The candlestick, also known as the menorah, was a significant and sacred object within the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. This seven-branched lampstand was crafted according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai and is described in detail in the Book of Exodus.

Biblical Description and Construction

The construction of the candlestick is outlined in Exodus 25:31-40. The Lord commanded Moses, saying:

"You are to make a lampstand out of pure gold. The lampstand is to be made of hammered work; its base and shaft, its cups, its buds, and its petals must 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 design of the candlestick was intricate, featuring almond blossoms, buds, and flowers. It was to be made from a single piece of pure gold, emphasizing its unity and divine craftsmanship. The lampstand was not merely a utilitarian object but a work of art, symbolizing the light of God and His presence among His people.

Weight and Material

The candlestick was made from a talent of pure gold. A talent was a significant weight, approximately 75 pounds (34 kilograms), indicating the immense value and importance of the menorah. The use of pure gold underscored the holiness and sanctity of the object, as gold was considered the most precious of metals.

Function and Symbolism

The primary function of the candlestick was to provide light within the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. It was placed opposite the table of showbread and was to be kept burning continually, as instructed in Exodus 27:20-21:

"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." (Exodus 27:20-21)

Symbolically, the menorah represented the divine light of God, illuminating the path of righteousness and truth. It served as a reminder of God's guidance and presence among His people. The seven lamps of the candlestick also symbolized completeness and perfection, reflecting the divine nature of God.

Theological Significance

In the broader theological context, the candlestick is seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, who is referred to as the "light of the world" in the New Testament (John 8:12). The menorah's perpetual light prefigures the eternal light and life that Christ brings to believers. Additionally, the menorah is a symbol of the Church, which is called to be a light to the nations, reflecting the glory and truth of God to the world.

The candlestick for the Tabernacle, with its weight of a talent of gold, stands as a testament to the richness of biblical symbolism and the meticulous care with which God instructed His people to worship Him. Its presence in the Tabernacle was a constant reminder of the divine light that guides and sustains the faithful.Exodus 25:39
Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... possessed of a considerable quantity of gold, which they ... women who "served at the
door of" the tabernacle. ... how heavily the Philistine yoke had weighed upon the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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