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.

And thou shalt make {H6213} a candlestick {H4501} of pure {H2889} gold {H2091}: of beaten work {H4749} shall the candlestick {H4501} be made {H6213}: his shaft {H3409}, and his branches {H7070}, his bowls {H1375}, his knops {H3730}, and his flowers {H6525}, shall be of the same.

"You are to make a menorah of pure gold. It is to be made of hammered work; its base, shaft, cups, ring of outer leaves and petals are to be of one piece with it.

Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals.

And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made, even its base, and its shaft; its cups, its knops, and its flowers, shall be of one piece with it:

Commentary

Exodus 25:31 marks the beginning of God's specific instructions to Moses concerning the construction of the menorah, often translated as the "candlestick" or lampstand, a central furnishing in the Tabernacle. This verse highlights its material, method of construction, and unified design.

Context

This command comes during the period when Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving divine instructions for the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was to be a portable sanctuary, a physical representation of God's dwelling among His people, Israel, as they journeyed through the wilderness. Each detail of its construction, from the ark of the covenant to the curtains, was precisely specified by God, emphasizing His holiness and the order required for approaching Him. The candlestick was to be placed in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, providing the only light within that sacred space.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Purity and Value: The instruction for the candlestick to be made "of pure gold" signifies its immense value and sacredness. Gold, being incorruptible, symbolizes divine holiness, preciousness, and the perfect nature of God and His worship.
  • Divine Craftsmanship and Unity: The phrase "of beaten work shall the candlestick be made" (Hebrew: miqshah) indicates that the entire structure—its shaft, branches, bowls, knops (buds), and flowers—was to be hammered out of a single, solid piece of gold. This emphasizes unity, organic growth, and the painstaking, dedicated effort required in divine service. It speaks to the seamless integration and divine origin of all its parts, symbolizing the singular source of true light and life.
  • Symbol of Illumination: As the sole source of light in the Holy Place, the menorah inherently symbolizes divine light, guidance, and truth. It represents God's presence illuminating the path for His people. This foreshadows later biblical themes of God as light and ultimately, Jesus Christ as the "Light of the World".

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "candlestick" is menorah (מְנוֹרָה), which literally means "lampstand." The term "beaten work" (miqshah) is significant, highlighting the meticulous, laborious process of hammering the entire piece from a single block of gold, rather than assembling pre-made parts. This detail underscores the unique, divinely ordained nature of the object.

Practical Application

The meticulous instructions for the menorah teach us about God's attention to detail and His desire for holiness and perfection in worship. Spiritually, the golden lampstand can represent:

Exodus 25:31 reminds us that God's presence brings light, purity, and unity, and He calls His people to reflect these qualities in their lives and worship.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 37:17 (5 votes)

    And he made the candlestick [of] pure gold: [of] beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same:

  • Exodus 37:24 (5 votes)

    [Of] a talent of pure gold made he it, and all the vessels thereof.

  • 1 Kings 7:49 (5 votes)

    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,

  • Zechariah 4:2 (5 votes)

    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:

  • Hebrews 9:2 (4 votes)

    For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein [was] the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.

  • Revelation 1:12 (4 votes)

    And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

  • Revelation 1:20 (3 votes)

    The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.