What is the meaning of Exodus 37:20? And on the lampstand • The lampstand (menorah) crafted by Bezalel (Exodus 37:17-24) stood in the Holy Place, giving continual light before the veil. • Exodus 25:31-40 provides God’s exact pattern; Hebrews 8:5 reminds us these earthly items copy heavenly realities. • Zechariah 4:2-6 links the lampstand to the Spirit’s empowering, while Revelation 1:12-13 pictures Christ among seven golden lampstands, affirming the continuity of this symbol. • By recording the detail “on the lampstand,” Scripture underscores that every part, even its ornamentation, belongs to God’s deliberate design and not human embellishment. were four cups • The number four often signals completeness toward the earth (e.g., Revelation 7:1, “four corners of the earth”). • Here the four decorative cups visually balance the lampstand’s six branches plus central stem (Exodus 25:32-33). • Each cup held oil to feed its corresponding flame, illustrating how God supplies all that He commands (Philippians 4:19). • Literally counting these cups assures us the tabernacle furniture was no vague symbol but a real, measurable object fulfilling God’s exact word. shaped like almond blossoms • Almond trees are the first to bloom in Israel’s spring, signaling new life; Jeremiah 1:11-12 uses the almond branch to stress God’s watchfulness and prompt fulfillment of His word. • By choosing the almond blossom, the Lord linked the lampstand’s light to themes of awakening and vigilance (Romans 13:11-12). • The blossoms were not merely carved designs; they proclaimed that God’s dwelling among His people brings fresh life and hope every day (Psalm 36:9, “in Your light we see light”). with buds and petals • Buds show potential; petals display maturity. Together they present a continuous cycle of growth—echoing Psalm 1:3 where the righteous “yield fruit in season.” • This mix of stages on one piece hints at the ongoing work of sanctification: the Spirit brings both budding beginnings and blossoming fruition (Philippians 1:6). • Every detail—buds, petals, cups—was hammered from one piece of pure gold (Exodus 37:22), portraying unity in diversity within the covenant people (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). • The artistry testifies to God’s beauty (Psalm 27:4) and His expectation that our worship reflect His excellence. summary Exodus 37:20 records that “And on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals”. The Spirit-inspired craftsmanship teaches that God designs worship down to the smallest detail, provides complete and sufficient supply, awakens His people to new life, and grows them from bud to full bloom—all illuminated by His unchanging light. |
    |