Exodus 25:31 - Exposition

A candlestick . The golden candlestick is figured upon the Arch of Titus, and appears by that representation to have consisted of an upright shaft, from which three curved branches were carried out on either side, all of them in the same plane. It stands there on an octagonal pedestal, in two stages, ornamented with figures of birds and sea-monsters. This pedestal is, however, clearly Roman work, and no part of the original. Of beaten work . Not cast, but fashioned by the hand, like the cherubim (verse 18). His shaft . Rather, "its base" (literally "flank"). His branches . Our version follows the Septuagint; but the Hebrew noun is in the singular number, and seems to designate the upright stem, or shaft. The "branches are not mentioned till verse 32, where the same noun is used in the plural. His bowls, his knops, and his flowers . Rather, "its cups, its pomegranates, and its lilies." The "cups" are afterwards likened to almond flowers (verse 33); they formed the first ornament on each branch; above them was a representation of the pomegranate fruit; above this a lily blossom. The lily-blossoms supported the lamps, which were separate (verse 37). The remainder were of one piece with the candlestick.