The Candlestick Bible Pdf

[Doelia Lanoue]

33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick.

35 And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick.

The lamp-stand, "candelabrum," which Moses was commanded to make for the tabernacle, according to the pattern shown him. Its form is described in Exodus 25:31-40; 37:17-24, and may be seen represented on the Arch of Titus at Rome. It was among the spoils taken by the Romans from the temple of Jerusalem (A.D. 70). It was made of fine gold, and with the utensils belonging to it was a talent in weight.

The tabernacle was a tent without windows, and thus artificial light was needed. This was supplied by the candlestick, which, however, served also as a symbol of the church or people of God, who are "the light of the world." The light which "symbolizes the knowledge of God is not the sun or any natural light, but an artificial light supplied with a specially prepared oil; for the knowledge of God is in truth not natural nor common to all men, but furnished over and above nature."

This candlestick was placed on the south side of the Holy Place, opposite the table of shewbread (Exodus 27:21; 30:7, 8; Leviticus 24:3; 1 Samuel 3:3). It was lighted every evening, and was extinguished in the morning. In the morning the priests trimmed the seven lamps, borne by the seven branches, with golden snuffers, carrying away the ashes in golden dishes (Exodus 25:38), and supplying the lamps at the same time with fresh oil. What ultimately became of the candlestick is unknown.

In the temple erected after the Exile there was again but one candlestick, and like the first, with seven branches. It was this which was afterwards carried away by Titus to Rome, where it was deposited in the Temple of Peace. When Genseric plundered Rome, he is said to have carried it to Carthage (A.D. 455). It was recaptured by Belisarius (A.D. 533), and carried to Constantinople and thence to Jerusalem, where it finally disappeared.

CANDLESTICK, THE GOLDEN kan'-d'-l-stik, gold'-'-n (menorah, literally "lamp-stand"): An important part of the furniture of the tabernacle and temples. See TABERNACLE; TEMPLE; LAMP. 1. The Tabernacle: The candlestick is first met with in the descriptions of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-39; 37:17-24). It was, with the utensils connected with it (snuffers, snuff dishes), to be made of pure beaten gold, of one piece, a talent in weight (Exodus 25:39). It consisted of a pedestal or base, of a central stem (the name "candlestick" is specially given to this), of six curving branches--three on each side--and of seven lamps resting on the tops of the branches and stem. Stem and branches were ornamented with cups like almond-blossoms, knops and flowers--four of this series on the stem, and three on each of the branches. Some, however, understand the "cup" to embrace the "knop" and "flower" (calyx and corolla). The shape of the pedestal is uncertain. Jewish tradition suggests three small feet; the representation of the candlestick on the Arch of Titus has a solid, hexagonal base. The position of the candlestick was on the South side of the holy place (Exodus 40:24). 2. Temple of Solomon: In Solomon's temple the single golden candlestick was multiplied to ten, and the position was altered. The candlesticks were now placed in front of the Holy of Holies, five on one side, five on the other (1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chronicles 4:7). Further details are not given in the texts, from which it may be presumed that the model of the tabernacle candlestick was followed. 3. Temple of Zerubbabel: The second temple reverted to the single golden candlestick. When the temple was plundered by Antiochus Epiphanes, the candlestick was taken away (1 Macc 1:21); after the cleansing, a new one was made by Judas Maccabeus (1 Macc 4:49,50). 4. Temple of Herod: The same arrangement of a single golden candlestick, placed on the South side of the holy place, was continued in Herod's Temple (Josephus, BJ, V, v, 5). It was this which, carried away by Titus, was represented on his Arch at Rome. 5. Use and Symbolism: The immediate object of the candlestick was to give light in the holy place. The lamps were lighted in the evening and burned till the morning (Exodus 30:7,8; Leviticus 24:3; 1 Samuel 3:3; 2 Chronicles 13:11), light being admitted into the temple during the day by the upper windows. Josephus in his Cosmical speculations (BJ, V, v, 5) takes the seven lamps to signify the seven planets. In Zechariah's vision of the golden candlestick (Zechariah 4:2), the seven lamps are fed by two olive trees which are interpreted to be "the two anointed ones," Zerubbabel and Joshua--the civil and spiritual representatives of theocracy. The candlestick here, like the seven candlesticks in Revelation 1:20; 2:1, symbolizes the church of God, then in its Old Testament form, the idea conveyed being that God's church is set to be a lightgiver in the world. Compare Christ's words (Matthew 5:14,16; Luke 12:35), and Paul's (Philippians 2:15). The oldest known representation of the seven-branched candlestick is on a coin of Antigonus, circa 40 BC (see Madden's Coins of the Jews, 102). For literature see \TABERNACLE\; \TEMPLE\. James Orr Copyright Statement
These files are public domain. Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'CANDLESTICK, THE GOLDEN'". "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". 1915.

God then instructs Moses to make a tabernacle as a sanctuary where the Lord will dwell. He gives precise instructions for the furnishings of the tabernacle, including the ark, the table, and the candlesticks.

The ancient Eastern cultures integrated this custom into their households and would use household menorahs to burn day and night to give light to the home. The prosperity and importance of an individual or family were indicated by the perennially burning lamp.

The candlesticks were a critical component of the Holy Place, which was immediately outside the curtain encircling the Most Holy Place where the Presence of God would dwell as He made Himself known to His people.

This was the holy sanctuary of God and was the only place where He would allow Himself to be revealed. As such, only the high priests were allowed to light the candles or trim the wicks of the lamps in the lampstand.

It was closely associated with the manifest Presence of God among His people and was required for the Most Holy God to be invited into the tabernacle as a place of worship. Its importance continued even as Solomon built the First and Second Temples as documented in 1st and 2nd Chronicles.

Another important representation of candlesticks is in the book of Revelation in which the very first thing the apostle John sees in his holy vision is the appearance of seven golden lampstands right next to the glorified person of Jesus Christ.

Use the following Bible verses about candlesticks as you ponder anew the themes, meaning, and significance of the descriptions of lampstands and candlesticks given to us throughout Scripture. Let your light shine for Jesus!

This fact alone indicates the holiness and value that was to be placed upon this artifact. Only things of the purest value and the highest quality were considered to be worthy of being in the presence of God. This item was perceived to be just as holy as the altar itself which would be in the center of the tabernacle, this most holy place of worship.

The structure of the lampstand is to be comprised of a single base and shaft, three branches extending on either side, and all of them ending in an almond flower-like cup. There were a total of seven branches upon which the seven candles would be placed, providing light to the surrounding area. Even the wick trimmers and the trays (which would catch any dripping wax) were only to be made of pure gold.

God even prescribes how much gold is to be used to construct the candlestick, wick trimmers, and trays when He commands that a talent of pure gold was to be used. A talent was the largest biblical unit of measurement and was equal to about 75 pounds. It was no small feat to create this holy candlestick!

These words directly from God give even more precise instructions on how to tend to the lamps, and particular emphasis is given to the importance that the lamps be kept burning continually. The golden candlestick was to be tended to continually by Aaron and the high priests.

Interestingly, the Israelite people were commanded to come together to provide the best pure, beaten (not pressed) and double-strained olive oil that would provide the fuel for the lamps to burn continuously. The entire community had to sacrifice and be personally invested in allowing the candlestick to burn as prescribed by God.

The oil provided by each family is what allowed the lampstand to burn continuously and the tabernacle (the church) to function as the sanctuary of God. The light of the burning candlestick symbolizes the enlightening power of the Holy Spirit, which not only shines through believers but also illuminates the church of God.

Lighting the candles on the golden candlestick every evening was an important ritual that God had commanded His people to perform, and it indicated that the people were trusting in God and obeying His commands. God had promised His blessing and presence would go with His chosen people, but they had to make the choice to listen to God and live according to His specific instructions.

It was lighting the candlestick each evening (among other things) that displayed the people of Judah were obeying God in even the smallest details of their lives every day. This obedience led to them conquering their enemy (Israel) in battle and giving them the victory as they trusted God in the huge parts of their lives as well. May we likewise trust God in both small details and huge challenges in our lives.

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