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Exodus 25:37

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

And thou shalt make {H6213} the seven {H7651} lamps {H5216} thereof: and they shall light {H5927} the lamps {H5216} thereof, that they may give light {H215} over against {H5676} it {H6440}.

"Make seven lamps for the menorah, and mount them so as to give light to the space in front of it.

Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it.

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

Commentary

Exodus 25:37 is a specific instruction from God to Moses regarding the construction of the Menorah, or golden lampstand, for the Tabernacle. This verse focuses on the creation of the seven lamps and their purpose: to provide light within the sacred space.

Context

This verse is found within a detailed section of Exodus (chapters 25-31) where God gives Moses precise blueprints for building the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where God would dwell among the Israelites. The Menorah was one of the three primary furnishings in the Holy Place, alongside the Table of Showbread and the Altar of Incense. Its design, including the seven lamps, was divinely specified, emphasizing God's meticulous attention to detail in worship.

Key Themes

  • Divine Illumination: The primary purpose of the lamps was to "give light." In the Tabernacle, this literal light symbolized the divine presence and guidance of God among His people, illuminating the path of obedience and worship.
  • God's Presence: The constant light of the Menorah in the Holy Place underscored God's perpetual presence with Israel. It was a tangible reminder that God was "over against it," meaning before or in front of the other sacred furnishings, perpetually illuminating the way.
  • Perfection and Completeness: The number seven is highly significant in biblical numerology, often representing completeness, perfection, or divine fullness. The seven lamps suggest a perfect and complete testimony of God's light.
  • Priestly Service: While the verse focuses on the making of the lamps, it inherently points to the priestly duty of lighting and maintaining them daily, as outlined in Leviticus 24:3-4. This highlights the importance of consistent and faithful service in God's sanctuary.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "lamps" is נֵר (ner), a common term for a lamp or light. The phrase "over against it" (מוּל פָּנָיו, mul panaw) literally means "in front of its face" or "opposite its surface." This indicates that the light was directed specifically to illuminate the area of the Holy Place, particularly the Table of Showbread and the Altar of Incense, rather than just general illumination.

Practical Application

The Menorah's purpose to "give light" carries profound spiritual meaning for believers today. Just as the lamps illuminated the Tabernacle, Christ declared Himself to be the "Light of the World" (John 8:12), bringing spiritual clarity and truth. Furthermore, believers are called to reflect this light, becoming "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14) by living out God's truth in a dark world. Our lives, like the lamps, should be carefully tended and filled with the Spirit to shine brightly for God's glory, making His presence visible to others.

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

  • Numbers 8:2 (7 votes)

    Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick.

  • Revelation 1:20 (5 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.

  • Revelation 2:1 (5 votes)

    Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

  • Zechariah 4:2 (3 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:

  • 2 Chronicles 13:11 (3 votes)

    And they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense: the shewbread also [set they in order] upon the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God; but ye have forsaken him.

  • Leviticus 24:2 (3 votes)

    Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.

  • Leviticus 24:4 (3 votes)

    He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the LORD continually.