Connect the lampstand's design in Exodus 37:18 to Jesus as the Light of the World. Lighting Up the Ancient Tabernacle Exodus 37 records the crafting of the gold lampstand for the Holy Place. Verse 18 pinpoints its symmetry: “Six branches extended from its sides—three branches of the lampstand from one side and three branches from the other.” (Exodus 37:18) Observing the Lampstand’s Details • One central shaft with six side branches—making seven lights in total • Cups shaped “like almond blossoms,” each with a bud and flower (v. 19) • Pure, hammered gold (v. 17) • Continuous burning, tended morning and evening (Exodus 27:20-21) Foreshadowing the Coming Light • Sevenfold light – Scripture often links seven with completeness; Jesus perfectly reveals the Father (Colossians 1:19). • Central stem – One source supports every branch; Christ is the true vine, believers the branches (John 15:5). • Almond blossoms – The almond is earliest to bloom, signaling new life; Jesus is firstfruits of resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20). • Pure gold – Incorruptible, reflecting glory; Jesus is “holy, innocent, undefiled” (Hebrews 7:26). • Continual flame – Unceasing witness; Jesus is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus Declares His Fulfillment • “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) • “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” (John 9:5) • In Revelation 1:12-13 John sees “seven golden lampstands” and “One like a son of man” among them—Jesus present amid His churches, the living fulfillment of the tabernacle light. Living in His Light Today • The historical lampstand lit one room; Jesus illuminates all who trust Him. • As priests tended the lamp daily, believers maintain fellowship through Word and obedience (Psalm 119:105; 1 John 1:7). • The lamp’s solid gold spoke of worth; walking in Christ’s light displays His value to a darkened world (Matthew 5:14-16). |
    |