37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.

38 And the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold.

39 Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels.

40 And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

The lamps mentioned in verse 37 were the top cup on each staff of the menorah. Once the design of the tabernacle and later temple were revealed, the necessity of this light would become apparent, as the holy place would be closed off, without any windows or direct sunlight.

Then there were the tongs and snuffdishes, which are assumed to be related to the care and maintenance of the lamps, perhaps to trim and collect the burned portions of the wick.

None of today’s items are described in detail, though verse 40 suggests that Moses was shown an appearance of them, which would allow him to relate their design afterwards. We are told, however, that they were all to be made from a talent of pure gold, which was the largest unit of measurement among the ancient Israelites. Thus, these instruments were to be made of a full measure, signifying a completeness and wholeness in their design.