Exodus 39 36

Exodus 39:36 kjv

The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the showbread,

Exodus 39:36 nkjv

the table, all its utensils, and the showbread;

Exodus 39:36 niv

the table with all its articles and the bread of the Presence;

Exodus 39:36 esv

the table with all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence;

Exodus 39:36 nlt

the table and all its utensils;
the Bread of the Presence;

Exodus 39 verses

Exodus 39 36 Meaning

Exodus 39:36 describes two crucial furnishings of the Tabernacle – the Table of Showbread with its utensils and the pure Lampstand (Menorah) with its lamps and oil. This verse is part of the meticulous inventory of items brought to Moses after their completion by the skilled craftsmen, ensuring everything was fashioned precisely according to the divine instructions given on Mount Sinai. It signifies the perfection and completion of these sacred objects for their consecrated use in the presence of the Lord.

Exodus 39 36 Context

Exodus chapter 39 marks the culmination of the Israelites' work on the Tabernacle and its furnishings, all done "just as the LORD had commanded Moses" (Exod 39:1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31, 32, 42). After receiving detailed instructions from God in chapters 25-31, chapters 35-39 describe the diligent execution of those commands by skilled craftsmen like Bezalel and Oholiab. Verse 32 indicates the completion of all the work, and the following verses (33-41) provide a detailed inventory of the completed components as they were brought to Moses for his inspection. This specific verse (39:36) lists the Table of Showbread and the Lampstand, along with all their associated implements and oil, ready for their consecrated purpose within the Tabernacle. The overall historical context is the journey of Israel through the wilderness, where God condescended to dwell in their midst through the Tabernacle, symbolizing His presence, guidance, and provision. The meticulous attention to detail highlights God's demand for holiness and the reverence due to Him.

Exodus 39 36 Word analysis

• The table (הַשֻּׁלְחָן - hashshulḥan): This refers to the Table of Showbread (Exod 25:23-30), made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold. It stood on the north side of the Holy Place and perpetually held twelve loaves of unleavened bread, symbolizing God's perpetual provision for the twelve tribes of Israel and communion with Him. It underscores the covenant relationship and God as the provider.
• with its articles (וְאֶת-כֵּלָיו - ve'et-kêlav): Refers to the dishes, pans, pitchers, and bowls mentioned in Exod 25:29. These gold implements were for handling the showbread and for drink offerings that accompanied the offerings on the altar, symbolizing the full devotion of Israel.
• and the pure lampstand (וְאֶת-הַמְּנוֹרָה הַטְּהֹרָה - ve'et-hammᵉnôrah hattᵉhorah): The Menorah (Exod 25:31-40), crafted from a single talent of pure gold, hammered into its distinctive form with bowls, blossoms, and flowers. It provided the only light within the Holy Place, continually illuminating the priests' service. "Pure" (ṭāhorāh) signifies its absolute sanctity and separation for divine use, free from any blemish or ritual impurity. It symbolizes God's constant presence, truth, and spiritual illumination for His people.
• with its lamps (אֶת-נֵרֹתֶיהָ - et-nêrotehā): These were the seven specific lamp-cups at the end of each branch of the Menorah (Exod 25:37) designed to hold the wicks and the oil, which were to burn continually before the Lord. They are the actual source of the physical light.
• all the accessories (וְאֵת כָּל-כֵּלֶיהָ - ve'et kol-kêleyhā): This general phrase covers additional tools necessary for the upkeep of the Menorah, specifically its snuffers and trays (Exod 25:38). These ensured the wicks were trimmed and the lamps clean, maintaining the continuous purity of the light. The "all" emphasizes that every minute detail, down to the maintenance tools, was made.
• and the oil for the light (וְאֵת שֶׁמֶן הַמָּאוֹר - ve'et shemen hamma'ôr): This refers to the pure, pressed olive oil (Lev 24:2) specially designated to fuel the Menorah. It highlights the provision necessary for continuous worship and service. Symbolically, oil often represents anointing and the presence of the Holy Spirit (e.g., in Zechariah 4).
• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "The table with its articles, and the pure lampstand with its lamps, all the accessories...": This detailed listing highlights the meticulous adherence to God's precise blueprints. No element, however small, was overlooked. It points to the divine expectation of perfection and thoroughness in obedience.
  • "...and the oil for the light;": The inclusion of the "oil" confirms that not only the static structure but also the essential consumables for its function were prepared, signifying complete readiness for worship and service as prescribed by God. The perpetual light depended on the perpetual supply of oil, symbolizing reliance on divine enablement.

Exodus 39 36 Bonus section

• The presentation of these items to Moses for inspection before assembly emphasizes divine order and accountability in spiritual service. Moses' approval signified divine acceptance because the work mirrored God's pattern.
• The emphasis on "pure gold" and "pure" lampstand speaks to the utter holiness of God and the standards for drawing near to Him. Any defilement would compromise the ability to house the divine presence. This implicitly served as a polemic against pagan temples, which often housed defiled or corrupted symbols.
• The items described (Table, Lampstand) were the primary focal points of the Holy Place, directly supporting the functions of priesthood and worship. The showbread represented sustenance and covenant relationship, while the Menorah symbolized spiritual illumination and guidance for priestly ministry. Their readiness was paramount for the inauguration of God's dwelling among His people.

Exodus 39 36 Commentary

Exodus 39:36 succinctly lists key elements of the Holy Place, specifically the Table of Showbread and the Lampstand. The precision in this inventory underscores the complete and exact adherence to God's detailed commands. Every item, down to the "accessories" and "oil," had been perfectly fashioned and prepared according to divine design, symbolizing the importance of perfect obedience in God's service. The Table represented God's ongoing provision and presence, fostering communion through the symbolic bread. The "pure" Lampstand, as the sole source of light, depicted God's illuminating truth and spiritual guidance, signifying His perpetual presence among His people and the light that issues from Him. Together, these items prefigure Christ, who is both the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35), satisfying our spiritual hunger, and the "Light of the World" (John 8:12), dispelling spiritual darkness. The meticulous completion of these items points to the perfect finished work of Christ, which fulfills all of God's requirements for fellowship and revelation. This verse challenges believers to approach service and obedience to God with similar attention to detail and reverence.