Exodus 37:21 - and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, for the six branches going out of it.

Generated Verse: Exodus 37:21

What does "Exodus 37:21" mean?


This verse is describing the construction of the golden lampstand (menorah) made by Bezalel for the Tabernacle, as instructed by God in the Book of Exodus. It's a very specific, technical description of how the branches were connected to the central shaft of the lampstand. Let's break it down:

"and a bud under two branches of one piece with it...": This phrase is repeated three times. This indicates that there were three sets of pairs of branches (totaling six branches) extending outwards from the central shaft.
"a bud under two branches...": "Bud" here refers to a decorative element or a connecting point. It indicates that each pair of branches was joined to the central shaft under a decorative feature resembling a bud. This "bud" wasn't a separate piece but was integral to the lampstand's structure.
"...of one piece with it...": This is crucial. It emphasizes that each "bud" and the pair of branches springing from it were not separate components that were later attached. Instead, they were all part of a single, solid piece of gold. The entire section – the central shaft, the bud, and the two branches – was hammered or cast from a single piece of gold, meaning there were no joints or seams in those sections.
"for the six branches going out of it": This clarifies that the three "bud and two branch" configurations account for all six branches of the lampstand, excluding the central shaft itself.

In simpler terms:

The lampstand had a central stem. Six branches extended out from this stem, three on each side. Each pair of branches was connected to the central stem via a decorative "bud." Crucially, each pair of branches and the "bud" were not separate pieces, but were all part of a single, continuous piece of gold that was shaped to form the branches and the bud-like connector. This makes the entire structure very strong and aesthetically pleasing.

Significance:

The verse highlights the meticulous and expensive nature of the lampstand's construction. The "one piece" construction required great skill and a large quantity of gold, emphasizing the importance of the lampstand as a holy artifact. The repetition also emphasizes the structured and balanced design of the lampstand. The lampstand served as a symbol of divine light and presence within the Tabernacle.

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