Exodus 25:34
And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers.
Original Language Analysis
מְשֻׁקָּדִ֔ים
made like unto almonds
H8246
מְשֻׁקָּדִ֔ים
made like unto almonds
Strong's:
H8246
Word #:
4 of 6
to be (intensively, make) almond-shaped
Historical Context
The central shaft stood tallest and bore the middle lamp, with three branches extending from each side. Its four sets of decorations (versus three on each branch) distinguished it as primary, the source from which the branches drew their form and function.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the central shaft's preeminence illustrate Christ's role as the source of light?
- In what ways do you 'branch from' Christ rather than generate your own light?
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Analysis & Commentary
The central shaft contains four bowls, four knops, four flowers—more than the branches (which have three each). The central shaft, bearing the most ornamentation, represents Christ Himself, while the branches represent His people deriving light from Him. The shaft's greater complexity shows Christ's preeminence—He is the source of light; we merely reflect it. 'In Him was life, and the life was the light of men' (John 1:4).