The candlestick, often referred to as the "lampstand" or "menorah," holds significant importance in the context of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This sacred object is described in detail in the Book of Exodus and is a central element in the worship practices of ancient Israel.

Biblical Description and Construction

The instructions for the construction of the candlestick are found in Exodus 25:31-40. The Berean Standard Bible provides a detailed account: "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. Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other." (Exodus 25:31-32). The lampstand was crafted from a single piece of pure gold, emphasizing its sacredness and the skill required for its creation.

The design included a central shaft with three branches on each side, making a total of seven lamps. Each branch was adorned with almond-shaped cups, buds, and blossoms, symbolizing life and growth. The lampstand was not merely a utilitarian object but a work of art, reflecting the beauty and holiness of God.

Function and Symbolism

The primary function of the candlestick was to provide light within the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. It was positioned opposite the table of showbread, illuminating the sacred space where the priests performed their duties. The light from the lampstand symbolized the presence of God, guiding and enlightening His people. In a broader theological context, the light represents divine truth and the illumination of God's Word.

Priestly Duties and Rituals

The responsibility of lighting and maintaining the candlestick fell to the priests, specifically Aaron and his sons. Exodus 27:20-21 instructs, "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 from evening until morning before the LORD. This is to be a perpetual statute for the Israelites throughout their generations."

The priests were tasked with ensuring that the lamps burned continually from evening until morning, symbolizing the perpetual presence and guidance of God. The use of pure olive oil for the lamps underscores the purity and holiness required in worship.

Theological Implications

The candlestick's perpetual light serves as a reminder of God's eternal presence and His covenant with Israel. It also prefigures the coming of Christ, who is described as the "light of the world" in the New Testament (John 8:12). The menorah's light points to the ultimate revelation of God's truth and salvation through Jesus Christ.

In summary, the candlestick for the Tabernacle, lighted by the priests, is a profound symbol of divine presence, guidance, and truth. Its construction, function, and the rituals associated with it reflect the deep spiritual truths central to the faith and worship of ancient Israel.Exodus 27:21
In the tabernacle of the congregation without the veil, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever to their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 24:3,4
Without the veil of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening to the morning before the LORD continually: it shall be a statute for ever in your generations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of the Priesthood of Aaron.
... of sweet spices, that belonged to the tabernacle, and such as ... all day long, [20]
upon the sacred candlestick, before God ... and the rest were to be lighted at the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 of the priesthood.htm

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
... The two divisions of the Tabernacle, thus separated by the ... The great seven-branched
candlestick, or lampstand, stood on ... So we are lighted by the touch of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the copies of things in.htm

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ...
... of a house depends on its being well lighted. ... Hence the candlestick was placed towards
the south; because for ... both through respect for the tabernacle, and as a ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sufficient reason can be.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... of fruit and greenery, and that in one place a Tabernacle had been set ... Lamps, too,
were lighted and lights burned on the seven-branched candlestick, but not ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

A Sight of the Crowned Christ
... night heard by Samuel, the flooding of Tabernacle and Temple ... No lighted candles nor
oily wicks are burning and ... The Church is the light-bearer, the candlestick. ...
/.../quiet talks on the crowned christ of revelation/iii a sight of the crowned.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... of the everlasting covenant into the holiest of all, the way consecrated by the
cross and sufferings of Christ"without the intervention of priests or lordly ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... doth open his throat against her, to blaspheme her God, his tabernacle, and those ...
the golden pipes that are on the head of the golden candlestick, shall at ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

part ii
... O, how venerable is the office of priest! Do you see, brethren, how many benefits
the Creator and Saviour pours upon you through priests? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

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

Candlestick: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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