Exodus 40:4

And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof.

And thou shalt bring {H935} in the table {H7979}, and set in order {H6186} the things that are to be set in order {H6187} upon it; and thou shalt bring {H935} in the candlestick {H4501}, and light {H5927} the lamps {H5216} thereof.

Bring in the table, and arrange its display. Bring in the menorah, and light its lamps.

Then bring in the table and set out its arrangement; bring in the lampstand as well, and set up its lamps.

And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 40:4 is part of the concluding chapter of the book of Exodus, which details the final instructions and the successful erection of the Tabernacle. After receiving meticulous blueprints from God on Mount Sinai, Moses is now commanded to assemble and furnish the portable sanctuary. This verse specifically focuses on the arrangement within the Holy Place, the first of the two main compartments inside the Tabernacle. The instructions here are a direct fulfillment of the divine commands given earlier in Exodus, emphasizing the precision required in serving a holy God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Obedience: The verse highlights the meticulous detail God required for the Tabernacle's setup. Moses' obedience in "setting in order" everything according to divine instruction underscores the importance of order in worship and adherence to God's commands. This careful arrangement reflects God's own orderly nature.
  • God's Provision and Presence: The "table" refers to the Table of Showbread, upon which twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, were constantly kept before the Lord (Exodus 25:30). This symbolized God's continual provision for His people and their perpetual presence before Him.
  • Divine Illumination: The "candlestick" is the Menorah, the golden lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40). Its lamps were to be lit continually, providing the only light within the Holy Place. This represents God as the source of spiritual light and understanding, guiding His people through His presence.
  • Preparation for God's Dwelling: These acts of furnishing were essential steps in preparing the Tabernacle for the Lord's glory to descend and dwell among His people, as described later in Exodus 40:34.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "table" is shulchan, and for "candlestick" (or lampstand) is menorah. The phrase "set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it" ('arak 'et-'arakah) conveys a sense of precise arrangement and preparation, not just haphazard placement. The act of "lighting the lamps" (ha'alot ha-nerot) implies a regular, priestly duty, ensuring constant illumination.

Practical Application

While the physical Tabernacle no longer stands, the spiritual principles it represents endure. This verse reminds believers of several truths:

  • Order in Worship: Our spiritual lives and corporate worship should reflect order and intentionality, honoring God's character.
  • Christ as Our Sustenance and Light: The symbolism of the showbread points to Jesus Christ as the Bread of Life, who sustains us spiritually. The Menorah foreshadows Jesus as the Light of the World, illuminating our path and revealing truth.
  • God's Desire for Presence: Just as God desired to dwell among Israel in the Tabernacle, He desires to dwell within believers today through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Our lives, therefore, should be prepared and ordered in a way that welcomes His presence.
  • Faithful Stewardship: We are called to be faithful stewards of the spiritual provisions and light God has given us, ensuring they are "set in order" and actively used for His glory.
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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

  • Leviticus 24:8

    Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, [being taken] from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.

  • Exodus 40:22

    And he put the table in the tent of the congregation, upon the side of the tabernacle northward, without the vail.

  • Exodus 40:25

    And he lighted the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Exodus 37:10

    ¶ And he made the table [of] shittim wood: two cubits [was] the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof:

  • Exodus 37:24

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

  • Exodus 26:35

    And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.

  • Exodus 26:36

    And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
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