Exodus 40:4
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְהֵֽבֵאתָ֙
And thou shalt bring
H935
וְהֵֽבֵאתָ֙
And thou shalt bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֔ן
in the table
H7979
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֔ן
in the table
Strong's:
H7979
Word #:
3 of 12
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
וְעָֽרַכְתָּ֖
and set in order
H6186
וְעָֽרַכְתָּ֖
and set in order
Strong's:
H6186
Word #:
4 of 12
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֶרְכּ֑וֹ
the things that are to be set in order
H6187
עֶרְכּ֑וֹ
the things that are to be set in order
Strong's:
H6187
Word #:
6 of 12
a pile, equipment, estimate
וְהֵֽבֵאתָ֙
And thou shalt bring
H935
וְהֵֽבֵאתָ֙
And thou shalt bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְהַֽעֲלֵיתָ֖
and light
H5927
וְהַֽעֲלֵיתָ֖
and light
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
10 of 12
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
Historical Context
The table stood on the north side of the Holy Place, the lampstand on the south (Exodus 26:35), creating symmetrical design. The showbread's weekly replacement and lamps' daily tending established rhythms of priestly service. This ordered approach to worship contrasted with pagan religions' chaotic, ecstatic practices.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'set in order' worship challenge contemporary casual or chaotic approaches to corporate worship?
- What does the table and lampstand providing nourishment and light teach about the church's sustaining ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The table and showbread 'set in order' (וְעָרַכְתָּ אֶת־עֶרְכּוֹ, ve'arakhta et-erkho, arrange its arrangement) plus the candlestick with lamps 'set up' (וְהַעֲלִיתָ, veha'alita, cause to ascend/light) establish worship order. The Hebrew עָרַךְ (arakh, to arrange) emphasizes pattern and sequence—God's worship follows design, not improvisation. The bread (provision) and light (illumination) symbolize Christ who feeds (John 6:35) and illuminates (John 8:12) His people. The command's precision teaches that New Testament worship, though not ceremonially bound, still requires biblical order (1 Corinthians 14:40).