In biblical terminology, the term "candlestick" is often used to refer to a lampstand, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple. The Hebrew word "menorah" is commonly translated as "candlestick" in the Old Testament, though it more accurately refers to a lampstand that holds oil lamps rather than candles. The candlestick is a significant symbol in both the Old and New Testaments, representing light, guidance, and the presence of God.

Old Testament References

The most notable mention of the candlestick is in the construction of the Tabernacle, as detailed in the Book of Exodus. God commanded Moses to make a lampstand of pure gold for the Tabernacle. This lampstand, or menorah, was to have six branches extending from a central shaft, making a total of seven lamps. It was intricately designed with almond blossoms, buds, and flowers. The purpose of the menorah was to provide light in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle.

Exodus 25:31-32 states: "Then you are to make a lampstand of pure gold. It shall be made of hammered work—its base and shaft, its cups, its buds, and its petals. Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other."

The menorah was to be kept burning continually, symbolizing the perpetual presence of God among His people. The priests were responsible for maintaining the lamps, ensuring they were filled with pure olive oil and trimmed regularly.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the imagery of the candlestick is carried forward, particularly in the Book of Revelation. The Apostle John, in his vision on the island of Patmos, sees seven golden lampstands, which are identified as the seven churches of Asia Minor. Each lampstand represents a church, and the presence of Christ is depicted as walking among them, signifying His watchful care and authority over the churches.

Revelation 1:12-13 describes this vision: "Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest."

The lampstands in Revelation serve as a powerful metaphor for the church's role in the world. Just as the menorah provided light in the Tabernacle, the church is called to be a light in the darkness, bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel and the presence of Christ.

Symbolism and Significance

The candlestick, or lampstand, holds deep symbolic meaning throughout Scripture. It represents the light of God's truth and His presence among His people. In the Old Testament, the menorah's light illuminated the Holy Place, signifying God's guidance and revelation. In the New Testament, the lampstands symbolize the church's mission to shine forth the light of Christ in a dark world.

The continual burning of the lamps in the Tabernacle and Temple underscores the constancy of God's presence and the need for His people to remain vigilant and faithful. The imagery of the candlestick challenges believers to reflect the light of Christ in their lives, maintaining a steadfast witness in a world that often walks in darkness.

From the First Chapter.
... And what saith He? 12. "And I turned, and saw seven golden candlesticks; and in
the midst of the seven golden candlesticks one like unto the Son of man."] He ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the first chapter.htm

From the Eleventh Chapter.
... 4. "These are the two candlesticks standing before the Lord of the earth."] These
two candlesticks and two olive trees He has to this end spoken of, and ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the eleventh chapter.htm

Vision of Christ.
... angelic interpreter. The "seven golden candlesticks," symbolize "the seven
churches" (1:20), to which John was commanded to write. By ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/vision of christ.htm

A Message from the Crowned Christ
... The Patmos message in its pictured setting of candlesticks and Man of Fire and blazing
light recognized this as the one thing to be done, but says there's ...
/.../iv a message from the crowned.htm

The Revelation
... And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven
candlesticks One like unto the Son of man." Revelation 1:10-13. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 57 the revelation.htm

The Angels of the Seven Churches.
... "I saw," says he, "seven golden candlesticks, and in the midst of the seven
candlesticks one like unto the Son of Man clothed with a garment down to the foot ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the angels of.htm

The one Thing to Aim At.
... Is it any wonder the road is so full of people wandering in the night gathered
about candlesticks? Is it surprising that the ditches ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the one thing to aim.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... 1-7. The seven churches are not, themselves, seen in vision; they were
symbolized by seven golden candlesticks. Consequently, these ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

That after He had Risen Again He Should Receive from his Father ...
... And I saw seven golden candlesticks, and in the midst of the candlesticks one like
unto the Son of man, clothed with a long garment, [4099] and He was girt ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/26 that after he had.htm

The King and his Armies.
... John to "write in a book and send it unto the seven churches" of Asia (1:11), was
the One whom John saw "in the midst of the seven candlesticks, like unto the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the king and his armies.htm

Candlesticks (11 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Candlesticks (11 Occurrences). Revelation ... me. And
being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/c/candlesticks.htm - 10k

Candlestick (34 Occurrences)
... In Solomon's temple there were ten separate candlesticks of pure gold, five on the
right and five on the left of the Holy Place (1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chronicles 4:7 ...
/c/candlestick.htm - 27k

Refined (26 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:49 and the candlesticks, five on the right, and five on the left, before
the oracle, of refined gold, and the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs ...
/r/refined.htm - 14k

Sawest (20 Occurrences)
... Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my
right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven ...
/s/sawest.htm - 12k

Churches (39 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY ASV BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV). Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars
which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. ...
/c/churches.htm - 20k

Cane (11 Occurrences)

/c/cane.htm - 11k

Midst (657 Occurrences)
... Revelation 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son
of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with ...
/m/midst.htm - 37k

Golden (86 Occurrences)
... The candlesticks were now placed in front of the Holy of Holies, five on one side,
five on the other (1 Kings 7:49 2 Chronicles 4:7). Further details are not ...
/g/golden.htm - 66k

Knops (8 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV YLT). Exodus 25:34 And in the candlesticks shall be four bowls made
like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers. (KJV JPS ASV YLT). ...
/k/knops.htm - 8k

Goblets (12 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 52:19 And the basons and the censers, and the bowls, and the pots, and
the candlesticks, and the cups, and the goblets, that which was of gold in gold ...
/g/goblets.htm - 10k

What are the seven candlesticks / lampstands of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

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Questions about Revelation | GotQuestions.org

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