17 He made a Lampstand of pure hammered gold, making its stem and branches, cups, calyxes, and petals all of one piece. 18 It had six branches, three from one side and three from the other; 19 three cups shaped like almond blossoms with calyxes and petals on one branch, three on the next, and so on - the same for all six branches. 20 On the main stem of the Lampstand, there were four cups shaped like almonds, with calyxes and petals, 21 a calyx extending from under each pair of the six branches. 22 The entire Lampstand with its calyxes and stems was fashioned from one piece of hammered pure gold. 23 He made seven of these lamps with their candle snuffers, all out of pure gold. 24 He used a seventy-five-pound brick of pure gold to make the Lampstand and its accessories.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 37:17-24
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.