The Golden Lampstand
August 13, 2021
Commentary
A seven-branched candlestick of pure gold provided the only light within the tent itself, just as Jesus is the light of the world (vv. 31-32). This golden lampstand was the most beautiful piece of furniture in the tabernacle. Its decorative flower-like cups, buds and blossoms were formed from one solid piece of gold. These seven lights were not made by candles, but instead seven wicks burned pure olive oil, representing the Holy Spirit, and drawn from a common reservoir (Lev. 24:1-4).You remember that Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” So this speaks of Jesus too.
On each side of an upright shaft were three branches extending upward Each branch had three almond flower-shaped cups (v. 33), and the center shaft had four such cups (v. 34). At the top of the center shaft and each of the six branches was a lamp (vv. 35- 36). The seven lamps in the lampstand provided light in the tent (v. 37). The tongs and trays for taking care of the lamps are also to be make of pure gold (v, 38). The lampstand, which was to burn continually, and was serviced by the priests in the morning, and at sunset (Ex. 27:20-21). The amount of gold required for this piece of furniture and its accessories was a talent, which was about 75 pounds (v. 39) And they must follow the pattern shown on the mountain (v. 40). As this lampstand provided light for the priestly functions before God, so Christ today is the Light of the world (John 8:12).
Application
Just as the Lampstand light up the whole tent I would pray that my life might light up the world.
Exodus 25:31– 40 (NET)
31 “You are to make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand is to be made of hammered metal; its base and its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its blossoms are to be from the same piece. 32 Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand, three branches of the lampstand from one side of it and three branches of the lampstand from the other side of it. 33 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, and three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on the next branch, and the same for the six branches extending from the lampstand. 34 On the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms, 35 with a bud under the first two branches from it, and a bud under the next two branches from it, and a bud under the third two branches from it, according to the six branches that extend from the lampstand. 36 Their buds and their branches will be one piece, all of it one hammered piece of pure gold.
37 “You are to make its seven lamps and then set its lamps up on it, so that it will give light to the area in front of it. 38 Its trimmers and its trays are to be of pure gold. 39 About seventy-five pounds of pure gold is to be used for it and for all these utensils. 40 Now be sure to make them according to the pattern you were shown on the mountain.