Jesus Christ, with the Candlestick, in the Word.

The Gold Lampstand

Exodus 37:17-24:
This is an account of the construction of the Golden Lampstand exactly as described by God earlier in Exodus 25:31-37.

Thoughts on the Passage

As I read and studied this passage, I was reminded of the board game my grandchildren love to play -- Clue. In it, one has to figure out who committed murder, where, and how. Here we have a parallel kind of dilemma but with totally opposite results -- we are seeking to determine who, how, and where to find the Giver of Light and Life. Stay with me. 

Robert Jamieson suggests, at this point, that “The whole of that sacred building was arranged with a view to inculcate through every part of its apparatus the great fundamental principles of revelation. Every object was symbolical of important truth--every piece of furniture was made the hieroglyphic of a doctrine or a duty--on the floor and along the sides of that movable edifice was exhibited, by emblematic signs addressed to the eye, the whole remedial scheme of the gospel.”

Jamieson also points out that the tabernacle, like the law of which it was a part, was a schoolmaster (that helped lead us) to Christ in accordance with Galatians 3:24, 25. The tabernacle was intended by its furniture and all its arrangements to serve as a "shadow of good things to come", he says, quoting Hebrews 10:1.

Matthew Henry, for his part, considers the candlestick or lampstand to be symbolic of “that light of divine revelation with which God's church upon earth (which is his tabernacle among men) has always been enlightened, being always supplied with fresh oil from Christ.”

Henry continues, “God's manifestations of himself in this world are but candle-light compared with the daylight of the future state. The Bible is a golden candlestick; it is of pure gold. . .. From it light is diffused to every part of God's tabernacle, that by it his spiritual priests may see to minister unto the Lord, and to do the service of his sanctuary. This candlestick has not only its bowls for necessary use, but its knops and flowers for ornament; there are many things which God saw fit to beautify his word with which we can no more give a reason for than for these knops and flowers, and yet we are sure that they were added for a good purpose. Let us bless God for this candlestick, have an eye to it continually, and dread the removal of it out of its place.”

What gives you the ‘light’ you need for your path each day? Is it the candlestick of the Old Testament Law, or is it the Word of God as you absorb regularly, or is it your personal relationship with the Light itself, Jesus Christ? God intended for one to lead to the other.  And there is still more “light” and “Light” to come for those that believe.

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.