Exodus 40:25

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

And he lighted {H5927} the lamps {H5216} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Then he lit the lamps before ADONAI, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

and set up the lamps before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.

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

Commentary

Exodus 40:25 details a specific act in the final stages of the Tabernacle's construction and dedication: "And he lighted the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses." This verse highlights Moses' precise obedience to God's instructions regarding the sacred furnishings and rituals of the wilderness sanctuary.

Context

This verse is part of the climactic final chapter of Exodus, which describes the setting up of the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month of the second year after the Exodus. Moses, acting under direct divine guidance, systematically assembled every part of the sanctuary and placed its furnishings, from the Ark of the Covenant to the altar of burnt offering. Each action, including the lighting of the lamps, was performed "as the LORD commanded Moses," emphasizing the meticulous adherence to God's blueprint for His dwelling place among His people. The lighting of the lamps of the Menorah was a crucial step, bringing light into the Holy Place, a symbolic representation of God's illuminating presence.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to Divine Command: The repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" underscores the absolute necessity of following God's instructions precisely. This obedience was not optional but fundamental to establishing proper worship and securing God's blessing and presence.
  • God's Illuminating Presence: The lamps of the Menorah provided continuous light in the Holy Place, symbolizing God's perpetual presence, guidance, and truth. This light was essential for the priests to perform their duties and represented spiritual illumination. Jesus later declared Himself the Light of the World, drawing a parallel to this divine illumination.
  • Sacred Worship and Ritual: Lighting the lamps was a specific priestly duty, part of the daily service within the Tabernacle. It signifies the importance of established rituals and practices in approaching and honoring God in a way that He Himself prescribed.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "lamps" is ner (ื ึตืจ), referring to the individual lights on the Menorah. The act of "lighted" (ื”ึดื“ึฐืœึดื™ืง, hidliq) implies setting them ablaze, a deliberate and purposeful action to establish the perpetual light. The phrase "before the LORD" (ืœึดืคึฐื ึตื™ ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”, lifnei YHWH) emphasizes that this act was performed in the immediate presence of God, within the sacred space dedicated to Him.

Practical Application

Exodus 40:25 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless principles for believers today:

  • The Importance of Obedience: Just as Moses meticulously followed God's commands for the Tabernacle, we are called to obey God's Word in our lives. Our worship and service should reflect our desire to honor Him according to His revealed will, not our own preferences.
  • Seeking God's Light: The continuous light of the Menorah points to God as the source of truth and guidance. We should consistently seek His wisdom and allow His Word to illuminate our path, as stated in Psalm 119:105, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
  • Maintaining Our Spiritual "Lamps": The requirement for the lamps to burn continually reminds us of the need for consistent spiritual nourishment and vigilance. This includes prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, ensuring our spiritual lives are always "burning brightly" for God.
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 25:37 (5 votes)

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

  • Exodus 40:4 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Revelation 4:5 (2 votes)

    And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and [there were] seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.