Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Leviticus 24:4

Next

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

He shall order {H6186} the lamps {H5216} upon the pure {H2889} candlestick {H4501} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} continually {H8548}.

He is always to keep in order the lamps on the pure menorah before ADONAI.

He shall tend the lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD continually.

He shall keep in order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before Jehovah continually.

Commentary

Leviticus 24:4 KJV describes a specific duty within the Tabernacle worship, focusing on the maintenance of the sacred lampstand. This verse is part of a section detailing the perpetual service required in the holy place before the LORD.

Context

This verse is found within instructions concerning the perpetual duties of the priests in the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple). Chapter 24 outlines the requirements for the oil used in the lamps of the Menorah and the preparation and placement of the showbread. Verse 4 specifically addresses the task of the priest ("He shall order the lamps") in tending to the pure candlestick, which was the golden lampstand known as the Menorah, situated in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle.

Key Themes

  • Priestly Service: The verse highlights the specific and ongoing duties of the Levitical priests in maintaining the order and function of the Tabernacle's elements.
  • Light as Symbol: The lamps on the candlestick represented light, symbolizing God's presence, guidance, and truth in the midst of His people.
  • God's Presence: The action is performed "before the LORD continually," emphasizing that this service was done in God's direct presence, signifying the importance of maintaining spiritual light where God dwells.
  • Continuity: The term "continually" (Hebrew: tamid) indicates the regular, perpetual nature of this service, underscoring the constant need for God's light and the faithful commitment required in worship.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "candlestick" is the Hebrew word מְנוֹרָה (menorah), which refers to the distinct seven-branched lampstand made of pure gold. The phrase "before the LORD continually" (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה תָּמִיד - lifnei Adonai tamid) emphasizes the location (in the Holy Place, before the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place where the Ark resided) and the consistent nature of the service. This wasn't a task performed occasionally but was part of the daily priestly routine.

Reflection and Application

While the physical Tabernacle and its service have been fulfilled in Christ, this verse offers timeless principles about worship and our relationship with God. The call to "order the lamps continually" reminds us of the importance of consistently nurturing the light of faith and truth in our lives and in the corporate body of believers. Just as the Menorah provided light in the Holy Place, believers are called to be light in the world, reflecting the true light which is Christ (John 8:12). This requires diligent, ongoing effort, much like the priest's duty to ensure the lamps were trimmed and supplied with oil, symbolizing the need for spiritual discipline and reliance on the Holy Spirit to keep our light burning brightly.

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

  • Exodus 31:8 (5 votes)

    And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense,

  • Exodus 39:37 (3 votes)

    The pure candlestick, [with] the lamps thereof, [even with] the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for light,

  • Exodus 37:17 (3 votes)

    And he made the candlestick [of] pure gold: [of] beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same:

  • Exodus 37:24 (3 votes)

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

  • Revelation 1:20 (2 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 (2 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;

  • Hebrews 9:2 (2 votes)

    For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein [was] the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.