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2 Chronicles 4:20

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Moreover the candlesticks with their lamps, that they should burn after the manner before the oracle, of pure gold;

Moreover the candlesticks {H4501} with their lamps {H5216}, that they should burn {H1197} after the manner {H4941} before {H6440} the oracle {H1687}, of pure {H5462} gold {H2091};

the menorahs with their lamps to burn in front of the sanctuary as specified, of pure gold;

the lampstands of pure gold and their lamps, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary as prescribed;

and the candlesticks with their lamps, to burn according to the ordinance before the oracle, of pure gold;

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of a detailed description of the furnishings and implements made for Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. After describing the altar, the molten sea, and the ten lavers, the text turns to the golden items within the Holy Place, specifically the lampstands. These items were crafted with immense precision and value, reflecting the glory and holiness of God. The Temple was designed to be the central place of worship for Israel, replacing the portable Tabernacle and its single lampstand, as detailed in Exodus 25:31-40.

Key Themes and Significance

  • The Golden Candlesticks and Lamps: These are the golden lampstands, often referred to as menorahs, though Solomon's Temple had ten of them (five on each side of the Holy Place), unlike the single one in the Tabernacle. Their primary purpose was to provide continuous light within the Holy Place, which had no windows and was perpetually dark without them. This perpetual light symbolized God's enduring presence and divine illumination.
  • "Before the Oracle": The "oracle" (Hebrew: debir) refers to the Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. The lampstands were positioned in the Holy Place, directly preceding this innermost sanctuary. Their light therefore shone constantly before the very presence of God, emphasizing the sacredness and accessibility of the divine.
  • "Of Pure Gold": The repeated emphasis on "pure gold" for these and other Temple vessels (as seen in 2 Chronicles 4:21) highlights their immense value, durability, and symbolic purity. Gold, being incorruptible, represents the divine nature, holiness, and the preciousness of God's dwelling and the worship conducted therein. It signifies that only the best was acceptable for God's service.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "oracle" is dĕbîr (דְּבִיר), which literally means "speaking place" or "inner sanctuary." This term aptly describes the Most Holy Place, where God communed with His people, particularly through the high priest on the Day of Atonement. The continuous light from the lampstands in the Holy Place served as a constant reminder of God's active communication and presence within His sanctuary.

Theological Implications and Application

The golden lampstands in the Temple serve as a powerful symbol. Just as they brought light to the physical sanctuary, God's presence brings spiritual light to humanity. In the New Testament, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." Believers, too, are called to be "the light of the world," reflecting Christ's light in a dark world. This verse reminds us of the importance of purity and dedication in our worship and service, ensuring that our lives, like the Temple's lamps, burn brightly and continuously "before the oracle," in the presence of God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) 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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 4:7 (3 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.

  • Exodus 25:31 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 25:37 (3 votes)

    And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.

  • Psalms 28:2 (2 votes)

    Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.

  • 1 Kings 8:6 (2 votes)

    And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy [place, even] under the wings of the cherubims.

  • 1 Kings 6:5 (2 votes)

    And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, [against] the walls of the house round about, [both] of the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about:

  • Exodus 27:20 (2 votes)

    ¶ And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.