The Lampstand

Some Bible translations refer to the candlestick instead of the lampstand of the tabernacle.

Candles, as we know them, were never used in the tabernacle. The eastern folk used oil lamps that burned olive oil. These were referred to as candles.

“You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. (Mat 5:14-15)

There is nothing in Scripture that warrants the use of candles in worship.

Candles give light by consuming themselves. Lamps give light by means of oil from an external source. The light that we shine is not because of our own abilities but because of Christ burning in us.

“I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me. (Joh 15:5)

The lampstand of the tabernacle was made of solid gold. This speaks of Christ.

Use seventy-five pounds of pure gold to make the lamp stand and all this equipment. (Exo 25:39)

“I am the light for the world.” (Joh 9:5)

The lampstand of the tabernacle also speaks of the Word of God.

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” (Psa 119:105 MKJV)

Note that the light on your path speaks of something like a lighthouse, showing you the direction of your end destination. The lamp for your feet is close and personal, showing you one step at a time.

You need a goal, a vision, and a destination. You also need daily fellowship with God and guidance from Him.

The Lampstand of the tabernacle provided light to all of the Holy Place

The light was generated by the burning of oil in the lampstand of the tabernacle, representing the Holy Spirit. No natural light was allowed to enter the Holy Place.
You cannot function in the priestly office using your own abilities or understanding.

“Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from God’s Spirit. Such a person really does not understand them, and they seem to be nonsense, because their value can be judged only on a spiritual basis.” (1Co 2:14)

God’s ministry must not be done except with God’s power.

Some Jews who traveled around and drove out evil spirits also tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus to do this. They said to the evil spirits, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches.” Seven brothers, who were the sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva, were doing this. But the evil spirit said to them, “I know Jesus, and I know about Paul; but you—who are you?” The man who had the evil spirit in him attacked them with such violence that he overpowered them all. They ran away from his house, wounded and with their clothes torn off. (Act 19:13-16)

Before you attempt the supernatural, ask yourself, “Am I a lamp stand or a candlestick?”

The lampstand of the tabernacle had one central shaft and six branches.

“Make a lamp stand of pure gold. Make its base and its shaft of hammered gold; its decorative flowers, including buds and petals, are to form one piece with it. (Exo 25:31)

“Six branches shall extend from its sides, three from each side. Each of the six branches is to have three decorative flowers shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals.” (Exo 25:32-33)

Six is the symbol of man. Here in the branches of the lampstand, man is redeemed. In the midst of them, but above them, is the shaft, the seventh branch, of Jesus Christ.

“The shaft of the lamp stand is to have four decorative flowers shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals. There is to be one bud below each of the three pairs of branches. The buds, the branches, and the lamp stand are to be a single piece of pure hammered gold.” (Exo 25:34-36)

It is generally accepted that the knobs on the lampstand of the tabernacle were in the shape of pomegranates, the symbol of peace. The lampstand of the tabernacle had three knobs (the symbol of divinity) on the central shaft and four knobs (the number of the earth) on each of the branches. This signifies God’s peace with the world.

Just like the petals protect the bud, so Christ Himself protects us and is the source of all life.

Always get fresh revelations from God.

The oil of the lampstand in the tabernacle was to be topped up each evening.

“Command the people of Israel to bring you the best olive oil for the lamp, so that it can be lit each evening. Aaron and his sons are to set up the lamp in the Tent of my presence outside the curtain which is in front of the Covenant Box. There in my presence it is to burn from evening until morning. This command is to be kept forever by the Israelites and their descendants. (Exo 27:20-21)

We should not let any hindrances enter our lives that can cause the flames of devotion to burn low. This is the lesson that we learn from the lampstand of the tabernacle.