Introduction
The next piece of furniture in the Holy Place was the Golden Lampstand. This is described in Exodus 25:31-40. (The Golden Altar of Incense was also in the Holy Place but it is described further on in the Book of Exodus).1. The Lampstand Described
A. The Golden Candlestick was actually an oil-burning lamp. It stood on the south side of the Holy Place across from the Table of Shewbread (Exodus 40:24). The Lampstand was not cast but beaten out by hand from a single piece of gold weighing around one hundred and twenty five pounds. The task must have been one requiring immense skill and labor.
B. The Lampstand had seven lamps; one coming out of the central shaft and three coming out of either side on separate branches. The entire piece was highly ornamented as described in Exodus 25:31-40. The Lamp burned olive oil that was beaten out by hand (Leviticus 24:2, Exodus 27:20).2. The Symbolism Of The Lamp
A. The purpose of the Lampstand was to give light for the priests in the Holy Place. In thinking of this divinely ordained light source several aspects of truth seem to be set forth in type:
(1) Immediately the Lampstand causes us to reflect on Christ as the light of His people. We dwelt in spiritual darkness before coming to know Christ (II Corinthians 4:3-4, Ephesians 4:18). Following Him as believer-priests we have the light of light (John 8:12).
(2) Consider also that just as the Lampstand shone by using oil so Christ means the "anointed one." Our Saviour as the Christ was anointed with the oil of the Spirit (Hebrews 1:9). His wonderful words and works were by the Spirit's power (Acts 10:38). Christ Jesus has the fullness of the Spirit which is symbolized in Revelation 3:1. The sevenfold ministry of the Spirit in Christ is explained in Isaiah 11:1-2.
B. The Golden Lampstand also brings to mind the work of the Holy Spirit in God's people. He is our teacher (John 16:13) and reveals the things of Christ to us.
(1) The Holy of Holies was illuminated by the Shekinah; the light of God's glory. It typified God’s presence in Heaven. The Holy place however was illuminated by the Lampstand or the light of grace. This typified the ministry of the Holy Spirit to saints in this present world. While we do not see God's glory with our physical eyes yet through the Spirit we apprehend spiritual truth.
(2) Apart from the Lampstand none of the beauty of the Holy Place would have been seen. The Table of Shewbread, the Golden Altar of Incense, and the beautiful curtains would have been in darkness. The priest would have had no light to perform their services. So it is in Christianity. Until the Spirit illuminates our mind the beauty of Christ is hidden (II Corinthians 4:6). Service acceptable to God is an impossibility. Only a new birth by God's Spirit equips us for sight and service in God's kingdom (John 3:3).
(3) In teaching that the Lampstand represents both the work of Christ and the work of the Spirit we are not contradicting ourselves. There is unity in their work. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ as He was sent by, and in the place of the Saviour (Galatians 4:6, John 14:26, John 16:7). Christ lives through us by the power of His Spirit. He died to purchase for us the gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:33). C. Likewise we are not going beyond Biblical limits when we assert that the Lampstand represents Christ's churches as light-bearers. In fact we have divine authority for this (Revelation 1:20). After His resurrection and ascension the Saviour sent His Spirit to empower the church for service (Acts 1:8). The light of the gospel shines as Christ's churches carry out the Great commission through His power (Matthew 28:18-20). God's people are enlightened as the churches perform their teaching ministry (I Timothy 3:15, Ephesians 4:11-15). The local church is institution through which Christ’s truth is preserved and made known (I Timothy 3:15).=============
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