merely physical but profoundly spiritual, signifying the clarity, wisdom, and insight that flow from walking in God's ways. The multiplication of the lampstands from the single Tabernacle menorah speaks to an amplified revelation and a more expansive manifestation of God's glory, reflecting the stability, prosperity, and established nature of the Solomonic era. The Temple, as the central locus of Israel's worship and the dwelling place of God's Name, was intended to be a radiant beacon of divine truth, and the lampstands stood as a constant, tangible reminder of this sacred calling and the ever-present light of God among His chosen people.

* [Exodus 25:37](/exodus/25-37 "Exodus 25:37 - The Lamps of the Menorah")
* [Psalm 36:9](/psalms/36-9 "Psalm 36:9 - In Your Light We See Light")
* [Proverbs 6:23](/proverbs/6-23 "Proverbs 6:23 - The Lamp of Commandment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous account of the Temple's lampstands in [2 Chronicles 4:7](/2_chronicles/4-7 "2 Chronicles 4:7 - The Golden Lampstands") offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Just as King Solomon spared no expense in crafting these magnificent sources of light from pure gold, we are called to offer our very best in our worship, our service, and our dedication to God. Our commitment should reflect the immense value we place on His holy presence and His life-giving truth in our lives. Furthermore, the lampstands' primary function of continuously illuminating the sacred space serves as a powerful reminder that, as followers of Christ, we are called to be "light in the Lord" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light")). Our lives, transformed by God's grace and guided by His infallible Word, should shine brightly, dispelling spiritual darkness and illuminating the path for others to perceive God's truth and glory. This involves living with integrity, speaking truth in love, and demonstrating Christ-like compassion, thereby reflecting the divine light that has been kindled within us. We are to be visible testimonies to God's enduring presence and His transforming power in a world often shrouded in spiritual shadows, pointing others to the ultimate source of light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently offering God less than your "gold," and how can you commit to greater excellence and wholeheartedness in your devotion and service?**
* **How does your daily life consistently reflect the "light" of God's truth and presence to those around you? Are there areas where your light might be dim or obscured?**
* **Considering the lampstands' purpose of continuous illumination, what specific practices or spiritual disciplines can you adopt to ensure a consistent and vibrant spiritual light in your own life?**
* **How does the adherence to the "form" (divine pattern) of the lampstands encourage you to align your life more closely with God's revealed will and the teachings of His Word?**

### FAQ
**Why did Solomon's Temple have ten lampstands instead of the single one found in the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The multiplication of lampstands from one in the Tabernacle to ten in Solomon's Temple signifies several key aspects. Firstly, it reflects the increased glory, immense wealth, and abundant blessings of God's presence during Solomon's reign, a period of unprecedented prosperity for Israel. The Temple itself was a much larger and more permanent structure than the portable Tabernacle, naturally requiring more sources of light to illuminate its vast interior. The number ten, often symbolizing completeness, divine order, or abundance in biblical numerology, also emphasizes the amplified and comprehensive nature of God's light and truth dwelling among His people in this grander, established sanctuary. It visually represented a new era of God's manifest presence and blessing, fitting for a settled kingdom.

**What does "according to their form" mean in relation to the lampstands?**

Answer: The phrase "according to their form" (Hebrew: _kemishpâṭām_) indicates that Solomon's craftsmen meticulously followed the divinely prescribed pattern for the Tabernacle's lampstand, as detailed in [Exodus 25:31-40](/exodus/25-31-40 "Exodus 25:31-40 - Instructions for the Golden Lampstand"). This means that despite the increase in quantity, the fundamental design—including its central shaft, branches, decorative cups, knobs, and flowers—remained consistent with God's original blueprint. This adherence to the divine "form" was crucial for maintaining the spiritual authenticity and significance of the lampstands, ensuring that these new Temple furnishings were not merely human inventions but continuations of God's sacred instructions for His dwelling place. It underscores the profound importance of divine revelation as the foundational basis for true and acceptable worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ten golden lampstands in Solomon's Temple, perpetually illuminating the Holy Place, find their ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While these physical lampstands symbolically represented God's presence, truth, and revelation, they were but shadows of the true, eternal Light who was to come. Jesus unequivocally 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 very embodiment of God's truth and revelation, the Logos made flesh, through whom "was life, and the life was the light of men" ([John 1:4](/john/1-4 "John 1:4 - The Light of Men")). The physical light of the Temple lampstands pointed forward to Christ, who perfectly illuminates the path to God and dispels the spiritual darkness of sin, ignorance, and death. In Him, the glory and presence of God, once confined to a physical sanctuary and symbolized by its furnishings, now dwell fully and personally, making Him the perfect and eternal source of all spiritual light and understanding, the one who truly "lights every person" ([John 1:9](/john/1-9 "John 1:9 - The True Light")). Ultimately, the book of Revelation reveals that in the New Jerusalem, there will be no need for sun or moon, "for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb is its Lamp")), powerfully demonstrating that Christ Himself is the everlasting fulfillment of all that the Temple lampstands foreshadowed, the ever-present and all-sufficient source of divine illumination.

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

1 Kings 7:49

And the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right [side], and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs [of] gold,

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 25:40

And look that thou make [them] after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

1 Chronicles 28:12

And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things:

John 8:12

¶ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

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?

Zechariah 4:14

Then said he, These [are] the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.