In biblical times, the candlestick, also known as a lampstand, was an essential piece of household furniture, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. The candlestick provided light in homes, temples, and other settings, illuminating spaces during the hours of darkness. Its significance extends beyond mere functionality, as it often symbolizes divine presence, guidance, and the light of God's truth.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The candlestick is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, the most notable reference is the golden lampstand in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. This lampstand, described in Exodus 25:31-40, was crafted from pure gold and featured a central shaft with six branches, making a total of seven lamps. It was placed in the Holy Place, opposite the table of showbread, and was to be kept burning continually as a symbol of God's eternal presence among His people.

The Berean Standard Bible describes the construction of the lampstand: "Then you are to make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand and its base and shaft are to be made of hammered gold; its cups, buds, and petals shall be of one piece" (Exodus 25:31). This intricate design underscores the lampstand's sacred role and the care with which it was to be made and maintained.

In the New Testament, the imagery of the candlestick is used symbolically in the Book of Revelation. The seven golden lampstands represent the seven churches to which John writes, as seen in Revelation 1:20: "The mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches" . Here, the lampstands symbolize the churches' role as bearers of God's light in the world.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the candlestick was a common household item, used to hold oil lamps that provided light for daily activities. The design and materials of candlesticks varied, with wealthier households possessing more ornate versions. The use of oil lamps, typically fueled by olive oil, was widespread, and the candlestick served as a practical means to elevate the lamp, maximizing its light.

The presence of a candlestick in a home or temple was not merely for illumination but also carried a deeper spiritual meaning. Light, in biblical symbolism, often represents knowledge, purity, and divine revelation. Thus, the candlestick, as a source of light, was a reminder of God's truth and guidance.

Theological Implications

The candlestick's role in the Tabernacle and Temple highlights its theological significance. It was a constant reminder of God's covenant with Israel and His desire to dwell among His people. The perpetual light of the lampstand symbolized God's unending presence and the call for His people to walk in His light.

In Christian theology, the candlestick continues to hold symbolic meaning. Jesus Christ is often referred to as the "light of the world" (John 8:12), and believers are called to reflect His light in their lives. The imagery of the candlestick in Revelation emphasizes the church's mission to shine forth God's truth and love in a darkened world.

Overall, the candlestick, as a part of household furniture, transcends its practical use, embodying profound spiritual truths and serving as a powerful symbol of God's enduring presence and the call to live in His light.2 Kings 4:10
Let us make a little chamber, I pray you, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he comes to us, that he shall turn in thither.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Lamps and Bushels
... bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?'"Mark 4:21. ... visible. All is part
of the nightly routine of every Jewish household. Jesus ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/lamps and bushels.htm

part ii
... Trinity, to converse daily with God in prayer, to take part in the ... masquerades; if
you provide yourself with expensive plate, china, furniture, costly equipages ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Scriptural Types.
... their own behalf and that of their household in whatever ... with its altar of incense,
its golden candlestick, and its ... way of access to God on the part of sinners ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

The Lamp and the Bushel
... under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it ... of life, your self-indulgence in household
arrangements, and ... fully illumined by Christ, having no part dark"and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the lamp and the bushel.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... Every part of the building, including the foundation, its altar, its courts, the ...
4. All the foundation, the superstructure, the furniture, must be according to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The inscription appears to give the name of a goddess, Agana- Zaphon, the
second part of which recalls the name of Baal- Zephon. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... They do not understand that they are part of His body though indeed they ... therefore
that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give none ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

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

Candlestick: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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