Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick.

1 CHRONICLES 28:15KJV
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1 Chronicles 28:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 28:15 mean?

1 Chronicles 28:15 describes how David gave detailed instructions for the weights of gold and silver to be used for the candlesticks and their lamps in the temple, specifying the exact amount for each item according to its use. This verse highlights the careful planning and organization behind the temple’s construction, ensuring that every object had a set purpose and precise materials.

David is speaking to Solomon and the leaders of Israel, giving them the plans for building the temple that Solomon will oversee. The verse emphasizes that even the smaller details, like how much gold or silver should be used for each candlestick (lampstand) and lamp, were not left to chance but were carefully measured and assigned. This shows the seriousness and reverence with which the temple was to be built, reflecting its importance as a place of worship.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 28:15

  • מְנֹרָה (menorah, H4501): This word means "candlestick" or "lampstand." In the temple, the menorah was a significant object, symbolizing light and God's presence. The verse’s focus on each menorah’s specific weight and use shows the attention to both function and symbolism.
  • נֵר (ner, H5216): This word means "lamp." The lamps were the parts of the candlesticks that actually held the oil and provided light. Mentioning the lamps separately from the candlesticks highlights that both the structure and its function were considered in the instructions.
  • מִשְׁקָל (mishqal, H4948): This word means "weight." The repeated mention of weight underlines that the materials were to be measured exactly, not estimated, showing the value placed on order and precision.
  • זָהָב (zahav, H2091) and כֶּסֶף (kesef, H3701): These are the words for "gold" and "silver." The use of these precious metals for different candlesticks and lamps points to the temple’s splendor and the honor given to God.
  • עֲבוֹדָה (avodah, H5656): This word means "use" or "service." It indicates that the design and materials of each candlestick were matched to its specific function in temple worship.

Why 1 Chronicles 28:15 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the temple was built with rough estimates or generic instructions; instead, it shows that every detail was planned with care and purpose.
  • The emphasis on exact weights and uses for each item reveals the seriousness with which worship and the temple’s service were approached in Israel’s faith.
  • In the context of David’s instructions to Solomon, this verse highlights the importance of following God’s guidance closely, not just in big things but in every detail of worship and service.

Where else these words appear

“candlesticks” Hebrew H4501 · used in 31 verses

  • Exodus 25:31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
  • Exodus 37:18 And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof:
  • Numbers 8:3 And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.

“weight” Hebrew H4948 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 24:22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;
  • Numbers 7:67 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • 1 Chronicles 22:14 Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.

“lamps” Hebrew H5216 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 25:37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.
  • Numbers 8:3 And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • Job 21:17 How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger.

“use” Hebrew H5656 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:24 These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.