When thou lightest the lamps, &c.— Houbigant thinks that the stress here is to be laid upon the word seven; and that the meaning is, "when thou lightest the lamps of the candlestick, take care that all the seven lamps be lighted, and that none of them be omitted." Others, however, instead of over against the candlestick in this and the following verse, would read, on all sides of the candlestick. But the Hebrew פני אלאּמול el mul peni, seems to refer to the lights (the lights at the extremity of the candlestick,) and so to confirm Houbigant's opinion.
REFLECTIONS.—The candlestick being prepared, the lamps are ordered to be lighted. Aaron first is employed, though afterwards the priest in waiting performed the service. The fire was taken from the altar, and the lamps were lighted therewith; nor had the tabernacle any other light, but from this candlestick. Note; Christ is the only Light of the world; and if ever we shine, it must be by the sacred fire which his Spirit kindles in us. The use of the lamp was, that they might see to do the work of the tabernacle. Ministers must first have their own spirits lighted up, as the lamp of the Lord, before they can minister acceptably to God, or profitably to men. How shall they who are in darkness themselves, lead others to the light?