Exodus 26:35 kjv
And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.
Exodus 26:35 nkjv
You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lampstand across from the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south; and you shall put the table on the north side.
Exodus 26:35 niv
Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side.
Exodus 26:35 esv
And you shall set the table outside the veil, and the lampstand on the south side of the tabernacle opposite the table, and you shall put the table on the north side.
Exodus 26:35 nlt
Place the table outside the inner curtain on the north side of the Tabernacle, and place the lampstand across the room on the south side.
Exodus 26 35 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exo 25:23-30 | You shall make a table of acacia wood... with the showbread continually. | Instructions for the Table of Showbread |
| Exo 25:31-40 | You shall make a lampstand of pure gold... for the setting up of the lights. | Instructions for the Menorah |
| Exo 27:20-21 | You shall command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, that a lamp may be kept burning continually. | Priestly duty to maintain the lampstand |
| Lev 24:5-9 | You shall take fine flour and bake twelve cakes with it... set them in two rows, six in a row, on the pure table before the Lord. | Ritual of replacing the showbread |
| Num 3:31 | Their duty to have charge of the ark... the lampstand, the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary. | Levites' responsibility for Tabernacle items |
| Num 4:7-9 | Over the table of the showbread they shall spread a cloth... also bring the lamps of the light. | Instructions for moving the Table and Lampstand during travel |
| Heb 9:2 | For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the showbread. | New Testament confirmation of Holy Place contents |
| Joh 1:4 | In him was life, and the life was the light of men. | Jesus as the source of light and life |
| Joh 8:12 | Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” | Jesus as the ultimate spiritual light |
| Joh 6:35 | Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." | Jesus as the ultimate spiritual provision/sustenance |
| Rev 1:12, 20 | I saw seven golden lampstands... The seven lampstands are the seven churches. | Lampstand symbolism representing churches |
| 1 Cor 10:16-17 | The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? | Bread symbolizing communion with Christ and unity of believers |
| Psa 119:105 | Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. | God's Word as spiritual illumination |
| Prov 6:23 | For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life. | Divine instructions providing light/guidance |
| Isa 53:11 | Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous. | Foreshadows Christ's sacrifice, leading to spiritual light and knowledge |
| Mal 4:2 | But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. | Prophecy of the coming light (Messiah) |
| Matt 5:14-16 | “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." | Believers commanded to be spiritual light |
| Luke 12:29-31 | Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. | God's promise to provide for His people's needs |
| Psa 23:5 | You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. | God's divine provision and sustenance |
| Psa 36:9 | For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. | God as the source of light and life itself |
| Phil 4:19 | And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. | God's continued promise of provision |
| 2 Pet 1:19 | And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place. | The reliability and illuminating power of God's Word |
| Col 2:3 | In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. | Christ embodying all truth and understanding, linking to light |
Exodus 26 verses
Exodus 26 35 Meaning
Exodus 26:35 meticulously describes the divinely ordained placement of the Table of Showbread and the Lampstand (Menorah) within the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. This verse emphasizes the precise order and location of these sacred furnishings, highlighting God's meticulous instructions for His dwelling place among His people. It positions the table on the north side and the lampstand on the south side, ensuring they stand opposite each other, just outside the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
Exodus 26 35 Context
Exodus chapter 26 is part of a larger section (chapters 25-31) detailing the intricate divine blueprints for the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among the Israelites. Specifically, chapter 26 focuses on the Tabernacle's structural components: the linen curtains, the goat hair coverings, the frames of acacia wood, and the inner veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Verse 35 transitions from the construction of the structure itself to the initial placement instructions for two vital pieces of furniture within the Holy Place, thus preparing for the subsequent chapters that detail the making of these items and the overall setup. Historically, this occurs during Israel's journey through the wilderness, emphasizing God's establishment of a covenant relationship and a structured system of worship, in direct contrast to the chaotic, often idolatrous, worship practices of surrounding pagan nations. Every detail, including the precise positioning of furniture, underscores God's order, holiness, and intentionality in all matters of communion with Him.
Exodus 26 35 Word analysis
- You shall set (וְנָתַתָּ - wěnāṯattāh): A direct divine imperative. This signifies a non-negotiable command, emphasizing God's sovereignty and meticulous design over every aspect of His dwelling place and worship. The precision highlights divine authority.
- the table (אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן - ’eṯ-haššulḥān): Refers specifically to the Table of Showbread. This table held twelve loaves of unleavened bread, symbolizing God's covenantal provision for the twelve tribes of Israel and constant communion with Him. It represented the sustenance of God's presence.
- outside the veil (מִחוּץ לַפָּרֹכֶת - miḥūṣ lapārōḵeṯ): "Outside" indicates it's in the Holy Place, the first compartment of the Tabernacle, accessible to priests, as opposed to the Most Holy Place behind the veil, accessible only to the High Priest once a year. The veil itself symbolized the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, a separation that would ultimately be broken in Christ.
- and the lampstand (וְאֶת־הַמְּנוֹרָה - wĕ’eṯ-hammĕnōrâ): Refers to the Menorah, a seven-branched lampstand of pure gold. It provided the only light in the Holy Place, symbolizing God's self-revelation, His divine light, truth, and constant presence, illuminating the path and presence of God. It's often linked to the light of the Torah and the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit.
- opposite the table (נֹכַח הַשֻּׁלְחָן - nōḵaḥ haššulḥān): This denotes a specific, direct alignment or facing position. It implies a complementary relationship and a divine order for their placement, rather than a random arrangement. Their placement reflects a divine harmony.
- on the south side (עַל־צֶלַע נֶגֶב - ‘al-ṣela‘ neḡeḇ): Specifically places the lampstand on the "south side." This fixed orientation within the Tabernacle's inner space underscores God's exactness and the structured nature of the Israelite worship system.
- of the tabernacle (לַמִּשְׁכָּן - lammǐškān): Clarifies that the placement is within the divine dwelling place, emphasizing the sacred space where these holy objects reside.
- and you shall put the table on the north side (וְאֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן תִּתֵּן עַל־צֶלַע צָפוֹן - wĕ’eṯ-haššulḥān tittēn ‘al-ṣela‘ ṣāfôn): This final clause reconfirms and explicitly states the table's position, ensuring absolute clarity despite having mentioned the table previously. It clearly establishes the lampstand on the south and the table on the north, forming an opposition across the breadth of the Holy Place. This spatial relationship further highlights the complementary symbolism: light (truth, revelation) on one side and provision (sustenance, communion) on the other.
Exodus 26 35 Bonus section
The arrangement described in Exodus 26:35 highlights a functional dynamic: the light from the Menorah would naturally fall upon the Table of Showbread, symbolically illuminating the divine provision. This suggests that without the light of God's truth (Menorah), His provision (Table of Showbread) may not be fully perceived or appreciated. Conversely, God's light shines on His provision, assuring His people of His faithfulness. The placement also prevented either object from obstructing the view of the other, allowing priests to attend to both daily functions (maintaining the light and refreshing the bread) efficiently and reverently. The use of north and south sides reflects a defined, cosmic order to God's presence, rather than arbitrary human design, mirroring God's ordering of creation itself.
Exodus 26 35 Commentary
Exodus 26:35 is more than a mere furniture arrangement; it is a profound declaration of divine order and the symbolism embedded within God's chosen dwelling place. The meticulous positioning of the Table of Showbread on the north and the Menorah on the south, directly opposite each other, speaks volumes. The Menorah, providing the only light in the Holy Place, symbolized God as the source of all truth, guidance, and spiritual illumination for His people. Without its continuous light, the priestly work would be in darkness. The Table of Showbread, laden with fresh bread weekly, represented God's constant provision and desire for covenantal fellowship with Israel. It highlighted God's faithfulness in sustaining His people, just as He provided manna in the wilderness.
Their complementary placement illustrates that divine light and divine provision are interconnected aspects of God's character and His interaction with humanity. Truth and sustenance, illumination and fellowship, go hand in hand in the life of faith. The precise instructions not only ensured functionality but also instilled reverence for God's holiness and His specific way of approaching Him. This careful order foreshadowed the perfect order of God's plan for redemption. In a broader spiritual sense, Jesus Christ fulfills both symbols: He is the Light of the World (Joh 8:12), illuminating the truth of God, and He is the Bread of Life (Joh 6:35), providing eternal sustenance and spiritual fellowship for all who believe.