Exodus 40:24
And he put the candlestick in the tent of the congregation, over against the table, on the side of the tabernacle southward.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם
And he put
H7760
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם
And he put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
1 of 11
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tent
H168
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tent
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
4 of 11
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
נֹ֖כַח
over against
H5227
נֹ֖כַח
over against
Strong's:
H5227
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, the front part; used adverbially (especially with preposition), opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֑ן
the table
H7979
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֑ן
the table
Strong's:
H7979
Word #:
7 of 11
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
עַ֛ל
H5921
עַ֛ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יֶ֥רֶךְ
on the side
H3409
יֶ֥רֶךְ
on the side
Strong's:
H3409
Word #:
9 of 11
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
Historical Context
The lampstand's south side position (Exodus 26:35) meant it faced the table across the Holy Place. The priest entering saw bread on his right (north), lampstand on left (south), incense altar straight ahead (west, before the veil). This symmetrical design created visual beauty and functional balance.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the balanced placement (provision opposite illumination) teach about the church's dual ministry feeding and enlightening?
- How do table and lampstand together illustrate Christ as both Bread (sustenance) and Light (understanding)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The lampstand 'over against the table on the side of the tabernacle southward' creates balanced symmetry—provision (north) opposite illumination (south). This spatial relationship teaches that God's people need both spiritual nourishment (bread/Christ as sustenance) and spiritual insight (light/Christ as illumination). The phrase 'over against' (נֹכַח, nokach, opposite/facing) indicates intentional design, not random placement. The Holy Place's ordered layout prefigures the church's balanced ministry—feeding and enlightening believers through Word and Spirit.