Lamps and Levites: Emphasis on the tabernacle continues in this narrative flashback section (7:1–10:10). The community prepares to depart in a kind of promise and fulfillment motif. The concluding note of chapter 7 on the Most Holy Place leads to a comment on the lamps in the sanctuary.

8:1–4  Further revelation comes through Moses to Aaron concerning the lamps and lampstand. These verses refer to the instructions in Exodus 25:31–40 and 37:17–24. The seven lamps are to be set up so they will light the area in front of the lampstand. Apparently the concern, working from Exodus 40:22–25, is that the lamps illumine the table holding the bread of the presence. Verse 3 provides the new information, on Aaron’s obedience, and so is the center of this passage. Aaron did just as the LORD commanded M…