Numbers 8:2 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

When thou lightest the lamps — The priests lighted the middle lamp from the fire of the altar; and the rest one from another; signifying that all light and knowledge comes from Christ, who has the seven spirits of God, figured by the seven lamps of fire. Over against the candlestick — On that part which is before the candlestick, Heb. over against the face of the candlestick — That is, in that place towards which the candlestick looked, or where the candlestick stood in full view, that is, upon the north — side, where the table of shew — bread stood, as appears from hence, because the candlestick stood close to the boards of the sanctuary on the south — side, Exodus 26:35. And thus the lights were on both sides of the sanctuary, which was necessary, because it was dark in itself, and had no window.