Exodus 37 24

Exodus 37:24 kjv

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

Exodus 37:24 nkjv

Of a talent of pure gold he made it, with all its utensils.

Exodus 37:24 niv

They made the lampstand and all its accessories from one talent of pure gold.

Exodus 37:24 esv

He made it and all its utensils out of a talent of pure gold.

Exodus 37:24 nlt

The entire lampstand, along with its accessories, was made from 75 pounds of pure gold.

Exodus 37 verses

Exodus 37 24 Meaning

Exodus 37:24 states that the lampstand (menorah) and all its associated utensils were crafted from a single talent of pure gold. This verse specifies the material quality and quantity used, emphasizing the preciousness and meticulous standard required for this sacred item within the Tabernacle, which symbolized divine light and presence. The "it" refers to the lampstand meticulously described in the preceding verses.

Exodus 37 24 Context

Exodus 37 is part of a larger section (Exodus 35-40) detailing the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, faithfully following the specific instructions given by God to Moses in chapters 25-30. Verse 24 focuses on the culmination of the work on the golden lampstand, reiterating the exact material and quantity prescribed. Historically, this construction took place in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. The vast amount of pure gold highlights both the costliness of devotion and God's abundant provision, as the Israelites likely used the gold "plundered" from Egypt (Ex 12:35-36) for this sacred purpose. This detailed precision for sacred objects contrasts sharply with contemporary pagan worship, which often involved less rigorous standards and materials, emphasizing God's unique holiness and requirement for meticulous adherence to His revealed pattern.

Exodus 37 24 Word analysis

• Of a talent (כִּכָּר, kikkār):
  • Literal meaning: "a circle," from which it refers to a circular loaf or, as here, a unit of weight.
  • Significance: It signifies a substantial weight, approximately 75 pounds (about 34-35 kilograms) of gold. This massive quantity underscores the lampstand's immense material value and the extensive resources dedicated to sacred worship. It speaks of sacrifice and total dedication from the community.
• pure gold (זָהָב טָהוֹר, zahav tahor):
  • Meaning: Gold entirely free from alloy or impurity; unmixed, undefiled.
  • Significance: Emphasizes the highest standard of quality and sanctity required for objects associated with God's presence. "Pure" here denotes not only metallurgical quality but also symbolic holiness, reflecting God's own perfect, unblemished nature. This quality was non-negotiable for objects in the Tabernacle.
• he made it (עָשָׂה אֹתָהּ, ‘asah ’otah):
  • Meaning: The simple verb "made" or "did," with "it" referring to the previously described golden lampstand (menorah). Bezalel, filled with the Spirit of God (Ex 31:1-6), was the divinely gifted craftsman.
  • Significance: This phrase confirms the physical fabrication according to God's pattern. The object itself was a single, continuous piece (Ex 25:31), hammered out of this talent of gold, not pieced together. This unity from a single source reinforces its symbolic perfection and divine origin in design.
• with all its utensils (אֵת כָּל־כֵּלֶיהָ, ‘et kol-keleyhā):
  • Meaning: "Utensils" refers to the functional accessories of the lampstand: the snuffers and snuffdishes mentioned in Ex 25:38-39.
  • Significance: Even the smallest, seemingly auxiliary parts necessary for the lampstand's operation were to be made of the same pure gold and from the same talent. This highlights the absolute attention to detail in God's commands and that every aspect of worship, from the main symbol to its supporting elements, must be of the highest, uncompromised quality, reflecting divine holiness and completeness. No lesser standard was acceptable.

Exodus 37 24 Bonus section

The concept of "pure gold" found in the construction of the Tabernacle and its items extends spiritually throughout the Bible. It symbolizes what is tried, proven, and valuable in God's eyes, whether referring to His Word (Ps 12:6), refined faith (1 Pet 1:7), or His people after sanctification (Mal 3:3). The lampstand, created as a single, unified piece from this immense amount of gold, also teaches about integrity and wholeness in God's design and service, where every part is essential and shares the same inherent value and purity.

Exodus 37 24 Commentary

Exodus 37:24 highlights the meticulous and costly nature of the lampstand's construction. The requirement of a single talent of pure gold for the lampstand and all its implements emphasizes the extreme value placed on God's dwelling place and the instruments of worship within it. This costly devotion, enabled by God's provision of wealth from Egypt, underscores that serving God and embodying His light (symbolized by the lampstand) demands the finest quality and most significant resources available. It speaks to the holiness of divine presence and the perfection expected in all that pertains to God, prefiguring Christ's supreme sacrifice and the church's call to be pure, undefiled, and a beacon of light in the world.