Exodus 39 37

Exodus 39:37 kjv

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 39:37 nkjv

the pure gold lampstand with its lamps (the lamps set in order), all its utensils, and the oil for light;

Exodus 39:37 niv

the pure gold lampstand with its row of lamps and all its accessories, and the olive oil for the light;

Exodus 39:37 esv

the lampstand of pure gold and its lamps with the lamps set and all its utensils, and the oil for the light;

Exodus 39:37 nlt

the pure gold lampstand with its symmetrical lamp cups, all its accessories, and the olive oil for lighting;

Exodus 39 verses

Exodus 39 37 Meaning

Exodus 39:37 meticulously lists components brought forth by the skilled craftsmen for the Tabernacle: the pure lampstand, its seven lamps, all the necessary accessories for its maintenance, and the olive oil designated for illuminating its flames. This verse confirms the completion and proper delivery of these essential elements, emphasizing their readiness for placement within the Holy Place according to God's precise instructions.

Exodus 39 37 Context

Exodus 39 details the culmination of the construction of the Tabernacle's furnishings and the priestly garments, following the exact instructions given by God in chapters 25-31. This specific verse (39:37) is part of a list of completed items (verses 33-41) that were brought to Moses for inspection. This period signifies the nearing completion of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people, representing His holy presence and serving as the focal point of Israelite worship. The listing emphasizes the meticulous adherence to God's divine pattern, critical for establishing proper worship. Historically, after their liberation from Egypt, the Israelites were being taught profound lessons about God's holiness, His detailed requirements for approach, and His intention to reside among them. The lampstand, with its continuous light, would stand in stark contrast to the pagan deities of the surrounding cultures, particularly the sun gods revered in Egypt, emphasizing that Israel’s light and sustenance came from the Holy One of Israel, not from natural elements or other gods.

Exodus 39 37 Word Analysis

• the pure lampstand (מְנֹרָה הַטְּהֹרָה֙ - menorah haṭṭəhōrāh):
  • lampstand (מְנֹרָה, menorah): This term refers to the seven-branched candelabrum of solid, beaten pure gold, as described in Ex 25:31. It was a central piece in the Holy Place, symbolizing God's illuminating presence, divine guidance, and the light of His truth. It suggests that spiritual light comes only from God.
  • pure (הַטְּהֹרָה, haṭṭəhōrāh): Signifies ritual cleanliness and moral uprightness, suitable for holy use. Its purity implies that God's presence and truth are unblemished and separate from all impurity. The instruction for pure materials reflects the absolute holiness of God and the standard for approaching Him in worship.
• with its lamps (אֶת־נֵֽרֹתֶ֔יהָ - ʾeṯ-nêrōṯeˌhā):
  • lamps (נֵרֹות, nerot): These were the receptacles at the ends of each branch of the menorah designed to hold the oil and wick, through which the light would shine. There were seven lamps (Ex 25:37), emphasizing completeness and spiritual perfection (e.g., God rested on the seventh day; the Spirit of God has seven facets in Isaiah 11:2). Their function directly enabled the lampstand's purpose as a source of light.
• all the accessories for it (וְאֵ֖ת כָּל־כֵּלֶ֑יהָ - wəʾêṯ kāl-kêleyhā):
  • accessories (כָּל־כֵּלֶ֑יהָ, kal-keleyha): This refers to the various tools needed to maintain the lampstand and its light, specifically the snuffers (tongs) and ash dishes (trays) mentioned in Ex 25:38. These implements were also made of pure gold, highlighting the sacredness of even the maintenance tasks. The inclusion of "all" emphasizes the meticulousness and comprehensiveness required in God's service; nothing was to be overlooked or omitted. It points to a worship that is thorough and complete.
• and the oil for the light (וְשֶׁ֖מֶן הַמָּאֹֽור - wəšemen hammāʾôr):
  • oil (שֶׁמֶן, shemen): Specifically pure, beaten olive oil was commanded for the Tabernacle lamps (Ex 27:20; Lev 24:2). Oil frequently symbolizes the Holy Spirit in Scripture (e.g., for anointing priests and kings; Zec 4:6), representing divine power, enablement, and revelation. Its provision signifies that true spiritual light is not self-generated but dependent on divine grace and supply.
  • for the light (הַמָּאֹור, hammāʾôr): Clearly states the singular purpose of the oil. The light produced was a continuous presence in the Holy Place, a symbol of God's vigilant presence and guiding illumination. This continuous light symbolized God's never-fading presence and revelation to His people.

Exodus 39 37 Bonus section

The Menorah was designed to be fashioned from a single piece of pure gold, hammered into its form (Ex 25:31, 37:17). This unique construction method symbolizes the unity, perfection, and solidity of God's nature and the unified nature of His people who bear His light. The "continuous" burning of the lamps (Lev 24:3) during the night, tended to by the priests, emphasizes the constant vigilance required in God's service and the unwavering nature of His truth. This physical light in the Tabernacle prefigures Jesus Christ as the "Light of the World" (John 8:12), the true and unending source of spiritual illumination, whose life, like the light, guides humanity out of darkness. It also speaks to the calling of believers to be "lights in the world" (Phil 2:15), drawing their radiance from Christ through the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Exodus 39 37 Commentary

Exodus 39:37 records the precise preparation of the Menorah, its lamps, accessories, and oil, vital for the Tabernacle's operation. This detail underscores not only the artisans' complete obedience to God's blueprint but also the theological significance of each component. The Menorah, crafted from pure gold, epitomizes divine holiness and the enduring nature of God's presence, providing constant light in the Holy Place—a place veiled from the outside world. The lamps needed regular oil, symbolizing the dependence on the Holy Spirit for spiritual illumination and vitality, as without oil, there is no light. The accessories speak to the careful stewardship and purity required in divine service, implying that worship demands attentiveness to every detail, not just the major elements. Collectively, these elements highlight God's specific demands for approaching Him, representing Him as the sole source of truth and guidance, continuously illuminating the path for His people through His presence and Spirit. Just as the Menorah perpetually shone, so believers, indwelt by the Spirit, are to shine God's light in the world.