17 And he maketh the candlestick of pure gold; of beaten work he hath made the candlestick, its base, and its branch, its calyxes, its knops, and its flowers, have been of the same; 18 and six branches are coming out of its sides, three branches of the candlestick out of its one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of its second side; 19 three calyxes, made like almonds, in the one branch, a knop and a flower; and three calyxes, made like almonds, in another branch, a knop and a flower; so to the six branches which are coming out of the candlestick. 20 And in the candlestick 'are' four calyxes, made like almonds, its knops, and its flowers, 21 and a knop under the two branches of the same, and a knop under the two branches of the same, and a knop under the two branches of the same, 'are' to the six branches which are coming out of it; 22 their knops and their branches have been of the same; all of it one beaten work of pure gold. 23 And he maketh its seven lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuff-dishes, of pure gold; 24 of a talent of pure gold he hath made it, and all its vessels.

25 And he maketh the perfume-altar of shittim wood; a cubit its length, and a cubit its breadth (square), and two cubits its height; its horns have been 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.