Êxodo 25

Êxodo 25

Morgan - “In the East a table was always the symbol of fellowship. Thus the people were reminded of the possibility created of constant communion with God.” Currid says the bread of the Presence "probably means that God is present with his people. There are twelve loaves, certainly symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel, and they are all present before the Creator. It is an example of the Immanuel principle: ‘I will be your God, and you will be my people!’" (Exodus - EPSC) NET Note - The name basically means that the bread is to be set out in the presence of Yahweh. The custom of presenting bread on a table as a thank offering is common in other cultures as well. The bread here would be placed on the table as a symbol of the divine provision for the twelve tribes—continually, because they were to express their thanksgiving continually. Priests could eat the bread after certain times. Fresh bread would be put there regularly. Question: What was the bread of the Presence? Answer: The bread of the Presence (also called the showbread or shewbread in some translations) was special bread always present on a table in the tabernacle (and later in the temple). Leviticus 24:5–7 describes this bread: “You shall take fine flour and bake twelve loaves from it; two tenths of an ephah shall be in each loaf. And you shall set them in two piles, six in a pile, on the table of pure gold before the Lord. And you shall put pure frankincense on each pile, that it may go with the bread as a memorial portion as a food offering to the Lord.” This bread of the Presence was 1) made of fine flour, 2) baked in 12 loaves, 3) arranged in two piles of six loaves each on a table of pure gold, 4) covered with frankincense, and 5) served as a memorial food offering to the Lord. The bread could only be eaten by Aaron and his sons in a holy place and was set out every Sabbath day (Leviticus 24:8–9). The bread of the Presence is first mentioned in Exodus 25:30. God instructed for it to be placed on the golden table in the tabernacle. The bread is also listed in the contributions for the tabernacle in Exodus 35:13 and noted as part of the completed tabernacle in Exodus 39:36. In Numbers 4 the Kohathites, who were sons of Levi, were given responsibility for the care of the table of showbread. First Chronicles 9:32 says, “Also some of their kinsmen of the Kohathites had charge of the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath.” This bread was likely prepared on each Friday and placed in the tabernacle on each Sabbath in two piles of six. It would be replenished each week, allowing the priests to eat fresh bread in the holy place. At one point in David’s life, when he was on the run from Saul, he asked the priest Ahimelech for food. The priest gave David the bread of the Presence, since it was the only bread available (1 Samuel 21:1–6). David was not a priest, so it was technically unlawful for him to eat the showbread. Jesus later refers to this event, using it as proof that the Law was designed for man’s benefit, and that Christ is Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1–8; Mark 2:25–27; Luke 6:3–5). The Old Testament showbread placed on the table in the tabernacle provides a wonderful picture of Jesus, the Bread of Life. Jesus is holy before God, He provides true sustenance, and He is always present. “Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry’” (John 6:35). One other New Testament reference, Hebrews 9:1–2, mentions the table of showbread as one of the items in the first section of the tabernacle. Also included in that place was the lampstand. Verse 15 notes, “Therefore [Jesus] is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.” The context explains that the important aspects of the Jewish law were no longer necessary since Christ has become high priest once and for all. (Source: GotQuestions.org) Exodus 25:31 "Then you shall make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand and its base and its shaft are to be made of hammered work; its cups, its bulbs and its flowers shall be of one piece with it. a lampstand: Ex 35:14 37:17-24 40:24,25 1Ki 7:49 2Ch 13:11 Zec 4:2 Heb 9:2 Rev 1:12,20 2:1,5 4:5 bulbs: 1Ki 6:18 7:24 Exodus 25 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A Menorah Then you shall make a lampstand of pure gold - This is the second piece of furniture in the Holy Place (See schematic above). Again the purity of God and all that is associated with His worship is emphasized by the pure gold. Lampstand (04501)(menorah from ner = a lamp) refers to a stand, not the candlestick itself. These were used to hold candlesticks or wicks and were in common use in a house (2 Ki. 4:10). Literal lampstand in the Tabernacle and Temple (Ex. 25:31-35; 26:35; 30:27; 31:8; 1 Ki. 7:49) and figuratively of Zerubbabel (Zech. 4:2, 11). TWOT says "This mem-preformative noun represents the stand upon which a lamp was placed (special lamp place")." See image of Lamp, Lampstand - from Dictionary of Biblical Imagery Menorah - 40x in 31v - each lampstand(1), lampstand(33), lampstands(6). Exod. 25:31; Exod. 25:32; Exod. 25:33; Exod. 25:34; Exod. 25:35; Exod. 26:35; Exod. 30:27; Exod. 31:8; Exod. 35:14; Exod. 37:17; Exod. 37:18; Exod. 37:19; Exod. 37:20; Exod. 39:37; Exod. 40:4; Exod. 40:24; Lev. 24:4; Num. 3:31; Num. 4:9; Num. 8:2; Num. 8:3; Num. 8:4; 1 Ki. 7:49; 2 Ki. 4:10; 1 Chr. 28:15; 2 Chr. 4:7; 2 Chr. 4:20; 2 Chr. 13:11; Jer. 52:19; Zech. 4:2; Zech. 4:11 Coppes has a lengthy note on lampstand - These seven lamps represent God's perfect (PTOT. p. 362f.) leadership over his people. These "lights" were to burn always being trimmed morning and evening (Leviticus 24:2). While they were being trimmed the attendant was to burn incense representing the prayers of God's people (Exodus 30:7-8; cf qāṭar). In 2 Samuel 21:17 (nēr; cf. 1 Kings 11:36), David's death is represented as the quenching of Israel's lamp. Hence, he is viewed as the one who leads Israel into a blessed state (cf. nûaḥ). David, in turn, confessed that Jehovah was his lamp (2 Samuel 22:29), i.e. the one who enlightened his path through darkness (cf. John 3:20-21) and led him into a state of blessedness nûaḥ; cf. Proverbs 13:9; Job 29:3). Psalm 119:105 (cf. Proverbs 6:23) celebrates the word of God as the lamp to the feet of the godly. Christian readers will recognize this "leadership" of "word" and "light" as a foreshadow of Christ (John 1:1-13). As K-D shows, Psalm 132:17 uses "lamp" as a figure of the Messiah (it is parallel to the well-known figure "branch"). Thus, "lamp" is a symbol of God's personal leading (2 Samuel 22:29), through his word, through his chosen king and, ultimately, through his messiah. God's leader was to lead his people as a priestly nation, i.e. a nation which was to lead all nations to God in worship. In Zech. 4 the prophet speaks of a lampstand (i.e. the OT church: cf. KD) attached to an uninterrupted and unceasing supply of oil (i.e. the Holy Spirit; cf. KD). The interpretation (Zech. 4:6ff.) applies the figure to Zerubbabel (and his followers), but it seems obvious that the figure extends well beyond his day to the messianic era, indeed, cf. Rev. 1:20. This symbolism underlies the NT statements that Christians are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) whose lamps are always to burn (Luke 12:35; Phil. 2:15) and shine before men (Matthew 5:16) leading the ungodly to God and basking in a state of blessed expectation of and preparation for Christ's return.[That the lampstand stands for the church also in the NT must be granted (Rev. 1:20). However, the symbolism of the lampstand apparently is double. Zech. 4:6 strongly implies that the lampstand symbolizes also the Spirit of God. Rev. 4:5 seems to build on this when it calls the lamps the "seven spirits of God" (cf. Rev. 5:6). That the seven spirits of God are not seven different spirits, but the one Spirit seven-fold in his perfection seems to be proved by the position of the seven spirits of God bracketed between the Father and the Son as a source of benediction in Rev. 1:4. r.l.h.] (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament) David Thompson - J. Vernon McGee believes that this lampstand does represent Jesus Christ, which is why there is no measurement to it. You cannot measure deity. You cannot measure Jesus Christ as the Son of God. He is beyond mathematical comprehension (Exodus, p. 284). In fact, I think this lampstand actually represents the entire Trinity. The lampstand and its base and its shaft are to be made of hammered work; its cups, its bulbs and its flowers shall be of one piece with it - One piece emphasizes unity. The truth is there is no place where the base is described, but we may assume from verse 40 that Moses knew what the base was to look like. Thompson on one piece - To make a one piece unit would not be easy, but then doing quality work for God is not easy. It takes time. This particular lampstand would require amazing precision and detail. Why is it important to have this made out of one piece? The reason is because all light comes from the One God and the One Person, Jesus Christ. Becoming a quality light for God is not a simple task. It requires great attention to the details of God’s Word and great precision in applying them. NET Note - The stem and the branches were ornamented every so often with gold that was formed into the shape of the calyx and corolla of the almond flower. On top of the central shaft and the six branches were the lamps. Currid feels that the lampstand "signifies life—continued existence and productivity for the people of God as they stand before him. In one sense, then, the lampstand is a metaphor for the tree of life that was in the Garden of Eden. God gives life to his people....The first part mentioned is the ‘base’; the Hebrew term literally means ‘thigh’, signifying the thickest part of the leg. It probably indicates that the central shaft of the lampstand gradually increases in thickness towards its base. The second item is the ‘shaft’, a term that literally means ‘stalk / reed’. The word translated ‘knobs’ is normally used of ornate capitals on top of pillars." (Exodus - EPSC) Cassuto says that the description “the cups, knobs and flowers” is explained in vv. 32–36 as three decorations in the form of a cup, shaped like an almond blossom, to be made on one branch. Every cup will have two parts, (a) a knob, that is, the receptacle at the base of the blossom, and (b) a flower, which is called the corolla, so that each lamp rests on top of a flower." Related Resources: What is the menorah? | GotQuestions.org The Jewish Encyclopedia Menorah Menorah GIVE ME OIL IN MY LAMP (If this doesn't make you tap your feet, I don't know what will!) Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning Give me oil in my lamp I pray Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning Keep me burning till the break of day Sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna Sing Hosanna to the King of Kings Sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna Sing Hosanna to the King! Make me a fisher of men keep me seeking, Make me a fisher of men I pray Make me a fisher of men keep me seeking, Seeking souls 'till Jesus comes again. Give me joy in my heart keep me praising Give me joy in my heart I pray Give me joy in my heart keep me praising Keep me praising till the break of day. Give me love in my heart keep me serving Give me love in my heart I pray Give me love in my heart keep me serving Keep me serving till the break of day. Exodus 25:32 "Six branches shall go out from its sides; three branches of the lampstand from its one side and three branches of the lampstand from its other side. Exodus 25 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Six branches shall go out from its sides; three branches of the lampstand from its one side and three branches of the lampstand from its other side - See the depiction above which show one central shaft and 3 branches from either side for a total of seven. Since there are no measurements given, it is impossible to reconstruct an exact replica. David Thompson - Now the light in this sanctuary would do a couple of things. First, it would enable those who were ministering to see what they were doing. In this specific tabernacle, only the Levitical priests would ever go into this holy place and when they went in to perform duties, they would need light to see so they could carry out their ministries. Second, when the people would look toward the sanctuary at night, it would be the brightest thing that would shine. What this certainly would suggest is God’s presence was at this place during the day and all through the night. It is impossible to worship God and be walking in darkness in any context at any time. To worship God, one must walk in light and minister in light. This is true in the O.T. and this is also true in the N.T. Exodus 25:31-40 The Right Light He put the lampstand in the tabernacle of meeting, across from the table, on the south side of the tabernacle. —Exodus 40:24 Eating in the dark is no fun. Low light in a restaurant is one thing; eating in a room with no light at all is another. The same is true in our walk with God. Unless we take advantage of the light He gives, we will miss seeing what He is doing for us. We have an Old Testament picture of this—the tabernacle. As the priest entered a room called the Holy Place, he could see only by the light of a golden lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40). Like everything else in the room, it had been carefully fashioned according to the pattern God gave Moses (v.40). The lampstand is a picture of spiritual light. The gold speaks of value. The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The six branches coming out from the center shaft portray unity in plurality. The symbol of the almond blossom is linked to God’s anointed priesthood (Numbers 17:1-8). When all this is combined with a New Testament reference that uses a golden lampstand to represent the church (Revelation 1:20), we have the complete picture. God gives light through the Spirit, who works through His congregation of anointed people (1 Peter 2:9). Holy Ghost, with light divine, Shine upon this heart of mine; Chase the shades of night away, Turn my darkness into day. —Reed The light of God's holiness convicts the sinner and guides the saint. Question: What is the significance of the lampstand in the Bible? Answer: The first time we see the word lampstand in the Bible is in Exodus 25:31, as God gives detailed instructions about the golden lampstand to be placed in the tabernacle the Israelites were building. It’s interesting to note just how precise God is in explaining how He wanted the lampstand to look. Since we can be assured there are no “wasted words” in the Bible, we know each detail and specification are important for some reason. The lampstand was to be made of pure gold, hammered out to the perfect accuracy of God’s decree (Exodus 25:31). Gold was the most valuable of all metals (Psalm 119:127; 19:10). Gold is often spoken of in terms of being “tested by fire”; the Bible compares the testing of gold with the testing of the church in 1 Peter 1:7. Out of testing, or refining, will come the true people of God (see Zechariah 13:7–9; Job 23:10). Those who withstand the “fire” will be purified (see Numbers 31:23). The lampstand as a whole was to be fashioned as a tree with the base and center shaft representing the trunk and with three “branches” on each side. The top of the shaft and of each branch was to be made like an open almond flower; each flower held an oil lamp (Exodus 25:32, 37). There are several passages in the Bible that speak about the almond tree, which was always the first tree to blossom and bear fruit in the spring, as early as February. The apostle Paul calls Christ the “firstfruits” because Jesus was the first to rise from the dead to everlasting life, and because of His resurrection all believers will also be raised (1 Corinthians 15:20–23; Romans 8:23). God used Aaron’s rod as a sign to the Israelites of his unique priesthood. At one time, when Aaron’s priesthood was being challenged, God caused Aaron’s rod to bud and grow ripe almonds overnight; this miracle reaffirmed that the privilege of being chosen as High Priest only came through God’s appointment (Numbers 16:3;17:10). This was a “shadow of things to come” experience that pointed to Jesus, our God-ordained, life-giving High Priest forever (Hebrews 7:21). In the tabernacle, the lampstand was to be placed in the first section, called the Holy Place (Hebrews 9:2). The lamp was to be tended by Aaron and his sons so that its light never went out. The lampstand was to give forth light day and night (Exodus 27:20–21). The lampstand’s being the only source of light points directly to Christ as being the light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5). Jesus is the “true light that gives light to everyone” (John 1:9) and the only way anyone can come to the Father (John 14:6). Jesus also calls His church the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14), not of their own doing but because Christ is abiding in the church (John 1:4–5). A Christian who is shining with the light of Christ will live a godly life (1 Peter 2:9). Scripture is overflowing with references that compare and contrast light and darkness, believer and unbeliever, right up through the book of Revelation. In Revelation 1:20 Christ says the “seven lampstands are the seven churches.” The churches of Christ are to walk in the light of God (1 John 1:7) and spread the light of the gospel so that all people will glorify God (Matthew 5:16). There is other symbolism in the lampstand: it was made of one piece, as Christ is one with His church (Colossians 1:8); the six branches (6 being the number of man) plus the main shaft equals seven lights (7 being the number of completion)—man is only complete in Christ (John 15:5). The most important thing to note about the lampstand is that it points to Christ, as do all the elements of the tabernacle. The Bible is from beginning to end a testimony about Christ and God’s merciful plan of redemption. Praise the Lord, He has taken His children out of the darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). (Source: GotQuestions.org) Exodus 25:33 "Three cups shall be shaped like almond blossoms in the one branch, a bulb and a flower, and three cups shaped like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bulb and a flower--so for six branches going out from the lampstand; NET Exodus 25:33 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, and three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on the next branch, and the same for the six branches extending from the lampstand. NLT Exodus 25:33 Each of the six branches will have three lamp cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and petals. ESV Exodus 25:33 three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on the other branch-- so for the six branches going out of the lampstand. NIV Exodus 25:33 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. like: Nu 17:4-8 Jer 1:11,12 three: Ex 37:19,20 Zec 4:3 Exodus 25 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Three cups shall be shaped like almond blossoms in the one branch, a bulb and a flower, and three cups shaped like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bulb and a flower--so for six branches going out from the lampstand MacKay states: Almond trees were common throughout the eastern Mediterranean, and were known for their early white blossom which appears before the trees come into leaf (Jer. 1:11-12) and which made them a symbol of hope as well as fruitfulness. Perhaps we can trace here the idea of divine watchfulness and care over the people with whom the LORD dwells. Jewish tradition understood the topmost flower to act as a support for the lamp above it, and the other two were found lower down the branch as ornaments. (Exodus: A Mentor Commentary) Third Millennium notes - In Zechariah's vision the oil of the lampstand symbolized the anointing of the Spirit (Zech 4:6, 12, 14). John saw Jesus ministering among the lampstands (representing the churches) of the heavenly sanctuary (Rev 1:12, 20). The light and the fire of the lamps were symbols related to God's presence. Thompson on three cups shaped like almond blossoms - This would be a beautiful piece of furniture. The question arises, why is there this emphasis on three plus three? The reason is because the number three is critical to the Trinity . All of the Trinity is involved in giving any light. It is to have these things for a total of six , one for each branch. After stressing the three plus three, we learn that there are a total of six, so there is no misunderstanding on this point. Exodus 25:34 and in the lampstand four cups shaped like almond blossoms, its bulbs and its flowers. NET Exodus 25:34 On the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms, NLT Exodus 25:34 Craft the center stem of the lampstand with four lamp cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and petals. ESV Exodus 25:34 And on the lampstand itself there shall be four cups made like almond blossoms, with their calyxes and flowers, NIV Exodus 25:34 And on the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. Exodus 25 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and in the lampstand four cups shaped like almond blossoms, its bulbs and its flowers. David Thompson - So not only are each branch to have flower cups, but there are to be four put on the main lamp shaft or beam. So this would be similar to a floor lamp. You have one central beam that extends up to the light. So what we have is a lampstand that features a total of seven different supports for oil lamps. Exodus 25:35 "A bulb shall be under the first pair of branches coming out of it, and a bulb under the second pair of branches coming out of it, and a bulb under the third pair of branches coming out of it, for the six branches coming out of the lampstand. NET Exodus 25:35 with a bud under the first two branches from it, and a bud under the next two branches from it, and a bud under the third two branches from it, according to the six branches that extend from the lampstand. NLT Exodus 25:35 There will also be an almond bud beneath each pair of branches where the six branches extend from the center stem. ESV Exodus 25:35 and a calyx of one piece with it under each pair of the six branches going out from the lampstand. NIV Exodus 25:35 One bud shall be under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair--six branches in all. Exodus 25 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A bulb shall be under the first pair of branches coming out of it, and a bulb under the second pair of branches coming out of it, and a bulb under the third pair of branches coming out of it, for the six branches coming out of the lampstand David Thompson - Now the bulbs were attached to the main beam. So what we have are a total of seven bulbs–a total of three under each branch and a total of four under each cup on the stand. Now seven is a very important number because it is a number that specifically does relate to God. It is the number of completion. So clearly this lamp was to reflect that all complete light comes from God. Exodus 25:36 "Their bulbs and their branches shall be of one piece with it; all of it shall be one piece of hammered work of pure gold. hammered: Ex 25:18 Nu 8:4 1Ki 10:16,17 2Ch 9:15 Exodus 25 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Their bulbs and their branches shall be of one piece with it; all of it shall be one piece of hammered work of pure gold - It was a one piece unit that featured seven lamps all made of gold. Why one piece? God is One God. Why three branches? Because there is One God, and three distinct Persons to the One God. (Thompson) Exodus 25:37 "Then you shall make its lamps seven in number; and they shall mount its lamps so as to shed light on the space in front of it. seven: Ex 37:23 Zec 4:2 Rev 1:4,12,20 2:1 4:5 they shall: Ex 27:21 30:8 Lev 24:2-4 2Ch 13:11 shed: Ex 40:24 Nu 8:2 Ps 119:105 Pr 6:23 Isa 8:20 Mt 5:14 Lu 1:79 Joh 1:9 8:12 12:5 Ac 26:18 Rev 21:23-25 22:5 it: Nu 8:2 Exodus 25 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Then you shall make its lamps seven in number - These are the lamps to go upon the 7 branched lampstand. One of the best descriptions that we may see of this lampstand is seen in Zechariah 4:2. Zechariah 4:2 He said to me, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see, and behold, a lampstand all of gold with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps on it with seven spouts belonging to each of the lamps which are on the top of it; NET Note says "The word for “lamps” is from the same root as the lampstand, of course. The word is נֵרוֹת (nerot). This probably refers to the small saucer-like pottery lamps that are made very simply with the rim pinched over to form a place to lay the wick. The bowl is then filled with olive oil as fuel."