Exodus 25:37 - Exposition

The seven lamps . The lamps are not described. They appear by the representation on the Arch of Titus to have been hemispherical bowls on a stand, which fitted into the lily-blossom wherewith each of the seven branches terminated. They shall light the lamps . The lamps were lighted every evening at sunset ( Exodus 27:21 ; Exodus 30:8 ; Le Exodus 24:3 , etc.), and burnt till morning, when the High Priest extinguished them and "dressed" them ( Exodus 30:7 ). That they may give light over against it . The candlestick was placed on the southern side of the holy place, parallel to the wall, the seven lamps forming a row. The light was consequently shed strongly on the opposite, or northern wall, where the table of show-bread stood.