EXODUS –LESSON 45
LEARN: John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Read: Exodus 25:31-40
NOTE: Though the Holy of Holies was always dark, unless when lighted by the glory of God, the Holy Place, in which many of the priest’s functions were to be performed, was always to be kept light. In the day-time sufficient light entered from the porch in front; but as evening drew on, some artificial light was required. PULPIT COMMENTARY, THE BOOK OF EXODUS, p. 258
1.What did the LORD command to be made to provide the required light in the Holy Place? vv 31a, 37
2. What are two particular requirements that you notice about the candlestick or lamp stand mentioned in verse 31? What do these specific instructions indicate?
3. There is a golden candlestick figured on the Arch of Titus in Rome, supposed to be a representation of the candlestick carried out of the Temple when it was destroyed in 70 A.D. It stands there on an octagonal pedestal, ornamented with figures of birds and sea monsters. How do we know from this description that the candlestick pictured was not taken from the Temple in Jerusalem? vv 31-37
4. Review a picture that is a correct representation of the golden candlestick to get an understanding of the description of it which is given in these verses.
5. This candlestick brought light to the darkness, and so portrays the Light of God shining in this dark world. How many lamps were fashioned on the candlestick? v 37
6. The source of the light which came from the candlestick resulted from the burning of oil. Use Exodus 27:20, 21 to answer the following: What was the composition of the oil?
When was the lamp to burn?
Where was the lamp to burn?
Who was to keep the lamp burning?
How long was the lamp to be kept burning?
7. What is the significance of “seven” lamps? Revelation 4:5; Revelation 3:1; Isaiah 11:1, 2
8. We see then that the candlestick was made of “pure” gold, and the light that burned in that candlestick was produced by “pure” oil. The seven lamps of the candlestick represented the seven Spirits of God before the throne. How does John 1:4, and the declaration that Jesus made concerning himself in John 8:12, help us understand what the significance of the candlestick that God had ordered, was to mean to the children of Israel when they came the tabernacle to come to worship.
9. Find Scripture that speaks of Jesus or God or the Spirit being our light.
10. Find Scripture that speaks of the ways in which the Light of God enlightens his children.
11. Find Scripture that speaks of the believer’s responsibility to share the “light” that we have received through Jesus with those around us.
12. According to verse 37, the candlestick was to specifically illuminate the opposite side of the Holy Place. What was set over against that side and so was illuminated by the light of the candlestick? v 30
13. What articles were to be made to accompany the candlestick and augment its use? v 38
NOTE: The tongs or pincers were required for trimming the wicks of the lamps. Snuff-dishes were needed for the reception of the fragments removed from the wicks by the tongs. PULPIT COMMENTARY THE BOOK OF EXODUS p 258
14. What was the EXACT amount of gold to be used to construct the candlestick and its accompanying vessels? v 39
NOTE: A talent was a weight of measure used to weigh precious metals, varying in size from about 58-80 lbs. The cost of gold on April 23, 2015 is $1,500/oz. If using 80 pounds for the weight of a talent, In today’s money the cost of the gold for the golden candlestick would be 41, 920,000.00.
15. What was the LORD’s reminder to Moses after being given the directions for the candlestick? v 40Read: Exodus 26:1-14
16. The tabernacle itself was to be composed of ______________inside curtains. v 1 These curtains would cover the wooden frame work of the tabernacle itself. What were the curtains to be made of? v 1
17. How would the curtains be brought together to make a tent or tabernacle? vv 3-6
18. Curtains were to be made to protect the tabernacle from the elements. What were these curtains made of? v 7
19. According to verse 14 there was to be a covering for the tent. The object of this covering being to protect the roof of the tent from penetration by wet. What was this covering made of? v 14
20. The walls of the tabernacle were apparently not solid, but of a trellis like construction that allowed the beauty of the linen curtains to be visible from the inside. What was this structure made from? v 15
21. What precious metal was used to hold these boards in place? v 19
22. In the making of the structure there were to be five bars on each side for stability. What were these bars made from? v v26, 29
23. What was the final instruction given to Moses concerning the setting up of the tabernacle? v 30
NOTE: Where the description was incomplete (and it could not but be incomplete in many points), Moses was to follow his recollection of the “pattern” which either in vision, or otherwise- he had seen in the mount. PULPIT COMMENTARY, THE BOOK OF EXODUS, p 263