The golden lampstand was an instrument used many centuries ago in the wilderness tabernacle and provided life for the holy place.
The Golden lampstand used various elements inside the tent of the tabernacle where the meeting happened. The elements were made up of gold and the lampstands alone were famous by the name of Menorah. Other elements that were used in it were Golden candlestick and candelabrum.
Characteristics of the Golden Lampstand
It is written in various religious textbooks that God told Moses to make the lampstand from a single piece and hammer all the details in it. No dimensions were given for constructing this particular object but the total weight of this object was told to him.
He wanted it to be 75 pounds of solid gold. This object had a center column which had around 6 branches, which extended from it on each side.
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The arms of this particular object resemble the branches of an Almond tree which ended in a very stylized flower object at the top. Sometimes, this object is also referred to as the candlestick because it was an oil length and did not use any candles.
Each of the flower-shaped cups held some amount of olive oil in it along with the cloth wick. Just like the ancient pottery oil lamps, the wick became saturated from the oil and then was finally lit with fire.
It gave off a small flame. Aaron and all his sons, who were the designated priests were given the task of keeping the lamp burning continuously.
This particular lampstand was placed in the south direction of the holy place which was exactly opposite to the direction of the showbread. This particular chamber did not have any windows. Thus, the lampstand acted as the only source of light.
This type of lampstand was also used in many parts of Jerusalem. In the present scenario, these lampstands are still being used in many Jewish families for carrying out various traditions in their families.
Symbolism of the Golden Lampstand
The Courtyard, which was present outside the tabernacle tent, all the items present were made out of common metal which was bronze but all the items which were present inside the tent and were closer to the God were made up of precious gold metal which was a symbolic representation of holiness and all the Gods.
The God himself chose the resemblance of the lampstand with the branches of the Almond tree for a very important reason. The Almond tree is known to bloom very early in the region of the Middle East. This normally happens during the time of late January or the beginning of February.
The staff of Aaron, which was believed to be a piece of almond wood was miraculously bloomed and was able to produce lots of almonds which indicated that God has chosen him in the form of the high priest.
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That particular rod was later put inside the Ark of the Covenant, which was believed to be kept in the tabernacle holy of the holies. Just like the other furniture, which was present in the time the lampstand and was made out of gold, was considered to be a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ himself told the people:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12, NIV)
Jesus Christ also compared his followers with the light of the lampstand and said that:
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)
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The Golden Lampstand (Ex 25:31-40)
The Golden lampstand is beautifully mentioned and described in the Exodus 25:31-40 of the holy book of the Bible. The same is mentioned below:
Exodus 25:31-40 “You shall also make a lampstand of pure gold; the lampstand shall be of hammered work. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and flowers shall be of one piece.
And six branches shall come out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side.
Three bowls shall be made like almond blossoms on one branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower, and three bowls made like almond blossoms on the other branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower– and so for the six branches that come out of the lampstand.
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On the golden lampstand itself, four bowls shall be made like almond blossoms, each with its ornamental knob and flower. And there shall be a knob under the first two branches of the same, a knob under the second two branches of the same, and a knob under the third two branches of the same, according to the six branches that extend from the lampstand.
Their knobs and their branches shall be of one piece; all of it shall be one hammered piece of pure gold. You shall make seven lamps for it, and they shall arrange its lamps so that they give light in front of it. And its wick-trimmers and their trays shall be of pure gold.
It shall be made of a talent of pure gold, with all these utensils. And see to it that you make them according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.”
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A Type of Christ
According to the type of Christ, the golden lampstand was believed to be the only source of light that was present in the holy place. The primary purpose which it was serving was providing the light in front of it.
The Bible says that God is believed to be the light and no darkness can reside within him. This particular lampstand speaks about Jesus Christ and conveys the idea that he is the light of the world.
| S No. | Verse Explanation |
| 1 | Jn 9:5 “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” |
| 2 | Is 49:6 Indeed He says, `It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.'” |
| 3 | Is 4:2 In that day the Branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious; |
| 4 | Is 11:1-2 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge, and the fear of the LORD. |
| 5 | Ps 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? |
| 6 | Ps 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. |
| 7 | Matt 4:16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death a light has dawned.” |
| 8 | Jn 1:4-5 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. |
| 9 | Jn 3:19-21 “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be seen, that they have been done in God.” |
| 10 | Jn 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” |
| 11 | Eph 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light |
| 12 | Eph 5:14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” |
| 13 | Phil 2:15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault during a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, |
| 14 | Matt 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. |
| 15 | 1 Pet 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; |
| 16 | 1 Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. |
| 17 | Matt 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden |
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Bible References
Various references of the Golden lampstand of the tabernacle are present in the holy book of the Bible. Some other religious texts and websites have also mentioned the lampstand which is made out of gold.
The various Bible references for the same are given below:
| S No. | Verse | Verse No. |
| 1 | Exodus | 25:31-39, 26:35, 30:27, 31:8, 35:14, 37:17-24, 39:37, 40:4, 24 |
| 2 | Leviticus | 24:4 |
| 3 | Numbers | 3:31, 4:9, 8:2-4; 2 |
| 4 | Chronicles | 13:11 |
| 5 | Hebrews | 9:2. |
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Conclusion
The golden lampstand in the wilderness tabernacles was the provider of light for all the holy places and was also considered to be an integral part of the religions like Christianity, Jewish, Hebrew, etc.
This lampstand was usually made up of gold and was considered to be a symbol of pride and wealth by all the people around the world.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What is the symbolism of the golden lampstand?
The symbolism of the golden lampstand is that the seven lamps of Menorah were considered to be the representation of the 7 classical planets in the order of Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
What is the real meaning of a lampstand?
The lampstand is considered to be a pillar-like structure which is made by the people or the carpenters for giving support to the bulb or lamps. It is sometimes also used to hold the lamp inside it.
How is the golden lampstand related to the tabernacles?
The golden lampstand is related to the tabernacles as this lampstand was the one with the help of which the priests were able to carry out their everyday tasks and also was considered to be the only holy source of light.