What is the significance of the lampstand in the Bible?

Answer

The first instance of the word “lampstand” in the Bible is found in Exodus 25:31, where God provides detailed instructions regarding the golden lampstand to be placed in the tabernacle constructed by the Israelites. It is noteworthy how precise God is in describing the appearance He desired for the lampstand. Given that every word in the Bible is purposeful, each detail and specification holds significance for a specific reason.

The lampstand was to be crafted from pure gold, meticulously shaped according to God’s instructions “And you shall make a lampstand of pure gold. Of hammered work shall the lampstand be made, its stem, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and flowers shall be of one piece” (Exodus 25:31). Gold, the most precious of metals (Psalm 119:127; Psalm 19:10), is often associated with being “tested by fire.” The Bible draws parallels between the refining of gold and the refining of the church in 1 Peter 1:7. Through testing and purification, the genuine followers of God emerge (see Zechariah 13:7-9; Job 23:10). Those who endure the “fire” will be cleansed, as seen in Numbers 31:23.

The lampstand, designed to resemble a tree, featured a base and central shaft symbolizing the trunk, with three branches on each side. The tops of the shaft and branches were crafted in the likeness of open almond flowers, each holding an oil lamp “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” (Exodus 25:32,37). «And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.», (Exodus 25:32,37). There are several passages in the Bible that mention the almond tree, which was always the first tree to blossom and bear fruit in the spring, as early as February. The apostle Paul refers to Christ as the “firstfruits” because Jesus was the first to rise from the dead to everlasting life, and because of His resurrection, all believers will also be raised (1 Corinthians 15:20-23;Romans 8:23).

God used Aaron’s rod as a sign to the Israelites of his unique priesthood. At one time, when Aaron’s priesthood was being challenged, God caused Aaron’s rod to bud and grow ripe almonds overnight; this miracle reaffirmed that the privilege of being chosen as High Priest only came through God’s appointment (Numbers 16:3;Numbers 17:10). This was a prophetic experience that foreshadowed Jesus, our God-ordained, life-giving High Priest forever «(for those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchisedec:)», (Hebrews 7:21).

In the tabernacle, the lampstand was to be placed in the first section, called the Holy Place «For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.», (Hebrews 9:2). The lamp was to be tended by Aaron and his sons so that its light never went out. The lampstand was to provide forThe light day and night (Exodus 27:20-21). The lampstand being the sole source of light directly symbolizes Christ as the light of the world (John 8:12; John 9:5). Jesus is the “true light that illuminates everyone” “That was the true Light, which enlightens every man that comes into the world.” (John 1:9) and the exclusive path to the Father “Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, except through me.” (John 14:6).

Jesus also refers to His church as the “light of the world” “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14), not by their own efforts but because Christ dwells in the church (John 1:4-5). A Christian who radiates with the light of Christ will lead a righteous life “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9). The Scriptures are replete with comparisons between light and darkness, believers and unbelievers, extending to the book of Revelation. In Revelation 1:20, Christ mentions that the “seven lampstands are the seven churches.” The churches of Christ are to walk in God’s light “but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Illuminate the light of the gospel according to (1 John 1:7) so that all people may glorify God “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

The lampstand holds other symbolism: it was crafted from one piece, symbolizing Christ’s unity with His church “who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.” (Colossians 1:8); the six branches (6 representing man) plus the central shaft total seven lights (7 symbolizing completion)—man finds fullness only in Christ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

An essential point about the lampstand is its representation of Christ, mirroring all elements of the tabernacle. The Bible, from start to finish, testifies about Christ and God’s merciful redemption plan. Praise the Lord for leading His children from darkness to His marvelous light “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9).