And on the lampstand there shall be four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals. And on the lampstandThe lampstand, or "menorah" in Hebrew, is a significant symbol in the tabernacle, representing the light of God’s presence among His people. The menorah was crafted from pure gold, signifying purity and holiness. Historically, the menorah is a central symbol in Jewish worship, and its design was divinely inspired, as God provided specific instructions to Moses. The lampstand's light symbolizes the illumination of God's truth and guidance, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, pointing to Jesus as the Light of the World ( John 8:12). there shall be four cups
The "four cups" on the lampstand are intricately designed, each shaped like almond blossoms. The number four often symbolizes completeness in the Bible, suggesting the fullness of God's provision and presence. These cups were not merely decorative but served a functional purpose in holding the oil that fueled the lampstand's light. This imagery can inspire believers to consider how they are vessels of God's light, filled with the Holy Spirit to shine brightly in a dark world. shaped like almond blossoms
The almond blossom is one of the first to bloom in the spring, symbolizing new life and resurrection. In Hebrew, the word for almond is "shaqed," which is related to "shaqad," meaning to watch or be vigilant. This connection underscores the idea of God’s watchfulness and the promise of new beginnings. The almond blossom design on the lampstand serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the hope of renewal, encouraging believers to remain vigilant in their faith. with buds and petals
The inclusion of "buds and petals" in the design emphasizes the beauty and intricacy of God’s creation. Each element of the lampstand was crafted with precision, reflecting the care and attention God gives to His creation. The buds and petals also symbolize growth and potential, reminding believers of the spiritual growth that comes from abiding in Christ. This imagery encourages Christians to cultivate their faith, allowing it to blossom and bear fruit in their lives. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the Tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai. 2. TabernacleThe portable sanctuary where God dwelled among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. 3. Lampstand (Menorah)A sacred object within the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's light and presence among His people. 4. Almond BlossomsThe design element on the lampstand, symbolizing life, vigilance, and the awakening of God's promises. 5. Mount SinaiThe place where God gave Moses the instructions for building the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Teaching Points Symbolism of LightThe lampstand in the Tabernacle represents God's light and presence. As believers, we are called to reflect His light in the world, living as testimonies of His truth and love. Vigilance and ReadinessThe almond blossoms symbolize vigilance and readiness. Just as the almond tree is the first to bloom, Christians are called to be spiritually alert and ready for Christ's return. Divine Design and BeautyThe intricate design of the lampstand reflects God's attention to detail and beauty. In our lives, we should seek to honor God by cultivating beauty and order in our spiritual walk and surroundings. God's Provision and GuidanceThe lampstand provided light in the Tabernacle, reminding us of God's constant provision and guidance. We can trust Him to illuminate our path and provide for our needs. Christ as FulfillmentThe lampstand points to Christ, the true Light of the World. Our relationship with Him should be central, allowing His light to guide our decisions and actions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the design of the lampstand with almond blossoms enhance our understanding of God's character and His expectations for His people? 2. In what ways can we reflect the light of Christ in our daily lives, similar to the lampstand's role in the Tabernacle? 3. How does the symbolism of the almond blossoms encourage us to remain vigilant and ready for Christ's return? 4. What are some practical ways we can cultivate beauty and order in our spiritual lives, reflecting the divine design seen in the Tabernacle? 5. How can we rely on God's provision and guidance in times of uncertainty, drawing parallels to the lampstand's purpose in the Tabernacle? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 1:3-4The creation of light, which parallels the lampstand's purpose to provide light in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's presence and guidance. Numbers 17:8Aaron's rod that budded with almond blossoms, signifying God's chosen leadership and the life-giving power of His word. John 8:12Jesus as the Light of the World, fulfilling the symbolism of the lampstand as a representation of divine illumination and guidance. Revelation 1:12-13The vision of the seven golden lampstands, representing the churches and the presence of Christ among them. People Israelites, Moses, ShohamPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Almond, Almond-blossoms, Almonds, Blossoms, Bowls, Bud, Buds, Bulbs, Calyxes, Candlestick, Candlesticks, Capitals, Cups, Flower, Flowers, Itself, Knobs, Knops, Lampstand, Lamp-stand, Pillar, Shaped, ThereofDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 25:31-34 4528 trees Exodus 25:31-36 4446 flowers Exodus 25:31-40 5373 lamp and lampstand Library The Bread of the Presence
'Thou shalt set upon the table shew-bread before Me alway.'--EXODUS xxv. 30. I suspect that to many readers the term 'shew-bread' conveys little more meaning than if the Hebrew words had been lifted over into our version. The original expression, literally rendered, is 'bread of the face'; or, as the Revised Version has it in the margin, 'presence bread,' and the meaning of that singular designation is paraphrased and explained in my text: 'Thou shalt set upon the table, bread of the presence before …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Golden Lampstand
'Thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold....' --EXODUS xxv. 31. If we could have followed the Jewish priest as he passed in his daily ministrations into the Inner Court, we should have seen that he first piled the incense on the altar which stood in its centre, and then turned to trim the lamps of the golden candlestick which flanked it on one side. Of course it was not a candlestick, as our versions misleadingly render the word. That was an article of furniture unknown in those days. It was a …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Eighth Day. Holiness and Indwelling.
And let them make me a holy place, that I may dwell among them.'--Ex. xxv. 8. 'And the tent shall be sanctified by my glory, and I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.'--Ex. xxix. 43, 45. The Presence of God makes holy, even when it descends but for a little while, as at Horeb, in the burning bush. How much more must that Presence make holy the place where it dwells, where it fixes its permanent abode! So much is this the case, that the place where God dwells …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ April the Thirteenth Pure Gold
"Thou shalt overlay it with pure gold.... And there I will meet with thee." --EXODUS xxv. 10-22. I must put my best into my preparations, and then the Lord will honour my work. My part is to be of "pure gold" if my God is to dwell within it. I must not satisfy myself with cheap flimsy and then assume that the Lord will be satisfied with it. He demands my very best as a condition of His enriching Presence. My prayers must be of "pure gold" if He is to meet me there. There must be nothing vulgar …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year Concerning Jonathan, one of the Sicarii, that Stirred up a Sedition in Cyrene, and was a False Accuser [Of the Innocent].
1. And now did the madness of the Sicarii, like a disease, reach as far as the cities of Cyrene; for one Jonathan, a vile person, and by trade a weaver, came thither and prevailed with no small number of the poorer sort to give ear to him; he also led them into the desert, upon promising them that he would show them signs and apparitions. And as for the other Jews of Cyrene, he concealed his knavery from them, and put tricks upon them; but those of the greatest dignity among them informed Catullus, …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem How Intent the Ruler Ought to be on Meditations in the Sacred Law.
But all this is duly executed by a ruler, if, inspired by the spirit of heavenly fear and love, he meditate daily on the precepts of Sacred Writ, that the words of Divine admonition may restore in him the power of solicitude and of provident circumspection with regard to the celestial life, which familiar intercourse with men continually destroys; and that one who is drawn to oldness of life by secular society may by the aspiration of compunction be ever renewed to love of the spiritual country. …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
or, Gospel Light Fetched out of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Let us More Easily into the Glory of New Testament Truths. 'Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Isreal;--shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out hereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof.'--Ezekiel 43:10, 11 London: Printed for, and sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgate, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Work of the Holy Spirit in Prophets and Apostles.
The work of the Holy Spirit in apostles and prophets is an entirely distinctive work. He imparts to apostles and prophets an especial gift for an especial purpose. We read in 1 Cor. xii. 4, 8-11, 28, 29, R. V., "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.... For to one is given through the Spirit wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit; and to another workings …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit The Kingdom Forming
Exodus Page Leviticus Page Deuteronomy Page EXODUS I. Pictorial Device. Originate one, or omit. II. III. IV. V. 1706 B.C. to 1490 B.C., making 216 years. VI. 1. 1 to 18. Israel Delivered. 2. 19 to 34. Israel Taught at Mount Sinai. 3. 35 to 40. Israel Prepared for Worship. VII. Chapter 20.2. VIII. God Delivering a Nation. IX. 12:13: "And when I see the blood I will pass over you." 15:11. X. 1. Bondage. 2. 3. Burning Bush. 7-11. 12. 14. Red Sea. 15. 16. Manna. 20. 25 and 35. The …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible The Word
The third way to escape the wrath and curse of God, and obtain the benefit of redemption by Christ, is the diligent use of ordinances, in particular, the word, sacraments, and prayer.' I begin with the best of these ordinances. The word . . . which effectually worketh in you that believe.' 1 Thess 2:13. What is meant by the word's working effectually? The word of God is said to work effectually when it has the good effect upon us for which it was appointed by God; when it works powerful illumination …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity An Advance Step in the Royal Programme
(Revelation, Chapters iv. and v.) "We are watching, we are waiting, For the bright prophetic day; When the shadows, weary shadows, From the world shall roll away. "We are watching, we are waiting, For the star that brings the day; When the night of sin shall vanish, And the shadows melt away. "We are watching, we are waiting, For the beauteous King of day; For the chiefest of ten thousand, For the Light, the Truth, the Way. "We are waiting for the morning, When the beauteous day is dawning, We are …
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 25:34 NIVExodus 25:34 NLTExodus 25:34 ESVExodus 25:34 NASBExodus 25:34 KJV
Exodus 25:34 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
