Exodus 25:31 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "You shall make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand shall be made of hammered work: its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers shall be of one piece with it.

NIV: "Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them.

NASB: Then you shall make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand, 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.

CSB: "You are to make a lampstand out of pure, hammered gold. It is to be made of one piece: its base and shaft, its ornamental cups, and its buds and petals.

NLT: Make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. Make the entire lampstand and its decorations of one piece — the base, center stem, lamp cups, buds, and petals.

KJV: And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.

NKJV: “You shall also make a lampstand of pure gold; the lampstand shall be of hammered work. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and flowers shall be of one piece.

The Hebrew word used for this object is menorāh. This seven-headed candelabra is a familiar symbol of Judaism in the world today. God will provide detailed instructions for this ornate item in the next few verses (Exodus 25:32–36). The menorah is one of several items built as part of the Lord's sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9). Others are the ark (Exodus 25:10–11), the table (Exodus 25:23–24), and two altars (Exodus 27:1–8; 30:1–10).

The word "gold" refers to a precious metal mined from earth. The term also refers to an element: one of the basic substances in chemistry. In common use, "pure gold" is different from elemental gold. When it is mined, gold is usually blended with other metals such as copper or silver. These are "alloys," and they give the metal more strength. Most jewelry today, for instance, is "14 karat," or about 50% elemental gold. This sacred lampstand is not made of unalloyed, elemental gold, but it is made of solid metal. Other objects in the sanctuary are made of wood covered in a thin layer of gold.

"Hammered" work means that the lampstand is formed by bending, beating, and shaping the metal. This is a different process than pouring melted gold into a mold or cutting pieces into shape. The menorah is intricate, with multiple elements. Most of these correspond to parts of a flower. A skilled craftsman would form the elements separately (Exodus 31:1–11), then solder or braze them to make a single permanent piece.

The lampstand is large, using about thirty-four kilograms, or seventy-five pounds, of metal for the lampstand and its utensils.

Exodus 25:31–40 indicates how Israel is to form a special candelabra for use in the sanctuary. The Hebrew root word used here is menorāh, which many recognize as a seven-branched candlestick still associated with Judaism. This lampstand is pure gold, with three branches on either side of a central piece. Each branch is made of three flower-like shapes with connecting arcs. The result is a pattern famously associated with Judaism.

Israelites are to contribute precious metals, cloth, oils, and other resources to create a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. These will be used to form various sacred objects. Among these are the renowned ark of the covenant, a table for consecrated bread, and a lampstand with seven ornate lamps. These will be kept in the most sacred parts of the sanctuary. Upcoming chapters will focus on an elaborate tent which will serve as a portable temple (Exodus 26—28).

The Lord has given the foundations of His covenant to Israel (Exodus 20—23) and they have affirmed it (Exodus 24). Now God gives Moses detailed instructions for a system of worship. This begins with designs for a sacred container—the ark of the covenant—as well as a table and lampstand. These will be kept in the "tabernacle:" an ornate tent used as a portable temple for Israel (Exodus 26—28).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.