The Golden Candlestick

The Menorah: Exodus 25:31

Studying and prayerfully meditating upon the Word of God is both helpful and enlightening. In particular this applies to the subject we have before us: The Golden Candlestick.

We should appreciate that the title is a modern rendering of the Old Testament Hebrew word Menorah , which has the literal translation "The Place of Light". The first command of God to be found in the Scriptures is associated with the Light (Genesis 1:3): "And God said, 'Let there be light' and there was light"; previously darkness had reigned on the earth (Genesis 1:2).

The thought of light and darkness may appear to be elementary, but the teaching of Scripture on this subject is most profound and has a marked effect upon our thoughts, words and deeds, as we devote ourselves to the study of it. The condemnation in John 3:19 was that light had come into the world (in the person of the Son of God) and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. We are reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus, when speaking to the Scribes and Pharisees: "I am the Light of the World, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).

The Tabernacle
The significance of the Menorah can only be appreciated if the position of it, relative to the Tabernacle as a whole, is considered, for it is part and parcel of the same. It should be noted that there are two Old Testament Hebrew words used in the Scriptures for the English word "Tabernacle". The Hebrew word Ohel has reference to the Tabernacle of the Congregation. This place was frequented by God's people without restriction.

The Hebrew word Mishkon has the meaning of "Dwelling Place". It was distinctly separate and apart from the Ohel .

Ohel
This name has the meaning "the Tent". It was erected as a special place of worship before the Tabernacle proper was set up. Its full Hebrew title was Ohel Mo'ed , the tent of the assembly or of the congregation. It was also known as the Tabernacle of Witness, Ohel Ha'eduth , the name of the Tent as containing the Tables of the Law, which were an abiding witness to Israel's covenant with Jehovah.

Mishkon
This Hebrew name has the meaning "The Dwelling Place", from the Hebrew word Shakin , to dwell or inhabit, indicating the presence of Jehovah in the Light called "Shekinah".

It is also referred to as the "Sanctuary" (Exodus 25:8) or in Hebrew Kodesh , the Holy Place. It was also known as "The House of the Lord".

The Menorah
In the A.V. the Menorah is referred to as "The Candlestick". This appellation is a misnomer. The vessel had no resemblance to what we understand as a present-day candlestick. The Hebrew word Menorah means, "The Place of Light". It is also referred to in the Old Testament as "The Vessel" (Exodus 25:9) and was situated at the entrance to the Tabernacle proper ( Mishkon ), lighting the way into the Sanctuary of the Holy Place, where the God of Israel chose to dwell among His people.

Precise instructions were given to Moses by the Lord concerning the construction of the Menorah . There was a set pattern (see Exodus 25:31-40). It was impressed upon Moses by God that he should do exactly as he was instructed: "Look that thou make them after their pattern which was shown thee on the Mount" (Exodus 25:40).

The comments of W.E. Vine are most helpful. He refers to this subject in his Expository Dictionary as follows:

Hebrews 9:24. R.V. Like in Pattern ( A.V. "The figure of"), of the tabernacle, which, with its structure and appurten­ances, was a pattern of that Holy Place "heaven itself" the true, into which Christ entered "to appear before the Face of God for us". The earthly Tabernacle anticipatively represented what is now made good in Christ; it was a "Figure" or "Parable" (Hebrews 9:9)

It may be asked, what bearing has this Jewish teaching concern­ing the Menorah on present day thinking, especially that of the faithful Christian believer? Perhaps it is necessary to quote from 2 Timothy 3:16,17: "All Scripture is given by inspira­tion of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, and for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

Types and Shadows
Let us now consider the various types and shadows that appear as we meditate upon this glorious subject of the Menorah . The vessel was made from one piece of pure beaten gold. The Hebrew word for pure gold is Zahab ; this word in metonymy has the meaning of "shining". The light that radiated from the Menorah reminds us of the One who is the Light of the World. He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was laid upon Him and with His stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53). Without the Menorah the entrance to the Tabernacle would have been in total darkness, and the glory of the presence of God would have been concealed. It is needless to say that without the Light of the World, our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ, we too would be in darkness and would be ignorant of His so great salvation. However, we who love Him wait with expectation for His glorious appearing for when we shall see Him, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2).

The Menorah was made according to the command of God of one piece of beaten gold; it was also made according to the pattern that the Lord God had commanded. On each side of it there were three branches, six branches altogether. Six is the number pertaining to man who was created upon the sixth day of creation. There were seven lights altogether including the central upright which supported the six branches. Dr Bullinger, in the Companion Bible , states in his commentary that seven denotes spiritual perfection. It is the number or hallmark of the Holy Spirit's work. He is the author of God's word and seven is stamped on it as a water­mark is seen in paper.

The central upright and the six branches emanating from it remind us of the unity that exists between God and His people, a state of perfection which there is in God's plan of redemp­tion. In reference to the command of God to Moses His servant, concerning the construction of the Menorah , the Lord said, "See that thou make all things according to the pattern shown to thee in the Mount" (Hebrews 8:5). These holy elements were shadows and types which had reference to heavenly things. They were an exhibition (Greek Hupodeigma ) of that which is in heaven itself.

The Bowls (Exodus 25:33)
The Old Testament Hebrew word for "bowls" is gabia and has the meaning of cup or goblet; also the cup or bell of a flower. These appendages emanated from each of the six branches, three on each branch. There were four on the central upright which supported the six branches. Three denotes completeness and signifies divine perfection. The number three also has reference to resurrection, for on the third day the Lord Jesus was raised from the dead.

The bowls contained the oil which fed the light that burned continuously by order of the Lord. This reminds us of the work of the Holy Spirit of God who takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto us; for if we walk in the light as He is in the light, then we shall have fellowship one with the other (i.e. ourselves and the Lord), and the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ shall cleanse us from all sin and unrighteousness (1 John 1:7).

The Flowers (Exodus 25:33)
The instruction of the Lord to Israel regarding the decoration of the branches was precise. There were to be three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like unto almonds in the other branch with a knop and a flower. This was so in all six branches that came out of the Menorah . The Hebrew word for the flower used in this context is perach and has the meaning "flourishing". The glory of the flowers as they radiated from the branches surely denoted life.

Therefore, as God's people who cleave unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think, we shall flourish and grow in grace like unto a pleasant and beautiful flower and also in the knowledge of Him who has gone before.