Exodus 37:18

KJV

And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof:

KJV (with Strong's)

And six {H8337} branches {H7070} going out {H3318} of the sides {H6654} thereof; three {H7969} branches {H7070} of the candlestick {H4501} out of the one {H259} side {H6654} thereof, and three {H7969} branches {H7070} of the candlestick {H4501} out of the other {H8145} side {H6654} thereof:

Complete Jewish Bible

There were six branches extending from its sides, three branches of the menorah on one side of it and three on the other.

Berean Standard Bible

Six branches extended from the sides, three on one side and three on the other.

American Standard Version

And there were six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 37:18 meticulously describes the intricate design of the golden lampstand, or menorah, a central furnishing within the Tabernacle. This verse specifically details the symmetrical arrangement of its six branches, emphasizing that three extended from one side of the central shaft and three from the other. It underscores the divine blueprint's demand for precise execution and perfect order in the sacred space, highlighting the faithful and skilled craftsmanship of Bezalel and the artisans in fulfilling God's exact commands for His dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Exodus chapters 35-40, which pivot from the divine instructions for the Tabernacle's construction (given in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions")) to their faithful execution by the Israelite artisans. Chapter 37 specifically recounts the crafting of the most sacred furnishings: the Ark of the Covenant, the Mercy Seat, the table of showbread, the golden lampstand, the altar of incense, and the anointing oil and incense. The repetition of details from the earlier command chapters serves a crucial literary function, emphasizing the Israelites' diligent obedience and the meticulous fulfillment of God's precise specifications. The description of the menorah's branches here, following the instructions in [Exodus 25:31-40](/exodus/25-31-40 "Exodus 25:31-40 - Instructions for the Menorah"), reinforces the theme of divine authority and human faithfulness in establishing God's presence among His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's formative period in the wilderness, a time when God was establishing His covenant relationship with the newly liberated nation. Unlike the permanent, often idolatrous temples of surrounding pagan cultures, the Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary, designed to accompany God's people on their journey, symbolizing His active presence and guidance. The meticulous detail in its construction, including the precise arrangement of the menorah's branches, stood in stark contrast to the often chaotic and improvisational nature of pagan worship. Every element, from the materials to the dimensions and arrangement, was divinely ordained, signifying God's holiness, His desire for ordered worship, and the specific means by which His people could approach Him. This careful adherence to the divine blueprint was a foundational act of worship and covenant faithfulness for a people being set apart by God, preparing them for the promised land as described in [Exodus 33](/exodus/33 "Exodus 33 - God's Presence with Israel").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 37:18 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the paramount theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Precision**, demonstrating that God is a God of order who dictates every detail of His worship and dwelling place. Secondly, it underscores **Human Obedience and Faithfulness**, as Bezalel and the artisans meticulously follow the divine blueprint, setting an example for all generations of believers. Thirdly, the menorah itself contributes to the theme of **Divine Presence and Illumination**, as it was the sole source of light in the Holy Place, symbolizing God as the source of all truth, guidance, and life for His people. This theme is further developed in passages like [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp"). The symmetry described also speaks to God's **Order and Beauty**, reflecting His perfect nature in the design of His sanctuary.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Branches (Hebrew, _qâneh'_):** This term (H7070, קָנֶה) literally means "reed," "stalk," or "shaft." In the context of the menorah, it refers to the six arms that extended from the central stem, designed to hold the oil lamps. The word evokes a sense of organic growth, perhaps subtly hinting at the menorah's later symbolic connection to life and flourishing, even though its primary function here is structural. The precision in specifying "six branches" and their symmetrical arrangement underscores the deliberate and intentional design of the lampstand.
* **Going out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** The verb (H3318, יָצָא) means "to go out," "to come forth," or "to proceed." Here, it describes the physical extension of the branches from the central shaft of the menorah. This word choice emphasizes the dynamic aspect of the lampstand's structure, not merely a static object, but one from which elements actively emerge. It highlights the functional design where light would emanate from these extensions.
* **Side (Hebrew, _tsad'_):** This noun (H6654, צַד) refers to a "side" or "flank." Its repeated use in the verse ("out of the sides thereof," "out of the one side thereof," "out of the other side thereof") is crucial for establishing the precise, bilateral symmetry of the menorah's branches. It dictates the spatial arrangement, ensuring that the six branches are distributed evenly and oppositely from the central axis, contributing to the lampstand's balanced and ordered appearance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And six branches going out of the sides thereof;":** This initial clause introduces the primary structural elements extending from the central shaft of the lampstand. It immediately quantifies these elements as "six branches" and specifies their general orientation as "going out of the sides thereof," indicating their lateral projection from the main body of the menorah. This sets the stage for the detailed distribution that follows.
* **"three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof,":** This part provides the first specific detail regarding the distribution of the six branches. It clarifies that exactly three of these branches emerged from one specific side of the central lampstand. This precise numerical and directional information underscores the exactness required in the divine blueprint, leaving no room for ambiguity in the artisans' construction.
* **"and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof:":** This concluding clause completes the description of the branches' symmetrical arrangement. It confirms that the remaining three branches extended from the opposing side of the central shaft. The repetition of "three branches of the candlestick out of the... side thereof" emphatically reinforces the perfect balance, symmetry, and intentionality of the divine design, ensuring that the artisans followed the blueprint with absolute precision.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 37:18 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Repetition** to convey the precise architectural details of the menorah. The verse explicitly enumerates the "six branches" and then meticulously breaks down their arrangement: "three branches... out of the one side" and "three branches... out of the other side." This exact counting and detailing underscore the divine demand for **Precision** in the Tabernacle's construction. The repetition of the phrase "three branches of the candlestick out of the... side thereof" serves to emphasize the perfect **Symmetry** and **Balance** of the lampstand's design, reinforcing the idea that every detail was divinely ordained and to be executed without deviation. While the verse is descriptive, it contributes to the broader **Symbolism** of the menorah as a whole, representing light, God's presence, and the divine order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 37:18, though a seemingly simple descriptive verse, profoundly underscores God's demand for divine precision and order in all matters related to His worship and presence. The meticulous detailing of the menorah's branches reflects a theology where God is sovereign over every detail, leaving no room for human improvisation in sacred matters. This exactness points to His holiness and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms, not ours. Furthermore, the faithful execution of these instructions by Bezalel and the artisans exemplifies the paramount importance of obedience to God's revealed will, a foundational theme throughout the Pentateuch. The menorah, as the sole source of illumination in the Holy Place, also foreshadows the broader theme of God as the ultimate source of all light, truth, and guidance for His people, dispelling the darkness of ignorance and sin.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Build According to the Pattern")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Heavenly Pattern of the Tabernacle")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound attention to detail in Exodus 37:18 serves as a powerful reminder that God cares deeply about the specifics of our worship, our service, and indeed, our entire lives. Just as the ancient Israelites were called to construct the Tabernacle with utmost precision according to a divine blueprint, so too are believers today called to live lives of intentionality, diligence, and faithfulness, adhering to God's revealed Word. This isn't about legalism, but about recognizing that our God is a God of order, beauty, and purpose, and our devotion should reflect His excellence and character. The menorah's exact design, providing essential light in the darkness of the Holy Place, challenges us to consider how we, as followers of Christ, are called to reflect His light in a world often shrouded in spiritual darkness. This reflection is not through our own ingenuity or haphazard efforts, but by faithfully embodying His truth and love, allowing His light to shine through us. Our "branches"—our gifts, our relationships, our daily actions—should be arranged and utilized in a way that brings maximum glory to the One who is the true Light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service do I tend to be careless or imprecise, and how can the divine demand for precision in the Tabernacle's construction inspire greater diligence and intentionality?**
* **How does my obedience to God's specific instructions in Scripture reflect my understanding of His sovereignty, holiness, and the importance of His divine order?**
* **Considering the menorah's purpose to provide light, how am I actively reflecting Christ's light in my sphere of influence, and what "branches" (gifts, abilities, relationships) has God given me for this sacred purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why is the description of the menorah's branches so detailed?**

Answer: The detailed description of the menorah's branches in [Exodus 37:18](/exodus/37-18 "Exodus 37:18 - Menorah Branch Description"), mirroring the earlier instructions in [Exodus 25:31-40](/exodus/25-31-40 "Exodus 25:31-40 - Instructions for the Menorah"), emphasizes God's demand for absolute precision and adherence to His divine blueprint for the Tabernacle. This meticulousness underscores several critical theological points: God's holiness and His specific requirements for worship, the paramount importance of obedience from His people, and the symbolic significance of every element in His dwelling place. It signifies that the Tabernacle was not a human invention but a divinely ordained structure, every part of which pointed to deeper spiritual truths about God's character and His plan of salvation.

**What is the significance of "three branches out of one side, and three out of the other"?**

Answer: The specification of "three branches out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof" highlights the perfect **symmetry** and **balance** of the menorah's design. This symmetrical arrangement, along with the central shaft, resulted in a total of seven lamp holders, a number often associated with completeness, perfection, and divine wholeness in biblical numerology, as seen in the seven days of creation in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). This precise balance was crucial not only for the lampstand's aesthetic beauty and functional stability but also for its profound symbolic representation of divine order and wholeness within the sacred space, reflecting God's own perfect and harmonious nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Exodus 37:18 describes a physical object in the Old Testament Tabernacle, its Christ-centered fulfillment is profoundly significant. The menorah, as the sole source of light in the Holy Place, powerfully foreshadows Jesus Christ, who declared, "[I am the light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")." Just as the lampstand illuminated the path within the Tabernacle, Christ illuminates the path to God, revealing truth and dispelling spiritual darkness. The seven-branched menorah, with its perfect symmetry and divine design, points to Christ as the perfect and complete revelation of God, the one through whom all spiritual light and understanding flow. Furthermore, the meticulous obedience of Bezalel in crafting the menorah according to God's precise instructions finds its ultimate parallel in Christ's perfect obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His sacrifice and resurrection, Christ became the true "lampstand" in the heavenly sanctuary, providing eternal light and access to God's presence, as hinted at in the vision of the New Jerusalem where "[the Lamb is its lamp](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb is the Lamp of the New Jerusalem"). Believers, united with Him, are then called to be "[the light of the world](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14 - Believers as the Light of the World")," reflecting His glory through their lives, much like the individual lamps on the menorah shared in its unified purpose of illumination, drawing others to the one true Light.

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.