Reference: Candlestick
American
In the tabernacle, the golden candlestick stood on the left hand of one entering the Holy Place, opposite the table of showbread. It consisted of a pedestal; an upright shaft; six arms, three on one side and three on the opposite side of the shaft; and seven lamps surmounting the shaft and arms. The arms were adorned with three kinds of carved ornaments, called cups, globes, and blossoms. Its lamps were supplied with pure olive oil, and lighted every evening, Ex 25:31-40; 30:7-8; 37:17-24; Le 24:1-3; 1Sa 3:3; 2Ch 13:11. In the first temple there were ten candelabra of pure gold, half of them standing on the north, and half on the south side, within the Holy Place, 1Ki 7:49-50; 2Ch 4:7; Jer 52:19. In the second temple there was but one, resembling that of the tabernacle. This was carried to Rome, on the destruction of Jerusalem; it was lodged in Vespasian's temple to Peace, and copied on the triumphal arch of Titus, where its mutilated image is yet to be seen. See the beautiful and significant visions of the candlestick by Zechariah and John, Zec 4:2-12; Re 1:12,20.
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So I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me; and on turning round I saw seven golden lampstands
As for the secret symbol of the seven stars which you have seen in my right hand, and of the seven golden lamp stands ??the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Easton
the lamp-stand, "candelabrum," which Moses was commanded to make for the tabernacle, according to the pattern shown him. Its form is described in Ex 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.
Illustration: Golden Candlestick and Shewbread
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 (Ex 27:21; 30:7-8; Le 24:3; 1Sa 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 (Ex 25:38), and supplying the lamps at the same time with fresh oil. What ultimately became of the candlestick is unknown.
In Solomon's temple there were ten separate candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right and five on the left of the Holy Place (1Ki 7:49; 2Ch 4:7). Their structure is not mentioned. They were carried away to Babylon (Jer 52:19).
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.
Fausets
Lampstand: menowrah. Exclusively that of the tabernacle made of a. talent of pure gold, symbolizing preciousness and sacredness and incorruptibility (Ex 25:31-39); of beaten work, 5 feet high and 3 1/2 between the outside branches, according to the rabbis. An upright central stem, with three branches on one side and three on the other, still to be seen represented on the arch of Titus at Rome, erected after his triumph over Jerusalem. On the central shaft were four almond shaped bowls, four round knops, and four flowers, i.e. 12 in all; on each of the six branches three bowls, three knops, and three flowers, i.e. 54 on the six, and adding the 12 of the shaft, 66 in all. Josephus counts 70, a mystical number, as was the seven, the number of branches, implying divine perfection. Aaron lit it each evening; in the morning it was allowed to go out, as 1Sa 3:3 proves; compare also 2Ch 13:11; Le 24:2-3, "from the evening unto the morning before the Lord continually."
It stood in the tabernacle "without the veil" that shut in the holiest. It illumined the table of shewbread obliquely (Josephus, Ant. 3:6, section 7). "To burn always" is explained by "from evening to morning" (Ex 27:20-21; 30:8). Aaron or his successor was "always" at the appointed time to light the lamp every evening, and dress it every morning with the golden snuffers, removing the snuff in golden dishes. The artificial light had to give place each morning to the light of the sun which rendered it needless, as the light of Old Testament ordinances gives place to the Sun of righteousness (Mal 4:2). Under the New Testament of the True Light, Christ Jesus, the seven separate candlesticks represent the churches or the church in its entirety (Re 1:12-13,20); no longer as the one Jewish church (represented by the one sevenfold candlestick), restricted to one outward unity and locality.
The several churches are mutually independent as to external ceremonies and government (provided all things are done to edification, and needless schisms are avoided), yet one in the unity of the Spirit and headship of Christ. The Gentile churches will not realize their unity until the Jewish church as the stem, unites all the lamps in one candlestick (Ro 11:16-24). Zechariah's candlestick (Zechariah 4) is prophetical of that final church which shall join in one all the earth under Messiah the King, reigning in Jerusalem as the spiritual center and rallying point of all (compare Zep 3:9; Zec 14:9,16-17; Jer 3:17). The candlestick is not the light, but bears it for the enlightening of all (Mt 5:16). The light is the Lord's (Php 2:15-16). The candlestick stands in the outer sanctuary, the type of the present dispensation on earth; but not in the inner holiest place, the type of the heavenly world wherein the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are both the temple and the light (Re 21:22-23).
In Re 2:5 "remove thy candlestick" threatens not extinction of the candle, but removal of the seat of the light elsewhere. In Re 11:4 "the two candlesticks" are connected with "the two witnesses," which Wordsworth identifies with the two Testaments; so they would represent the Old Testament and the New Testament churches. The olive oil represents the grace of the Holy Spirit flowing in God's appointed channels. In Solomon's temple there were ten golden candlesticks (1Ki 7:49; 2Ch 4:7). These were taken to Babylon (Jer 52:19). In the second temple, namely, Zerubbabel's, a single candlestick was again placed (Zec 4:2-6,11), taken by Titus from the temple as restored by Herod, and carried in his triumph at Rome and deposited in the Temple of Peace. Genseric 400 years later transferred it to Carthage.
Belisarius recovered it, and carried it to Constantinople, and then deposited it in the church of Jerusalem, A.D. 533. It has never since been heard of. In Joh 8:12, "I am the light of the world," there is allusion to the two colossal golden candlesticks lighted at the feast of tabernacles (which was then being held: Joh 7:2-37) after the evening sacrifice in one of the temple courts, and casting their beams on mount Olivet and on Jerusalem. Jesus coming to the temple at daybreak (Joh 8:1-2), as they were extinguishing the artificial lights in the face of the superior light of the rising sun, virtually says, "Your typical light is passing away, I am the Sun of righteousness, the True Light." (Joh 1:9).
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So your light is to shine before men, that they may see the good you do and glorify your Father in heaven.
So your light is to shine before men, that they may see the good you do and glorify your Father in heaven.
The real Light, which enlightens every man, was coming then into the world:
The real Light, which enlightens every man, was coming then into the world:
Now the Jewish festival of booths was near,
Now the Jewish festival of booths was near, so his brothers said to him, "Leave this and go across into Judaea, to let your disciples witness what you can do;
so his brothers said to him, "Leave this and go across into Judaea, to let your disciples witness what you can do; for nobody who aims at public recognition ever keeps his actions secret. Since you can do these deeds, display yourself to the world"
for nobody who aims at public recognition ever keeps his actions secret. Since you can do these deeds, display yourself to the world" (for even his brothers did not believe in him).
(for even his brothers did not believe in him). Jesus said to them, "My time has not come yet, but your time is always at hand;
Jesus said to them, "My time has not come yet, but your time is always at hand; the world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its deeds are evil.
the world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its deeds are evil. Go up to the festival yourselves; I am not going up to this festival, for my time has not arrived yet."
Go up to the festival yourselves; I am not going up to this festival, for my time has not arrived yet." So saying, he stayed on in Galilee.
So saying, he stayed on in Galilee. But after his brothers had gone up to the festival, he went up too, not publicly but as it were privately.
But after his brothers had gone up to the festival, he went up too, not publicly but as it were privately. At the festival the Jews were in quest of him, saying, "Where is he?"
At the festival the Jews were in quest of him, saying, "Where is he?" And the crowd disputed about him hotly; some said, "He is a good man," but others said, "No, he is misleading the people."
And the crowd disputed about him hotly; some said, "He is a good man," but others said, "No, he is misleading the people." For fear of the Jews, however, nobody spoke of him in public.
For fear of the Jews, however, nobody spoke of him in public. When the festival was half over, Jesus went up to the temple and began to teach.
When the festival was half over, Jesus went up to the temple and began to teach. [vss
to
[vss
to Jesus told them in reply, "My teaching is not my own but his who sent me;
Jesus told them in reply, "My teaching is not my own but his who sent me; anyone who chooses to do his will, shall understand whether my teaching comes from God or whether I am talking on my own authority.
anyone who chooses to do his will, shall understand whether my teaching comes from God or whether I am talking on my own authority. He who talks on his own authority aims at his own credit, but he who aims at the credit of the person who sent him, he is sincere, and there is no dishonesty in him.
He who talks on his own authority aims at his own credit, but he who aims at the credit of the person who sent him, he is sincere, and there is no dishonesty in him. Did not Moses give you the Law? ??and yet none of you honestly obeys the Law. Else, why do you want to kill me?"
Did not Moses give you the Law? ??and yet none of you honestly obeys the Law. Else, why do you want to kill me?" The crowd replied, "You are mad. Who wants to kill you?"
The crowd replied, "You are mad. Who wants to kill you?" Jesus answered them, "I have only performed one deed, and yet you are all amazed at it.
Jesus answered them, "I have only performed one deed, and yet you are all amazed at it. Moses gave you the rite of circumcision (not that it came from Moses, it came from your ancestors), and you will circumcise a man upon the sabbath.
Moses gave you the rite of circumcision (not that it came from Moses, it came from your ancestors), and you will circumcise a man upon the sabbath. Well, if a man gets circumcised upon the sabbath, to avoid breaking the Law of Moses, are you enraged at me for curing, not cutting, the entire body of a man upon the sabbath?
Well, if a man gets circumcised upon the sabbath, to avoid breaking the Law of Moses, are you enraged at me for curing, not cutting, the entire body of a man upon the sabbath? placed after 5:47] The Jews were amazed, saying, "How can this uneducated fellow manage to read?"
Give over judging by appearances; be just."
placed after 5:47] The Jews were amazed, saying, "How can this uneducated fellow manage to read?"
Give over judging by appearances; be just." Then said some of the Jerusalemites, "Is this not the man they want to kill?
Then said some of the Jerusalemites, "Is this not the man they want to kill? Yet here he is, opening his lips in public, and they say nothing to him! Can the authorities have really discovered that he is the Christ?
Yet here he is, opening his lips in public, and they say nothing to him! Can the authorities have really discovered that he is the Christ? No, we know where this man comes from; but when the Christ does come, no one will know where he comes from."
No, we know where this man comes from; but when the Christ does come, no one will know where he comes from." So Jesus cried aloud, as he was teaching in the temple, "You know me? you know where I come from? But I have not come on my own initiative; I am sent, and sent by Him who is real. You do not know Him,
So Jesus cried aloud, as he was teaching in the temple, "You know me? you know where I come from? But I have not come on my own initiative; I am sent, and sent by Him who is real. You do not know Him, but I know Him, because I have come from Him and He sent me."
but I know Him, because I have come from Him and He sent me." So they tried to arrest him; but no one laid hands on him, because his time had not come yet.
So they tried to arrest him; but no one laid hands on him, because his time had not come yet. Indeed many of the people believed in him, saying, "When the Christ does come, will he perform more Signs than this man?"
Indeed many of the people believed in him, saying, "When the Christ does come, will he perform more Signs than this man?" The Pharisees heard the people discussing Jesus in this way, so the high priests and the Pharisees despatched attendants to arrest him.
The Pharisees heard the people discussing Jesus in this way, so the high priests and the Pharisees despatched attendants to arrest him. Then said Jesus, "I will be with you a little longer, then I go to Him who sent me;
Then said Jesus, "I will be with you a little longer, then I go to Him who sent me; you will search for me but you will not find me, and where I go, you cannot come."
you will search for me but you will not find me, and where I go, you cannot come." The Jews said to themselves, "Where is he going, that we will not find him? Is he off to the Dispersion among the Greeks, to teach the Greeks?
The Jews said to themselves, "Where is he going, that we will not find him? Is he off to the Dispersion among the Greeks, to teach the Greeks? What does he mean by saying, 'You will search for me but you will not find me, and where I go, you cannot come'?"
What does he mean by saying, 'You will search for me but you will not find me, and where I go, you cannot come'?" Now on the last day, the great day, of the festival, Jesus stood and cried aloud, "If anyone is athirst, let him come to me and drink;
Now on the last day, the great day, of the festival, Jesus stood and cried aloud, "If anyone is athirst, let him come to me and drink;
but Jesus went to the Hill of Olives. Early in the morning he returned to the temple, the people all came to him, and he sat down and taught them.
Early in the morning he returned to the temple, the people all came to him, and he sat down and taught them.
Then Jesus again addressed them, saying, "I am the light of the world: he who follows me will not walk in darkness, he will enjoy the light of life."
Then Jesus again addressed them, saying, "I am the light of the world: he who follows me will not walk in darkness, he will enjoy the light of life."
If the first handful of dough is consecrated, so is the rest of the lump; if the root is consecrated, so are the branches.
If the first handful of dough is consecrated, so is the rest of the lump; if the root is consecrated, so are the branches. Supposing some of the branches have been broken off, while you have been grafted in like a shoot of wild olive to share the rich growth of the olive-stem,
Supposing some of the branches have been broken off, while you have been grafted in like a shoot of wild olive to share the rich growth of the olive-stem, do not pride yourself at the expense of these branches. Remember, in your pride, the stem supports you, not you the stem.
do not pride yourself at the expense of these branches. Remember, in your pride, the stem supports you, not you the stem. You will say, "But branches were broken off to let me be grafted in!"
You will say, "But branches were broken off to let me be grafted in!" Granted. They were broken off ??for their lack of faith. And you owe your position to your faith. You should feel awed instead of being uplifted.
Granted. They were broken off ??for their lack of faith. And you owe your position to your faith. You should feel awed instead of being uplifted. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Consider both the kindness and the severity of God; those who fall come under his severity, but you come under the divine kindness, provided you adhere to that kindness. Otherwise, you will be cut away too.
Consider both the kindness and the severity of God; those who fall come under his severity, but you come under the divine kindness, provided you adhere to that kindness. Otherwise, you will be cut away too. And even the others will be grafted in, if they do not adhere to their unbelief; God can graft them in again.
And even the others will be grafted in, if they do not adhere to their unbelief; God can graft them in again. For if you have been cut from an olive which is naturally wild, and grafted, contrary to nature, upon a garden olive, how much more will the natural branches be grafted into their proper olive?
For if you have been cut from an olive which is naturally wild, and grafted, contrary to nature, upon a garden olive, how much more will the natural branches be grafted into their proper olive?
so as to be blameless and innocent, faultless children of God in a crooked and perverse generation where you shine like stars in a dark world;
so as to be blameless and innocent, faultless children of God in a crooked and perverse generation where you shine like stars in a dark world; hold fast the word of life, so that I can be proud of you on the Day of Christ, because I have not run or worked for nothing.
hold fast the word of life, so that I can be proud of you on the Day of Christ, because I have not run or worked for nothing.
So I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me; and on turning round I saw seven golden lampstands
So I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me; and on turning round I saw seven golden lampstands and in the middle of the lampstands One who resembled a human being, with a long robe, and a belt of gold round his breast;
and in the middle of the lampstands One who resembled a human being, with a long robe, and a belt of gold round his breast;
As for the secret symbol of the seven stars which you have seen in my right hand, and of the seven golden lamp stands ??the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
As for the secret symbol of the seven stars which you have seen in my right hand, and of the seven golden lamp stands ??the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Now, remember the height from which you have fallen; repent and act as you did at first. If not, I will come to you [very soon] and remove your lamp stand, unless you repent.
Now, remember the height from which you have fallen; repent and act as you did at first. If not, I will come to you [very soon] and remove your lamp stand, unless you repent.
(they are the two olive-trees and the two lampstands which stand before the Lord of the earth):
(they are the two olive-trees and the two lampstands which stand before the Lord of the earth):
But I saw no temple in the City, for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb.
But I saw no temple in the City, for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb. And the City needs no sun or moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God illumines it, and the Lamb lights it up.
And the City needs no sun or moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God illumines it, and the Lamb lights it up.
Morish
This, in scripture, signifies a lamp-stand, as is plainly implied in 2Ch 4:20: 'the candlesticks with their lamps,' used in the temple. A 'candlestick' is also mentioned in Belshazzar's palace, near which the fingers of a man's hand wrote upon the wall. Da 5:5. Except in large buildings, hand lamps were all that were needed.
THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK in the Tabernacle and Temple with its seven lamps is minutely described in Ex 25:31-40: it is also called the 'pure candlestick.' It was situate in the holy place, and gave light over against the table of showbread. It might be thought from Ex 27:20 that the lamps were to be kept alight always, but this does not appear to be the sense of 'burn always.' It should rather be read 'burn continuously,' that is, every evening, for in the next verse it adds 'from evening to morning;' and in Ex 30:8 it distinctly says "when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even." In the morning they were allowed to go out. 1Sa 3:3: cf. also 2Ch 13:11. The candlestick was entirely of gold, signifying that which was divine in its nature, and was typical of Christ the true light, but to be reproduced in His people. Eph 5:8. The number of the lamps (seven) is also indicative of divine perfection.
The Candlestick that was in the temple in the time of the Lord was carried away at the siege of Jerusalem, and is portrayed on the triumphal 'Arch of Titus' at Rome, but as fabulous animals are depicted on its base it is very questionable whether it is a true representation.
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For while once upon a time you were darkness, now in the Lord you are light; lead the life of those who are children of the light
Smith
Candlestick,
which Moses was commanded to make for the tabernacle, is described
It was not strictly a "candlestick," as it held seven richly-adorned lamps. With its various appurtenances it required a talent of "pure gold;" and it was not moulded, but "of beaten work," and has been estimated to have been worth in our money over $25,000. From the Arch of Titus, where the sculptured the spoils taken from Jerusalem, we learn that it consisted of a central stem, with six branches, three on each side. It was about five feet high. [See ARCH OF TITUS] The candlestick was placed on the south side of the first apartment of the tabernacle, opposite the table of shewbread,
See Arch of Titus
and was lighted every evening and dressed every morning.
comp. 1Sam 3:2 Each lamp was supplied with cotton and about two wineglasses of the purest olive oil, which was sufficient to keep it burning during a long night. In Solomon's temple, instead of or in addition to this candlestick there were ten golden candlesticks similarly embossed, five in the right and five on the left.
They were taken to Babylon.
In the temple of Zerubbabel there was again a single candlestick. 1Macc 1:21: 4:49.
Watsons
CANDLESTICK. The instrument so rendered by our translators was more properly a stand for lamps. One of beaten gold was made by Moses, Ex 25:31-32, and put into the tabernacle in the holy place, over against the table of shew bread. The basis of this candlestick was also of pure gold; it had seven branches, three on each side, and one in the middle. When Solomon had built the temple, he was not satisfied with placing one golden candlestick there, but had ten put up, of the same form and metal with that described by Moses, five on the north, and five on the south side of the holy place, 1Ki 7:49. After the Jews returned from their captivity, the golden candlestick was again placed in the temple, as it had been before in the tabernacle by Moses. The lamps were kept burning perpetually; and were supplied morning and evening with pure olive oil. Josephus says, that after the Romans had destroyed the temple, the several things which were found within it, were carried in triumph to Rome, namely, the golden table, and the golden candlestick with seven branches. These were lodged in the temple built by Vespasian, and consecrated to Peace; and at the foot of Mount Palatine, there is a triumphal arch still visible, upon which Vespasian's triumph is represented, and the several monuments which were carried publicly in the procession are engraved, and among the rest the candlestick with the seven branches, which are still discernible upon it. In Re 1:12,20, mention is made of seven golden candlesticks, which are said to be emblems of the seven Christian churches.
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So I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me; and on turning round I saw seven golden lampstands
As for the secret symbol of the seven stars which you have seen in my right hand, and of the seven golden lamp stands ??the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.