What is the significance of the "six branches" in Exodus 37:18? text of Exodus 37:18 “Six branches extended from the sides of the lampstand—three branches from one side and three from the other.” why six branches were made • Moses’ craftsmen followed the exact pattern God had shown (Exodus 25:31-32). • The lampstand was for the Holy Place, the room just outside the Most Holy Place, illuminating the bread of the Presence and the priestly ministry (Exodus 26:35). • Six branches, plus the central shaft, provided seven lamps—God’s chosen number for fullness. biblical symbolism of six • Day six of creation: humankind was fashioned on this day (Genesis 1:26-31). • Six often pictures human labor that still needs God’s rest and completion on the seventh day (Exodus 20:9-10). • The six side branches therefore hint at humanity’s dependence on the central, God-given source of light. sevenfold lampstand: center shaft plus six branches • Central shaft = the “seventh” light, making the lampstand complete. • Seven speaks of wholeness and perfection (Genesis 2:2-3; Revelation 1:4). • The side branches gain light only from their union with the middle stem; without it they cannot burn. prophetic portrait of messiah and his people • Isaiah 11:1-2: “A shoot will spring from the stump of Jesse… the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him.” • John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches.” • Romans 11:17 pictures believers as grafted branches. • The six branches foreshadow redeemed people, created on day six, drawing life and light from Christ, the true central “Branch” (Jeremiah 23:5). a picture of service and unity • Priests tended all seven lamps every morning and evening (Exodus 27:20-21), signifying continual ministry. • Revelation 1:12-13, 20 shows seven lampstands representing the churches, shining together yet upheld by Christ in their midst. • The design stresses shared mission: separate arms, one piece of pure gold (Exodus 25:36). living out the truth today • Christ is the unending source; believers radiate His light (John 8:12; Matthew 5:14-16). • Human effort (day six) finds purpose only when joined to the divine center. • Together, the people of God form a single, Spirit-filled testimony—distinct lives, one unified witness. |
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