The Lampstand

(Exodus 37:17–24, Numbers 8:1–4)

Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals.

32 

Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand — three on one side and three on the other 33 There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand.

34 

And on the lampstand there shall be four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals. 35 For the six branches that extend from the lampstand, a bud must be under the first pair of branches a bud under the second pair and a bud under the third pair. 36 The buds and branches are to be all of one piece [with the lampstand], hammered out of pure gold.

37 

Make seven lamps and set them up on [the lampstand] so that [they] illuminate the area in front of it. 38 The wick trimmers and their trays must be of pure gold. 39 [The lampstand] and all these utensils shall be made from a talent of pure gold.[fn]

40 

See to it that you make [everything] according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.[fn][’’] 26