The term "candlestick" in the Bible primarily refers to the lampstand used in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, a significant element in the worship practices of ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for candlestick is "מְנוֹרָה" (menorah), which is often translated as "lampstand" in modern translations. The candlestick is a symbol of divine light and presence, representing God's guidance and the illumination of His truth.

The Tabernacle and Temple Candlestick

The design and construction of the candlestick are detailed in the Book of Exodus. God commanded Moses to make a lampstand of pure gold for the Tabernacle, as described in Exodus 25:31-40. The lampstand was to be crafted with a central shaft and six branches, three on each side, making a total of seven lamps. It was adorned with almond blossoms, buds, and flowers, symbolizing life and growth. The lampstand was placed in the Holy Place, opposite the table of showbread, and was to be kept burning continually as a perpetual statute (Exodus 27:20-21).

The menorah in the Temple built by Solomon followed a similar design, as indicated in 1 Kings 7:49, where it is mentioned among the furnishings of the Temple. The lampstand's perpetual light served as a reminder of God's eternal presence and His covenant with Israel.

Symbolism and Significance

The candlestick holds deep symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative. It represents the light of God, His wisdom, and His revelation to His people. In Psalm 119:105, the psalmist declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," illustrating the guiding and illuminating role of God's word, akin to the function of the lampstand.

In the New Testament, the imagery of the candlestick is further expanded. Jesus Christ is described as the "light of the world" in John 8:12, fulfilling the symbolic role of the lampstand as the ultimate source of spiritual illumination. In the Book of Revelation, the seven golden lampstands are identified as the seven churches (Revelation 1:20), emphasizing the role of the church as a bearer of God's light in the world.

Practical Use and Rituals

The maintenance of the candlestick was a sacred duty assigned to the priests. They were responsible for trimming the wicks and replenishing the oil to ensure the lamps burned continuously. This daily ritual underscored the importance of vigilance and dedication in maintaining the light of God's presence among His people.

The oil used in the candlestick was pure olive oil, symbolizing purity and the Holy Spirit's anointing. The continuous burning of the lamps signified the unceasing nature of God's watchfulness and care over Israel.

Conclusion

The candlestick, or menorah, is a profound symbol within the biblical tradition, representing God's light, presence, and guidance. Its presence in the Tabernacle and Temple, as well as its symbolic fulfillment in the New Testament, underscores its enduring significance in the faith and practice of God's people.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 Solomon's temple there were ten separate candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right and five on the left of the Holy Place (1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chronicles 4:7). Their structure is not mentioned. They were carried away to Babylon (Jeremiah 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.

(n.) An instrument or utensil for supporting a candle.CANDLE; CANDLESTICK

kan'-d'-l, kan'-d'-l-stik (ner; luchnos; menorah; luchnia):

(1) "Candle" is found in the Old Testament, the King James Version, as the rendering of ner, and in the New Testament for luchnos. In all places except Jeremiah 25:10 and Zephaniah 1:12 (see margin) the Revised Version (British and American) gives the more exact rendering "lamp." See LAMP. Candle, in our sense of the term, was unknown to antiquity.

(2) "Candlestick" stands for what was a common and indispensable article of ancient house furniture, a lamp-stand (menorah). Accordingly we find it mentioned in a case thoroughly representative of the furnishings of an oriental room of the plainer sort, in the account of "the prophet's chamber" given in 2 Kings 4:10. Here we find that the furniture consisted of a "bed," a "table," a "seat," and a "candlestick," or lamp-stand. The excavations of Petrie and Bliss at Lachish (Tell el-Hesy, 104), not to mention others, help to make it clear that a lamp-stand is meant in passages where the Hebrew word, menorah, or its Greek equivalent luchnia, is used. Accordingly throughout the New Testament, the Revised Version (British and American) has consistently rendered luchnia by "stand" (Matthew 5:15 Mark 4:21 Luke 8:16; Luke 11:33).

(3) The "candlestick" of Daniel 5:5 is rather the candelabrum (nebhrashta') of Belshazzar's banqueting-hall. The "golden candlestick" of the tabernacle and the temple requires special treatment.

See CANDLESTICK, THE GOLDEN; TABERNACLE.

(4) Certain figurative uses of "candle" and "candlestick" in the Bible demand attention. The ancient and still common custom of the East of keeping a house lamp burning night and day gave rise to the figure of speech so universally found in oriental languages by which the continued prosperity of the individual or the family is set forth by the perennially burning lamp (see Job 29:3; "when his lamp shined upon my head"; Psalm 18:28 "Thou wilt light my lamp"). The converse in usage is seen in many passages-(see Job 18:6; "His lamp above him shall be put out"; 21:17: "How oft is it that the lamp of the wicked is put out"; Proverbs 24:20; "The lamp of the wicked shall be put out"; Jeremiah 25:10; "Take from them. the light of the lamp"). The same metaphor is used in Revelation 2:5 to indicate the judgment with candlestick out of its place." "The seven golden candlesticks" (Revelation 1:20) which John saw were "the seven churches," the appointed light-bearers and dispensers of the religion of the risen Christ. Hence, the significance of such a threat. George B. Eager which the church of Ephesus was threatened: "I will move thy

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; Exodus 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 Maccabees 1:21); after the cleansing, a new one was made by Judas Maccabeus (1 Maccabees 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; Revelation 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 B.C. (see Madden's Coins of the Jews, 102). For literature see TABERNACLE; TEMPLE.

James Orr

3087. luchnia -- a lampstand
... candlestick. From luchnos; a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively) -- candlestick.
see GREEK luchnos. (luchnia) -- 1 Occurrence. (luchniai) -- 2 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3087.htm - 6k5043. nebrashta -- the candlestick
... 5042, 5043. nebrashta. 5044 . the candlestick. Transliteration: nebrashta Phonetic
Spelling: (neb-reh-shaw') Short Definition: lampstand. ... candlestick. ...
/hebrew/5043.htm - 6k

4501. menorah -- a lampstand
... candlestick. Or mnorah {men-o-raw'}; feminine of manowr (in the original sense of
niyr); a chandelier -- candlestick. see HEBREW manowr. see HEBREW niyr. ...
/hebrew/4501.htm - 6k

The one Thing to Aim At.
... John "was not the light." He was only the candlestick. And he was content to be
that. He was a good candlestick. The light was held up. It could shine out. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the one thing to aim.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... candlesticks, and holdeth in his hand the messengers of the churches, admonished
them that, unless they repented he would remove their candlestick, ie, their ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

"Not by Might, nor by Power"
... And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon
the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 48 not by might.htm

Chapter vi.
... "But on a candlestick." [64] Now it is placed on a candlestick by him who subordinates
his body to the service of God, so that the preaching of the truth is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter vi.htm

The Golden Lampstand
... 'Thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold....' Exodus 25:31. ... Of course it was
not a candlestick, as our versions misleadingly render the word. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the golden lampstand.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and
the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

The Annunciation of St. John the Baptist
... second time they met for the lot,' which designated those who were to take part
in the sacrifice itself, and who were to trim the golden candlestick, and make ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the annunciation of.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and
the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.htm

Weighed in the Balances
... While this impious act was being committed, "in the same hour came forth fingers
of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/weighed in the balances.htm

The Mystery of the vision of Zechariah.
... And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon
the top of it....And two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the ...
/.../chapter vi the mystery of the.htm

Candlestick (34 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/c/candlestick.htm - 27k

Candle (16 Occurrences)
... CANDLE; CANDLESTICK. ... (2) "Candlestick" stands for what was a common and indispensable
article of ancient house furniture, a lamp-stand (menorah). ...
/c/candle.htm - 15k

Calyxes (6 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:31 And thou hast made a candlestick of pure gold, of beaten work is the
candlestick made; its base, and its branch, its calyxes, its knops, and its ...
/c/calyxes.htm - 8k

Bowls (47 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall
the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops ...
/b/bowls.htm - 21k

Knop (4 Occurrences)
... (1.) Hebrews kaphtor (Exodus 25:31-36), occurring in the description of the
candlestick. ... See CANDLESTICK, THE GOLDEN; TEMPLE; SEA, THE MOLTEN. ...
/k/knop.htm - 9k

Knops (8 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall
the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops ...
/k/knops.htm - 8k

Flowerlike (2 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall
the candlestick be made, even its base, and its shaft; its cups, its knops ...
/f/flowerlike.htm - 7k

Almond-blossoms (4 Occurrences)
... and a flower; and three cups made like almond-blossoms in the other branch, a knop
and a flower: so for the six branches going out of the candlestick: (ASV JPS ...
/a/almond-blossoms.htm - 7k

Bowl (44 Occurrences)
... The sockets of the lamps of the golden candlestick of the tabernacle are called
bowls (Exodus 25:31, 33, 34; 37:17, 19, 20); the same word so rendered being ...
/b/bowl.htm - 26k

Shaft (13 Occurrences)
... feather. 6. (n.) The pole, or tongue, of a vehicle; also, a thill. 7. (n.)
The part of a candlestick which supports its branches. 8 ...
/s/shaft.htm - 13k

What are the seven candlesticks / lampstands of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

Candlestick: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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