17 Then he made the support for the lights, all of the best gold; its base and its pillar were of hammered gold; its cups and buds and flowers were all made out of the same metal: 18 It had six branches coming out from its sides, three from one side and three from the other; 19 Every branch having three cups made like almond flowers, every cup with a bud and a flower on all the branches; 20 And on its pillar, four cups like almond flowers, every one with its bud and its flower; 21 And under every two branches a bud, made with the branch, for all six branches of it. 22 The buds and the branches were made of the same metal, all together one complete work of the best hammered gold. 23 And he made the seven vessels for the lights, and all the necessary instruments for it, of gold. 24 A talent of the best gold was used for the making of it and its vessels.
25 And he made the altar for the burning of spices, using the same hard wood; it was square, a cubit long and a cubit wide and two cubits high; the horns made of the same.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 37:17-25
Chapter Contents
The making of the ark, and the furniture of the tabernacle.
In the furniture of the tabernacle were emblems of a spiritual and acceptable service. The incense represented the prayers of the saints. The sacrifice of the alter represented the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. The golden pot with manna, or bread from heaven, the flesh of Jesus Christ, which he gave for the life of the world. The candlestick, with its lights, the teaching and enlightening of the Holy Spirit. The shew-bread represented that provision for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, which the gospel, the ordinances and the sacraments of the house of prayer, abundantly bestow. The exactness of the workmen to their rule, should be followed by us; seeking for the influences of the Holy Spirit, that we may rejoice in and glorify God while in this world, and at length be with him for ever.