Symbolization: Breaking Down the Tabernacle Part 3: The Lampstand

4/6/2021: This is the third entry where we will take a deeper look into the Spiritual truths that are represented by the design of God’s Holy Dwelling, the Tabernacle.

In this segment, we will focus on the golden lampstand and its design. It’s a good idea to review the original Intro Post I made to start this off. In it is a list of the items needed for building the Tabernacle and the symbolic meaning of each. This is God’s design so you know there’s a deeper meaning. Here is the link to the intro: https://baptizemyheartlord.com/2021/03/22/symbolization-the-tabernacle-and-the-body-of-christ-intro/

Exodus 25:31 NKJV: 31 “You shall also make a lampstand of pure gold; the lampstand shall be of hammered work. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and flowers shall be of one piece. 32 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. 33 Three bowls shall be made like almond blossoms on one branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower, and three bowls made like almond blossoms on the other branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower—and so for the six branches that come out of the lampstand. 34 On the lampstand itself four bowls shall be made like almond blossoms, each with its ornamental knob and flower. 35 And there shall be a knob under the first two branches of the same, a knob under the second two branches of the same, and a knob under the third two branches of the same, according to the six branches that extend from the lampstand. 36 Their knobs and their branches shall be of one piece; all of it shall be one hammered piece of pure gold. 37 You shall make seven lamps for it, and they shall arrange its lamps so that they give light in front of it. 38 And its wick-trimmers and their trays shall be of pure gold. 39 It shall be made of a talent of pure gold, with all these utensils. 40 And see to it that you make them according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.

Here is the golden lampstand made of pure gold (Gold is symbolic of the Divine nature of God). Did you notice that unlike the Ark of the Covenant as well as the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand is made of Pure Gold instead of Acacia Wood and layered with gold. As you remember, wood represents humanity or human nature; both pieces typify Christ walking in the flesh amongst us. This Lampstand, being made of pure gold, is a symbol of God’s complete and full Holy nature.

Let’s look at the functions of a Lamp; what is the purpose of lighting a lamp? To emit LIGHT! Who is the LIGHT of the World?

John 8:12 NKJV: 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Jesus is the Light that, if we believe in Him, will bring Light to our path and He will lead us through the Wilderness of this life so we may enter the Promised Land, Our salvation/and communion with God.

John 11:9-10 NKJV: ⁹ Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. ¹⁰ But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”

The Lampstand is made in the design of an almond tree, having a shaft in the center to hold a candle, and three branches coming out of each side, to hold a total of seven candles. (seven represents completion and perfection). The seven candles also represent the Seven-Fold Holy Spirit (please read one of my previous posts where I go into more detail about the Seven-Fold Holy Spirit. It can be found here: https://baptizemyheartlord.com/2021/03/16/symbolization-the-sabbath-the-sevenfold-holy-spirit-and-the-light-of-the-world/ )

Jesus is also symbolized by the center candle, which in Hebrew is called the “shamash” which means both “servant” and “brightness.” It is the root word for “shemesh” which means “the sun,” just as Jesus is called the Sun of Righteousness; He is the Light of the World who came to serve and not to be served.

The center candle is used to light the other six which typifies Jesus instilling the same Light He possesses into us, as we are now the Light of Christ in this dark world.

Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV: ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

The Lampstand is fueled by none other than olive oil. This signifies the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit continuously filling God’s people; enabling us to do His will.

The final detail I will point out is how the Lampstand was made into the shape and image of an Almond Tree. Interestingly enough, the Almond Tree was the first tree to blossom and was the sign to ancient civilizations that life was about to be renewed from the dead of winter. The Hebrew word for this is “sha-ked” which means “hastener” or “awakener.” Just as the Almond Tree symbolized new life, so does the Lampstand in the shape of an Almond Tree. A New Life in Christ is found by the Light, the Light of the World!

Jeremiah 1:11-12 NKJV: ¹¹ Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see? ”And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” ¹² Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.”