24 And he put H7760 the candlestick H4501 in the tent H168 of the congregation, H4150 over against H5227 the table, H7979 on the side H3409 of the tabernacle H4908 southward. H5045
And thou shalt make H6213 a candlestick H4501 of pure H2889 gold: H2091 of beaten work H4749 shall the candlestick H4501 be made: H6213 his shaft, H3409 and his branches, H7070 his bowls, H1375 his knops, H3730 and his flowers, H6525 shall be of the same. And six H8337 branches H7070 shall come H3318 out of the sides H6654 of it; three H7969 branches H7070 of the candlestick H4501 out of the one H259 side, H6654 and three H7969 branches H7070 of the candlestick H4501 out of the other H8145 side: H6654 Three H7969 bowls H1375 made like unto almonds, H8246 with a knop H3730 and a flower H6525 in one H259 branch; H7070 and three H7969 bowls H1375 made like almonds H8246 in the other H259 branch, H7070 with a knop H3730 and a flower: H6525 so in the six H8337 branches H7070 that come H3318 out of the candlestick. H4501 And in the candlestick H4501 shall be four H702 bowls H1375 made like unto almonds, H8246 with their knops H3730 and their flowers. H6525 And there shall be a knop H3730 under two H8147 branches H7070 of the same, and a knop H3730 under two H8147 branches H7070 of the same, and a knop H3730 under two H8147 branches H7070 of the same, according to the six H8337 branches H7070 that proceed H3318 out of the candlestick. H4501
And thou shalt set H7760 the table H7979 without H2351 the vail, H6532 and the candlestick H4501 over against H5227 the table H7979 on the side H6763 of the tabernacle H4908 toward the south: H8486 and thou shalt put H5414 the table H7979 on the north H6828 side. H6763
And he made H6213 the candlestick H4501 of pure H2889 gold: H2091 of beaten work H4749 made H6213 he the candlestick; H4501 his shaft, H3409 and his branch, H7070 his bowls, H1375 his knops, H3730 and his flowers, H6525 were of the same: And six H8337 branches H7070 going out H3318 of the sides H6654 thereof; three H7969 branches H7070 of the candlestick H4501 out of the one H259 side H6654 thereof, and three H7969 branches H7070 of the candlestick H4501 out of the other H8145 side H6654 thereof: Three H7969 bowls H1375 made after the fashion of almonds H8246 in one H259 branch, H7070 a knop H3730 and a flower; H6525 and three H7969 bowls H1375 made like almonds H8246 in another H259 branch, H7070 a knop H3730 and a flower: H6525 so throughout the six H8337 branches H7070 going out H3318 of the candlestick. H4501 And in the candlestick H4501 were four H702 bowls H1375 made like almonds, H8246 his knops, H3730 and his flowers: H6525 And a knop H3730 under two H8147 branches H7070 of the same, and a knop H3730 under two H8147 branches H7070 of the same, and a knop H3730 under two H8147 branches H7070 of the same, according to the six H8337 branches H7070 going out H3318 of it. Their knops H3730 and their branches H7070 were of the same: all of it was one H259 beaten work H4749 of pure H2889 gold. H2091 And he made H6213 his seven H7651 lamps, H5216 and his snuffers, H4457 and his snuffdishes, H4289 of pure H2889 gold. H2091 Of a talent H3603 of pure H2889 gold H2091 made H6213 he it, and all the vessels H3627 thereof.
NUN. Thy word H1697 is a lamp H5216 unto my feet, H7272 and a light H216 unto my path. H5410
That was G2258 the true G228 Light, G5457 which G3739 lighteth G5461 every man G3956 G444 that cometh G2064 into G1519 the world. G2889
Then G3767 spake G2980 Jesus G2424 again G3825 unto them, G846 saying, G3004 I G1473 am G1510 the light G5457 of the world: G2889 he that followeth G190 me G1698 shall G4043 not G3364 walk G4043 in G1722 darkness, G4653 but G235 shall have G2192 the light G5457 of life. G2222
The mystery G3466 of the seven G2033 stars G792 which G3739 thou sawest G1492 in G1909 my G3450 right hand, G1188 and G2532 the seven G2033 golden G5552 candlesticks. G3087 The seven G2033 stars G792 are G1526 the angels G32 of the seven G2033 churches: G1577 and G2532 the seven G2033 candlesticks G3087 which G3739 thou sawest G1492 are G1526 the seven G2033 churches. G1577
Remember G3421 therefore G3767 from whence G4159 thou art fallen, G1601 and G2532 repent, G3340 and G2532 do G4160 the first G4413 works; G2041 or else G1490 I will come G2064 unto thee G4671 quickly, G5035 and G2532 will remove G2795 thy G4675 candlestick G3087 out of G1537 his G846 place, G5117 except G3362 thou repent. G3340
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Exodus 40
Commentary on Exodus 40 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 40
Ex 40:1-38. The Tabernacle Reared and Anointed.
2. On the first day of the first month—From a careful consideration of the incidents recorded to have happened after the exodus (Ex 12:2; 13:4; 19:1; 20:18; 34:28, &c.), it has been computed that the work of the tabernacle was commenced within six months after that emigration; and consequently, that other six months had been occupied in building it. So long a period spent in preparing the materials of a movable pavilion, it would be difficult to understand, were it not for what we are told of the vast dimensions of the tabernacle, as well as the immense variety of curious and elaborate workmanship which its different articles of furniture required.
the tabernacle—the entire edifice.
the tent—the covering that surmounted it (Ex 40:19).
15. anoint them, as thou didst anoint their fathers—The sacred oil was used, but it does not appear that the ceremony was performed exactly in the same manner; for although the anointing oil was sprinkled over the garments both of Aaron and his sons (Ex 29:21; Le 8:30), it was not poured over the heads of the latter. This distinction was reserved for the high priest (Ex 29:7; Le 8:12; Ps 133:2).
16. Thus did Moses: according to all that the Lord commanded him—On his part, the same scrupulous fidelity was shown in conforming to the "pattern" in the disposition of the furniture, as had been displayed by the workmen in the erection of the edifice.
33. So Moses finished the work—Though it is not expressly recorded in this passage, yet, from what took place on all similar occasions, there is reason to believe that on the inauguration day the people were summoned from their tents—were all drawn up as a vast assemblage, yet in calm and orderly arrangement, around the newly erected tabernacle.
34. a cloud—literally, "The cloud," the mystic cloud which was the well-known symbol of the Divine Presence. After remaining at a great distance from them on the summit of the mount, it appeared to be in motion; and if many among them had a secret misgiving about the issue, how the fainting heart would revive, the interest of the moment intensely increase, and the tide of joy swell in every bosom, when that symbolic cloud was seen slowly and majestically descending towards the plain below and covering the tabernacle. The entire and universal concealment of the tabernacle within the folds of an impervious cloud was not without a deep and instructive meaning; it was a protection to the sacred edifice from the burning heats of the Arabian climate; it was a token of the Divine Presence; and it was also an emblem of the Mosaic dispensation, which, though it was a revelation from heaven, yet left many things hid in obscurity; for it was a dark cloud compared with the bright cloud, which betokened the clearer and fuller discoveries of the divine character and glory in the gospel (Mt 17:5).
the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle—that is, light and fire, a created splendor, which was the peculiar symbol of God (1Jo 1:5). Whether this light was inherent in the cloud or not, it emanated from it on this occasion, and making its entry, not with the speed of a lightning flash as if it were merely an electric spark, but in majestic splendor, it passed through the outer porch into the interior of the most holy place (1Ki 8:10; Joh 1:14). Its miraculous character is shown by the fact, that, though "it filled the tabernacle," not a curtain or any article of furniture was so much as singed.
35. Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation—How does this circumstance show the incapacity of man, in his present state, to look upon the unveiled perfections of the Godhead! Moses could not endure the unclouded effulgence, nor the sublimest of the prophets (Isa 6:5). But what neither Moses nor the most eminent of God's messengers to the ancient church through the weakness of nature could endure, we can all now do by an exercise of faith; looking unto Jesus, who reflected with chastened radiance the brightness of the Father's glory; and who, having as the Forerunner for us, entered within the veil, has invited us to come boldly to the mercy seat. While Moses was compelled, through the influence of overwhelming awe, to stand aloof and could not enter the tabernacle, Christ entered into the holy place not made with hands; nay, He is Himself the true tabernacle, filled with the glory of God, ever with the grace and truth which the Shekinah typified. What great reason we have to thank God for Jesus Christ, who, while He Himself was the brightness of the Father's glory, yet exhibited that glory in so mild and attractive a manner, as to allure us to draw near with confidence and love into the Divine Presence!
36. when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle—In journeying through the sandy, trackless deserts of the East, the use of torches, exhibiting a cloud of smoke by day and of fire by night, has been resorted to from time immemorial. The armies of Darius and Alexander were conducted on their marches in this manner [Faber]. The Arab caravans in the present day observe the same custom; and materials for these torches are stored up among other necessary preparations for a journey. Live fuel, hoisted in chafing dishes at the end of long poles, and being seen at a great distance, serves, by the smoke in the daytime and the light at night, as a better signal for march than the sound of a trumpet, which is not heard at the extremities of a large camp [Laborde]. This usage, and the miracle related by Moses, mutually illustrate each other. The usage leads us to think that the miracle was necessary, and worthy of God to perform; and, on the other hand, the miracle of the cloudy pillar, affording double benefit of shade by day and light at night, implies not only that the usage was not unknown to the Hebrews, but supplied all the wants which they felt in common with other travellers through those dreary regions [Faber, Hess, Grandpierre]. But its peculiar appearance, unvarying character, and regular movements, distinguished it from all the common atmospheric phenomena. It was an invaluable boon to the Israelites, and being recognized by all classes among that people as the symbol of the Divine Presence, it guided their journeys and regulated their encampments (compare Ps 29:1-11; 105:1-45).
38. the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle, &c.—While it had hitherto appeared sometimes in one place, sometimes in another, it was now found on the tabernacle only; so that from the moment that sanctuary was erected, and the glory of the Lord had filled the sacred edifice, the Israelites had to look to the place which God had chosen to put His name there, in order that they might enjoy the benefit of a heavenly Guide (Nu 9:15-23). In like manner, the church had divine revelation for its guide from the first—long before the Word of God existed in a written form; but ever since the setting up of that sacred canon, it rests on that as its tabernacle and there only is it to be found. It accompanies us wherever we are or go, just as the cloud led the way of the Israelites. It is always accessible and can be carried in our pockets when we walk abroad; it may be engraved on the inner tablets of our memories and our hearts; and so true, faithful, and complete a guide is it, that there is not a scene of duty or of trial through which we may be called to pass in the world, but it furnishes a clear, a safe, and unerring direction (Col 3:16).