And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof.

EXODUS 40:4KJV
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Exodus 40:4 (KJV)

What does Exodus 40:4 mean?

Exodus 40:4 describes God’s instructions to Moses about setting up the tabernacle: Moses is to bring in the table, arrange its items properly, bring in the lampstand, and light its lamps. This verse focuses on preparing the main furnishings inside the sacred tent for worship.

God is speaking to Moses as the Israelites are finishing the construction of the tabernacle in the wilderness. The “table” refers to the table for the bread of the Presence, and the “candlestick” is the lampstand (menorah) that provides light. The verse shows the careful order and attention to detail required in setting up the place where God would meet with His people.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 40:4

  • “Bring” (הָבֵא, hāvē’) is used twice, emphasizing the act of physically carrying the table and lampstand into the tabernacle. This word highlights Moses’ hands-on role in preparing the space.
  • “Table” (שֻׁלְחָן, shulchan) refers specifically to the table that held the special bread, a key part of Israel’s worship.
  • “Set in order” (עָרַךְ, ‘ārakh) and “order” (עֶרֶךְ, ‘erekh) both point to arranging things carefully and in a specific way, not just placing them anywhere. This shows the importance of orderliness in the tabernacle.
  • “Candlestick” (מְנֹרָה, menorah) is the lampstand, a unique seven-branched lamp that symbolized light and presence in God’s dwelling.
  • “Light” (עָלָה, ‘alah) means to cause to go up or ascend, often used for lighting lamps so the flames rise up.
  • “Lamps” (נֵר, ner) are the individual lights on the lampstand, each needing to be lit for the tabernacle to be ready.

Why Exodus 40:4 matters

  • Exodus 40:4 clears up that the tabernacle was not just a tent but a carefully arranged space with specific furniture, each with a purpose in Israel’s worship.
  • The verse emphasizes that worship in ancient Israel involved order and preparation, not just spontaneous acts.
  • This instruction connects to the larger passage by showing Moses’ obedience and the detailed care God expected for His dwelling among the people.

Where else these words appear

“order” Hebrew H6187 · used in 29 verses

  • Exodus 40:23 And he set the bread in order upon it before the LORD; as the LORD had commanded Moses.
  • Leviticus 27:7 And if it be from sixty years old and above; if it be a male, then thy estimation shall be fifteen shekels, and for the female ten shekels.
  • Leviticus 27:23 Then the priest shall reckon unto him the worth of thy estimation, even unto the year of the jubile: and he shall give thine estimation in that day, as a holy thing unto the LORD.

“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.

“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.
  • 1 Samuel 3:3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
  • 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.

“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.