Numbers 8:2

“Speak to Aaron and tell him: ‘When you set up the seven lamps, they are to light the area in front of the lampstand.’”

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The LORD commands Moses to instruct Aaron on arranging the tabernacle lampstand. This occurs during the initial setup of the sanctuary furnishings before the priests begin their duties.

The words — בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ (bə·ha·ʿă·lō·ṯə·ḵā) translates literally to "when you lift up" or "when you set up," and הַנֵּרוֹת (ha·nē·rō·wṯ) means "the lamps."

The thread — The instruction to illuminate the space in front of the lampstand is first given in Exodus 25:37. The construction of the seven lamps and their supporting branches is recorded in Exodus 37:18 and 37:23.

Why it lands — The text demands exact compliance with how the sacred light is positioned and maintained. It establishes that the lampstand serves a specific functional purpose: directing light forward toward the entrance of the holy space.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

דַּבֵּר֙da.Berspeak אֶֽל־'el-to אַהֲרֹ֔ן'a.ha.RonAaron וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ve./'a.mar.Taand/ you will say אֵלָ֑יו'e.La/vto/ him בְּהַעֲלֹֽתְךָ֙be./ha.'a.lo.te./Khawhen/ lifting up/ you אֶת־'et-<obj.>הַנֵּרֹ֔תha./ne.Rotthe/ lamps אֶל־'el-to מוּל֙mul[the] front of פְּנֵ֣יpe.Nei[the] face of הַמְּנוֹרָ֔הha./me.no.Rahthe/ lampstand יָאִ֖ירוּya.'I.ruthey will give light שִׁבְעַ֥תshiv.'At[the] seven הַנֵּרֽוֹת׃ha./ne.Rotthe/ lamps

King James Version

Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick.

Cross-references

Exodus 25:37 Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it.
Exodus 37:18 Six branches extended from the sides, three on one side and three on the other.
Exodus 37:23 He also made its seven lamps, its wick trimmers, and trays of pure gold.
Exodus 40:25 and set up the lamps before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.
Leviticus 24:1 Then the LORD said to Moses,
Leviticus 24:4 He shall tend the lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD continually.
Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalms 119:130 The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple.
Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
John 1:9 The true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

People named

Aaron