1 Chronicles 28:15

Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, [both] for the candlestick, and [also] for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick.

Even the weight {H4948} for the candlesticks {H4501} of gold {H2091}, and for their lamps {H5216} of gold {H2091}, by weight {H4948} for every candlestick {H4501}, and for the lamps {H5216} thereof: and for the candlesticks {H4501} of silver {H3701} by weight {H4948}, both for the candlestick {H4501}, and also for the lamps {H5216} thereof, according to the use {H5656} of every candlestick {H4501}.

the weight of the gold needed for the gold menorahs, the weight needed for each menorah and for its lamps; and for the menorahs of silver, the weight of silver needed for each menorah and for its lamps, according to the way each menorah was to be used;

the weight of the gold lampstands and their lamps, including the weight of each lampstand and its lamps; the weight of each silver lampstand and its lamps, according to the use of each lampstand;

by weight also for the candlesticks of gold, and for the lamps thereof, of gold, by weight for every candlestick and for the lamps thereof; and for the candlesticks of silver, silver by weight for every candlestick and for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick;

Commentary

1 Chronicles 28:15 is part of King David's detailed instructions to his son Solomon regarding the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This particular verse focuses on the precise specifications for the Temple's lampstands (often referred to as 'candlesticks' in KJV) and their lamps, detailing the required weight for both gold and silver components.

Context

This verse is situated within a significant moment where King David, nearing the end of his life, gathers the leaders of Israel to publicly charge Solomon with the monumental task of building the Temple of the Lord. David provides Solomon with the plans and materials, which he states he received by divine inspiration (1 Chronicles 28:19). The meticulous detail for the Temple furnishings underscores the sacredness and divine origin of the design, echoing the precision seen in the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:9).

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Excellence: The emphasis on specific "weight" for both gold and silver items highlights God's demand for exactness and the highest quality in all aspects of worship. This was not left to human estimation but was divinely prescribed.
  • Worthy Offering: The use of precious metals like gold and silver for the lampstands signifies the immense value and reverence attributed to God's dwelling place. It reflects a commitment to offering God the very best, symbolizing the glory and majesty associated with His presence.
  • Order and Functionality: The phrase "according to the use of every candlestick" indicates that these specifications were not arbitrary but designed for the proper function and sacred purpose of the lampstands in the Temple's Holy Place, where they provided essential light for the priests' service.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV term "candlesticks" refers to the Hebrew word menorot (ืžึฐื ึนืจื•ึนืช), which are lampstands, typically multi-branched, similar to the famous menorah described in Exodus for the Tabernacle. The repeated mention of "weight" (Hebrew: mishqal) underscores the exactness required, pointing to a standard of measure and value that was to be strictly adhered to.

Practical Application

This verse, though specific to ancient Temple construction, offers timeless principles for believers today. It reminds us that God desires excellence and intentionality in our worship and service. Just as every detail of the Temple was carefully planned and executed, our spiritual lives should reflect a commitment to God's standards, offering Him our best. It encourages us to approach our faith with diligence and reverence, recognizing that even the seemingly small aspects of our devotion matter to a God who values order and beauty in His creation and in our response to Him.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Exodus 25:31 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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 25:39 (3 votes)

    [Of] a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels.

  • Zechariah 4:2 (2 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:

  • Zechariah 4:3 (2 votes)

    And two olive trees by it, one upon the right [side] of the bowl, and the other upon the left [side] thereof.

  • 2 Chronicles 4:7 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Kings 7:19 (2 votes)

    And the chapiters that [were] upon the top of the pillars [were] of lily work in the porch, four cubits.

  • Zechariah 4:11 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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?