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.
Original Language Analysis
וְזֶ֨ה
H2088
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֤ה
And this work
H4639
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֤ה
And this work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
2 of 21
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
מִקְשָׁ֣ה
thereof was beaten work
H4749
מִקְשָׁ֣ה
thereof was beaten work
Strong's:
H4749
Word #:
4 of 21
rounded work, i.e., moulded by hammering (repousse)
זָהָ֔ב
gold
H2091
זָהָ֔ב
gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
5 of 21
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
6 of 21
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
יְרֵכָ֥הּ
unto the shaft
H3409
יְרֵכָ֥הּ
unto the shaft
Strong's:
H3409
Word #:
7 of 21
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
8 of 21
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
פִּרְחָ֖הּ
thereof unto the flowers
H6525
פִּרְחָ֖הּ
thereof unto the flowers
Strong's:
H6525
Word #:
9 of 21
a calyx (natural or artificial); generally, bloom
מִקְשָׁ֣ה
thereof was beaten work
H4749
מִקְשָׁ֣ה
thereof was beaten work
Strong's:
H4749
Word #:
10 of 21
rounded work, i.e., moulded by hammering (repousse)
הִ֑וא
H1931
הִ֑וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
11 of 21
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
כַּמַּרְאֶ֗ה
according unto the pattern
H4758
כַּמַּרְאֶ֗ה
according unto the pattern
Strong's:
H4758
Word #:
12 of 21
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֶרְאָ֤ה
had shewed
H7200
הֶרְאָ֤ה
had shewed
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
14 of 21
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יְהוָה֙
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כֵּ֥ן
H3651
כֵּ֥ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
18 of 21
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עָשָׂ֖ה
so he made
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
so he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
19 of 21
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
The pattern shown to Moses on Mount Sinai revealed heavenly realities. Hebrews later explains that the earthly tabernacle was a copy and shadow of heavenly things. The careful adherence to pattern meant that Israel's worship corresponded to eternal realities, not merely human religious impulses.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the heavenly pattern inform our understanding of worship's significance?
- What dangers arise when worship is designed according to human preference rather than divine revelation?
- In what ways does New Testament worship fulfill the patterns revealed in the Old Testament?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The detailed description of the lampstand's craftsmanship—pure gold, hammered work, exact replication of the pattern shown to Moses—emphasizes that worship must follow divine revelation. The lampstand wasn't designed by human artistry but according to heavenly pattern. This teaches that true worship conforms to what God has shown us in His word, not what seems beautiful or meaningful to us. The Reformed doctrine of sola scriptura applies to worship—Scripture alone determines how we worship.