Topical Encyclopedia The lamp-stand, often referred to as the menorah in Hebrew, is a significant and symbolic object within the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple. It is a fixture that not only provided physical light but also held deep spiritual and theological significance.Biblical Description and Construction The lamp-stand is first introduced in the Book of Exodus as part of the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle. According to Exodus 25:31-40, the lamp-stand was to be made of pure gold, hammered out to form a base, shaft, and branches. It was to have six branches extending from its sides, three on each side, making a total of seven lamps. The design included cups shaped like almond blossoms, with buds and flowers. The lamp-stand was to be placed in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, opposite the table of showbread, and was to be kept burning continually (Exodus 27:20-21). Symbolism and Function The lamp-stand served both a practical and symbolic function. Practically, it provided light within the Holy Place, illuminating the sacred space where the priests performed their duties. Symbolically, the lamp-stand represented the light of God’s presence and guidance. The seven lamps are often interpreted as symbolizing completeness and perfection, reflecting the divine nature of God. In Zechariah 4:1-6, the lamp-stand is used in a vision to symbolize the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that God's work is accomplished "not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit" (Zechariah 4:6). The Lamp-stand in the Temple The lamp-stand was also a prominent feature in Solomon’s Temple. According to 1 Kings 7:49, ten lamp-stands of pure gold were made for the Temple, five on the south side and five on the north. These lamp-stands continued the tradition of the Tabernacle, serving as a perpetual reminder of God’s light and presence among His people. New Testament References In the New Testament, the imagery of the lamp-stand is carried forward, particularly in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 1:12-13, John describes a vision of seven golden lamp-stands, among which stands "one like a son of man." The lamp-stands are later identified as the seven churches (Revelation 1:20), symbolizing the church's role as the light of the world, reflecting the light of Christ. Theological Implications The lamp-stand holds rich theological implications, representing the light of God’s truth and the presence of His Spirit. It serves as a reminder of the call for believers to be a light in the world, reflecting the glory and holiness of God. The continual burning of the lamps signifies the perpetual nature of God’s covenant and His unwavering presence with His people. In summary, the lamp-stand is a profound symbol within the biblical tradition, embodying the themes of light, presence, and divine guidance. Its presence in both the Tabernacle and the Temple underscores its importance in the worship and spiritual life of Israel, and its imagery continues to resonate in the Christian understanding of the church's mission and identity. Greek 3087. luchnia -- a lampstand ... luchnia Phonetic Spelling: (lookh-nee'-ah) Short Definition: a lamp-stand Definition: a lamp-stand. Word Origin from luchnos Definition a lampstand NASB Word ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3087.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4501. menorah -- a lampstand... 4500, 4501. menorah or menorah. 4502 . a lampstand. Transliteration: menorah or menorah Phonetic Spelling: (men-o-raw') Short Definition: lampstand. ... /hebrew/4501.htm - 6k 5043. nebrashta -- the candlestick Library The Golden Lampstand The Copies of Things in the Heavens The Seven Assemblies as a Whole (I. 11). Lamps and Bushels The "Demonstrations" of Aphrahat. The Altar of Incense Book iv. --Of Marcion's Antitheses. Expositions of Holy Scripture Introduction. Numbers Thesaurus Lampstand (38 Occurrences)... LAMP; LAMPSTAND. lamp'-stand (nir, ner, lappidh, Phoenician lampadh, whence lampas; luchnos is also used): Ner or nir is properly "light" or "a light-giving ... /l/lampstand.htm - 24k Lamp-stand (17 Occurrences) Blossoms (16 Occurrences) Cups (28 Occurrences) Buds (20 Occurrences) Bulbs (6 Occurrences) Capitals (21 Occurrences) Flowers (42 Occurrences) Flower (33 Occurrences) Lamps (45 Occurrences) Resources Who were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that believers are to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16)? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that “the smoking flax He will not quench” in Matthew 12:20? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Lamp-stand (17 Occurrences)Matthew 5:15 Mark 4:21 Luke 8:16 Luke 11:33 Hebrews 9:2 Revelation 2:5 Exodus 25:31 Exodus 25:32 Exodus 25:33 Exodus 25:34 Exodus 25:35 Exodus 26:35 Exodus 30:27 Exodus 31:8 Exodus 35:14 Zechariah 4:2 Zechariah 4:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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