Exodus 37:10 - Meaning and Application

Here we have, first, the making of the table on which the showbread was to be kept before the Lord at all times. God is like a good householder who always keeps a full table. If the world is his tent, then his providence, his careful rule over all things, spreads a table for every creature. He provides food for all living things. If the church is his tent, then his grace spreads a table for all believers, filled with the bread of life.

But we should notice how much the gospel arrangement is greater than the law’s. Under the law, there was a table with bread on it, but it was only showbread, bread to be looked at, not eaten while it was on the table. Afterward, only the priests could eat it. At Christ’s table in the new covenant, all true Christians are invited guests, and they hear, “Eat, friends; come, eat of my bread.” What the law gave only as a distant sight, the gospel gives as real enjoyment and a warm welcome.

Second, there is the making of the lampstand, which was not made of wood covered with gold, but entirely of pure beaten gold (Exodus 37:17, Exodus 37:22). This pointed to the light of God’s truth by which his church on earth, his tent among people, has always been enlightened. That light is kept fresh by Christ, the good olive tree, from whom fresh oil comes (Zechariah 4:2, Zechariah 4:3).

God’s self-revelation in this world is only like candlelight when compared with the daylight of the future life. The Bible is like a golden lampstand, pure and precious (Psalm 19:10). From it light spreads to every part of God’s tent, so his spiritual priests can see how to serve the Lord and carry out the duties of his sanctuary.

This lampstand had not only bowls for use, but also knobs and flowers for beauty. There are many things with which God chose to adorn his word, and we cannot explain all of them, any more than we can explain the reason for these knobs and flowers. Still, we can be sure they were added for a good purpose. Let us thank God for this lampstand, keep our eyes on it at all times, and fear the loss of its place among us.