And he put the candlestick in the tent of the congregation, over against the table, on the side of the tabernacle southward.

EXODUS 40:24KJV
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Exodus 40:24 (KJV)

What does Exodus 40:24 mean?

Exodus 40:24 describes how Moses placed the lampstand, or candlestick, inside the tent of meeting, positioning it across from the table and on the south side of the tabernacle. This verse gives a specific detail about the arrangement of the sacred furniture as the tabernacle was being set up.

In this passage, Moses is following God’s instructions for assembling the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary for Israel’s worship during their journey in the wilderness. The verse highlights the careful placement of the lampstand, showing the importance of order and precision in the worship space. The mention of the south side and its relation to the table helps readers picture the interior layout of the tabernacle.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 40:24

  • The word for "candlestick" is מְנוֹרָה (menorah, H4501), which refers to the seven-branched lampstand made of gold. Its placement was significant for providing light in the holy place and symbolized God’s presence.
  • The term "tent" is אֹהֶל (ohel, H168), meaning a dwelling or tent, here referring to the tent of meeting where God would meet with Moses and the people.
  • "Congregation" is מוֹעֵד (moed, H4150), often understood as "appointed meeting" or "assembly," emphasizing this was the central place for Israel’s worship and encounters with God.
  • "Southward" is נֶגֶב (negev, H5045), which means "toward the south." This detail shows the careful orientation of the tabernacle’s furnishings, which was important for ritual and symbolic reasons.

Why Exodus 40:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies the specific layout of the tabernacle’s interior, helping readers understand the physical arrangement described in Exodus.
  • The careful placement of the lampstand shows the importance of following God’s instructions exactly, reflecting a broader theme of obedience in Exodus.
  • By mentioning the relationship between the lampstand and the table, the verse connects to earlier instructions and helps visualize the sacred space where Israel worshipped.

Where else these words appear

“against” Hebrew H5227 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 25:21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
  • Judges 19:10 But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and departed, and came over against Jebus, which is Jerusalem; and there were with him two asses saddled, his concubine also was with him.
  • Proverbs 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

“candlestick” 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 8:4 And this work of the candlestick was of beaten gold, unto the shaft thereof, unto the flowers thereof, was beaten work: according unto the pattern which the LORD had shewed Moses, so he made the candlestick.

“side” Hebrew H3409 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 24:2 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:
  • Exodus 32:27 And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.
  • Judges 3:16 But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.

“table” Hebrew H7979 · used in 62 verses

  • Exodus 25:23 Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.
  • 1 Samuel 20:34 So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.
  • Job 36:16 Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.