Topical Encyclopedia In biblical symbolism, the candlestick, or lampstand, holds significant meaning, particularly in its association with Christ. The imagery of the candlestick is primarily drawn from the Old Testament, where it is first introduced in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple, as a vital element of worship. This imagery is further expanded in the New Testament, where it is used to represent Christ and His role as the light of the world.Old Testament Background The concept of the candlestick originates in the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 25:31-40, God commands the creation of a golden lampstand, or menorah, with seven branches. This lampstand was to be placed in the Holy Place, providing light and symbolizing God's presence among His people. The menorah was crafted from a single piece of pure gold, signifying purity and divine perfection. Christ as the Light In the New Testament, the symbolism of the candlestick is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. In John 8:12 , Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." Here, Christ identifies Himself as the true light, surpassing the symbolic light of the Old Testament lampstand. This declaration emphasizes His divine nature and His role in illuminating the spiritual darkness of the world. The Seven Golden Lampstands The Book of Revelation further develops the imagery of the candlestick in relation to Christ. In Revelation 1:12-13 , the apostle John describes a vision of "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 seven lampstands represent the seven churches, and Christ is depicted as walking among them, signifying His presence and authority over the Church. In Revelation 2:1 , Christ is described as "the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands." This imagery underscores His intimate relationship with the Church and His role as its guiding light. The lampstands, therefore, serve as a metaphor for the Church's mission to reflect Christ's light in the world. The Church as Light Bearers The association of the candlestick with Christ extends to the Church, which is called to be a bearer of His light. In Matthew 5:14-16 , Jesus instructs His followers, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This passage highlights the responsibility of believers to reflect Christ's light through their actions and witness. The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a living candlestick, illuminating the truth of the Gospel and drawing others to the light of Christ. Conclusion The candlestick, as a symbol, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true light of the world. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He dispels the darkness of sin and offers the light of salvation to all who believe. The Church, as His representative on earth, is tasked with carrying this light, shining brightly in a world in need of His truth and grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Zechariah 4:2And said to me, What see you? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl on the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are on the top thereof: Torrey's Topical Textbook John 8:12 Hebrews 9:2 Library On the Church of God and of Christ: or on the Church in General ... The Parable of the Sower. --Christ's Explanation of the Parable to ... Letter ccviii. (AD 423. ) A Message from the Crowned Christ Christ's Reprehension of the Pharisees Seeking a Sign his Censure ... A Sight of the Crowned Christ The Tears of Christ. Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken? Christ Teaching by Parables The Church of Christ Resources What are the seven candlesticks / lampstands of Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgCandlestick: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Candlestick for the Tabernacle: After a Divine Pattern Candlestick for the Tabernacle: Called the Lamp of God Candlestick for the Tabernacle: Called the Pure Candlestick Candlestick for the Tabernacle: Directions for Removing Candlestick for the Tabernacle: Form of Candlestick for the Tabernacle: had Snuffers of Gold Candlestick for the Tabernacle: Held Seven Golden Lamps Candlestick for the Tabernacle: Lighted by Priests Candlestick for the Tabernacle: Lighted With Olive Oil Candlestick for the Tabernacle: Placed in the Outer Sanctuary Over Against the Table Candlestick for the Tabernacle: Weighed a Talent of Gold Candlestick of the Tabernacle: Burned Every Night Candlestick of the Tabernacle: Called the Lamp of God Candlestick of the Tabernacle: Carried by Kohathites Candlestick of the Tabernacle: Furniture of Candlestick of the Tabernacle: Made After Divine Pattern Candlestick of the Tabernacle: Place of Candlestick of the Tabernacle: Trimmed Every Morning Candlestick of the Temple of Gold Candlestick of the Temple: Taken With Other Spoils to Babylon Candlestick of the Temple: Ten Branches of Candlestick used for Holding: Candles or Torches Candlestick used for Holding: Lamps Candlestick: A Part of Household Furniture Related Terms Almond-blossoms (4 Occurrences) Over-against (156 Occurrences) |
    |