The candlestick, often referred to as the "Lamp of God," holds significant importance in the religious and ceremonial life of ancient Israel as described in the Old Testament. This sacred object, also known as the menorah, was a vital component of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings and later in the Temple in Jerusalem.

Biblical Description and Construction

The instructions for the construction of the candlestick are detailed in the Book of Exodus. God commanded Moses to make a lampstand of pure gold, hammered out to perfection. It was to have six branches extending from its sides, three on each side, with a central shaft, making a total of seven lamps. Each branch was adorned with cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and flowers. The entire structure was to be crafted from a single talent of pure gold, emphasizing its sacredness and the skill required for its creation. Exodus 25:31-40 provides a detailed account of its design: "Then you are to make a lampstand of pure gold. It shall be made of hammered work: its base and shaft, its cups, buds, and petals shall be of one piece."

Symbolism and Function

The candlestick served both a practical and symbolic function within the Tabernacle. Practically, it provided light within the Holy Place, illuminating the sacred space where the priests performed their duties. Symbolically, the light of the candlestick represented the presence of God among His people, a perpetual reminder of His guidance and holiness. The seven lamps, continually burning, signified completeness and perfection, attributes associated with the divine nature of God.

The term "Lamp of God" is notably used in 1 Samuel 3:3 , where it states, "And before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was located." This passage underscores the lamp's role as a symbol of God's enduring presence and the continuity of His covenant with Israel.

Ritual Use and Maintenance

The maintenance of the candlestick was a sacred duty assigned to the priests. According to Exodus 27:20-21 , the Israelites were instructed to bring pure, pressed olive oil for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. "And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a perpetual statute for the Israelites throughout their generations."

The daily tending of the lamps by Aaron and his sons ensured that the light never went out, symbolizing the unceasing watchfulness and presence of God. This ritual act was a perpetual statute, highlighting the importance of obedience and reverence in the worship of God.

Theological Significance

The candlestick's theological significance extends beyond its immediate function in the Tabernacle. It prefigures the light of Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the "light of the world" (John 8:12). The menorah's light, therefore, can be seen as a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, who would bring spiritual illumination and salvation to all people.

In the broader biblical narrative, the candlestick serves as a powerful symbol of divine revelation, guidance, and the enduring covenant between God and His chosen people. Its presence in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple underscores the centrality of worship and the holiness of God in the life of Israel.1 Samuel 3:3
And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Source of Power
... I have looked, and behold, a candlestick all of ... can be no doubt about the symbolism
of the tabernacle lamp. ... Zechariah's lamp, then, called to the minds of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the source of power.htm

Following the Cloud.
... Within the Tabernacle they placed a beautiful chest of ... Ark of Testimony," as it was
called, had rings ... There was a beautiful seven-branched candlestick of pure ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
... The two divisions of the Tabernacle, thus separated by ... it: the table for the so-
called shew-bread ... The great seven-branched candlestick, or lampstand, stood on ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the copies of things in.htm

Lamps and Bushels
... under a bed and not upon a candlestick?' There are ... its light through the curtains
of the Tabernacle into the ... forth the glories of Him who hath 'called us out ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/lamps and bushels.htm

John Chapter v. 19-40
... of the candle, which they were to put on a candlestick? Hear that He called themselves
the candle ... weighs down the soul, and the earthly tabernacle depresses the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxiii john chapter v.htm

The New Covenant.
... prepared, the first, wherein were the candlestick, and the ... the sanctuary, and an
inner one, called the holiest ... He shall dwell, as in the tabernacle, with them ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

At the Feast of the Dedication of the Temple.
... to feed for one day the Sacred Candlestick, but by ... according to which the making
of the Tabernacle had been ... Do they convey what is commonly called the doctrine ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiv at the feast.htm

Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
... the lintels"commonly the seven-branched candlestick, or perhaps ... of the Temple, or,
perhaps, even of the Tabernacle. ... It was called the "aron" (ark), the "tevah ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 16 synagogues their origin.htm

From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus.
... drag to the earth (for the earthly tabernacle weighs down ... Who is, and who shall be."
The candlestick which stood ... many use the fat of milk, called butter, for ...
/.../who is the rich man that shall be saved/i from the latin translation of.htm

Love's Complaining
... At the [12]Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. ... persuades with a threatening: "I will
remove thy candlestick out of ... and when he pointed it out he called it by a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/loves complaining.htm

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

Candlestick: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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