Shadows of Good Things

CHAPTER III

THE TABERNACLE AND ITS FURNITURE

(Exodus 25—27, 30, 35—38, 40)

The Golden Candlestick
(Exod. 25:31 39; 37:17 24) cont.

  This great candlelabrum, which stood at the south side of the first room, was one piece of pure beaten gold. It was made of a talent of gold, or about $27,375 worth of gold. Its size is not given in the Bible; but the amount of gold used, and the size of it in relation to the height of a man as shown by the bas relief on the Arch of Titus, is ground for supposing it was probably two cubits, or three feet, high, as was the golden altar on which it was to shed light.

  It was made with a central upright shaft from each side of which went out three branches; oil lamps were on the top of the branches and central shaft, all on one plane. It was more properly a lamp stand than a candlestick. On each of the arms or branches were three bowls like almonds, with a "knop,' or knob, and a flower with each bowl. Four of these bowls, knops, and flowers were on the central shaft. Thus it had the appearance of a golden almond tree with fruits in the three stages, as was Aaron's almond rod laid up in the tabernacle, which, in one night, budded, blossomed, and bore almonds. The purpose of the candlestick was to give light on the table of shewbread opposite and for the priestly ministration there and at the golden altar. It was to be kept always burning with beaten olive oil, and to be trimmed and cared for by the priests evening and morning.

  Typical Significance of the Candlestick.—As the altar and the laver were typical of Christ, so was also the candlestick and all the other articles of furniture in the sanctuary, as well as the two veils. It is necessarily so because he is the only Savior. The different articles of furniture were needed to set forth the various phases of his work in our salvation much as he used, in his parables, different [47] things to illustrate the various phases of the kingdom of God. He it is who is the source of all spiritual light. Christians merely reflect his light. He said, "I am the light of the world.' (John 8:12). In a special sense this light is shed on those who are saved. The sinner is said to be in darkness; but Christians are called "children of light" (1 Thess. 5:5). "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord.' (Eph. 5:8). "That ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Pet. 2:9). Even without these clear statements from the Bible, it would still be evident that the golden candlestick typified Christ, who is the giver of light to his church. Seven is the number of perfection. Christ's light is perfect. Its being made of gold may be significant also, because gold is the sacred metal that characterizes the presence of God and probably symbolizes the glory of God. As the boards and pillars have already been shown to be covered with gold, so the Christian is clothed with God's glory and presence. But the candlestick was solid gold—a fit representation of Christ. The blessedness of the light of Christ is better appreciated if we compare the condition of "saints in light" with those groping in the darkness of sin and heathenism.

  "My darkness now is passed away,
In Jesus all is perfect day;
And peace and comfort ever stay
Since Christ is my perfect light." [49]

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