The Golden Candlestick: A Light to the World
The Menorah, the golden candlestick, is one of the most symbolic and revered items in the Scriptures. It was a crucial part of the Tabernacle of Witness that God instructed Moses to build as part of the divine law given on Mount Sinai. In Exodus 25:31, God commands Moses to make a candlestick "of pure gold" with intricate details—its shaft, branches, bowls, knops, and flowers all carefully designed according to the divine pattern Moses had seen in the heavenly vision (Hebrews 8:5). This candlestick, made of beaten gold, was the only source of light in the Tabernacle, illuminating the holy space where God's presence dwelled.
The Menorah as a Shadow of Heavenly Things
The Tabernacle, with all its furnishings, was a shadow of the good things to come through Christ (Hebrews 10:1). The Menorah, in particular, serves as a profound symbol of the light of the Gospel and the spiritual structure of the church under the New Covenant. Hebrews 9:23 tells us that the earthly tabernacle, including the candlestick, was necessary for purification but was merely a reflection of the "heavenly things." The true spiritual fulfillment of these shadows is found in the Church, which Christ established, and in the light of the Gospel that is to shine through it.
Jesus Himself, during His earthly ministry, emphasized the importance of light. In Matthew 5:14-16, He declared, "Ye are the light of the world." He taught that just as a candle is placed on a candlestick to give light to all in the house, so should our light (the light of God's truth) shine for the world to see. The Menorah in the Tabernacle was more than a physical object; it foreshadowed the Church, the living temple of God, through which the light of the Gospel would be spread to the nations.
The Menorah and the Structure of the Church
The construction and design of the Menorah reveal deep insights into the structure and leadership of the New Testament Church. The candlestick had a central shaft and six branches, symbolizing the unity and diversity within the body of Christ. The shaft represents Christ, the Head of the Church, while the branches symbolize the various ministries and offices that work to spread God's light. These branches and their decorations, including twelve stones representing the apostles, show the essential roles of leadership and the foundation of the Church.
The Menorah’s seven lamps are especially significant. They represent the seven men chosen in Acts 6:3, who were appointed to serve the early Church. These men were filled with wisdom and the Holy Spirit, taking care of the practical needs of the community while allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the Word. This pattern of leadership and service has been restored in the Church today, ensuring that the light of Christ continues to shine brightly in a dark world.
The Two Olive Trees: A Symbol of Unity and Mission
The vision of Zechariah 4:2-14 offers a prophetic glimpse into the future of the Menorah. The prophet saw two olive trees, which provided oil to the Menorah. These olive trees represent two peoples—the Jews and the Gentiles—who, through their respective roles in history, contribute to the shining light of the Gospel. The Jewish olive tree was responsible for the light in the early Church, and the Gentile olive tree, representing the Church today, is the one that carries the light into the last days.
Though the early Church's light was extinguished for a time due to human traditions and persecutions, the restoration of God’s work was promised. The time has come for the true tabernacle and Menorah to be rebuilt, and just as Zerubbabel was tasked with rebuilding the temple after its destruction, so the Church today is called to restore the true light of the Gospel (Zechariah 4:6). When this restoration is complete, the light of the Menorah will shine even brighter, reaching the nations and fulfilling God's purpose in the world.
The Menorah and the Son of God
Finally, in the book of Revelation, the Menorah takes on an even deeper significance. In Revelation 1:13, the Son of God is seen walking among seven golden candlesticks, symbolizing His intimate relationship with the Church. The Menorah is a manifestation of Jesus Christ Himself, as He is the Light of the world (John 8:12). Additionally, the seven branches of the Menorah represent the Seven Spirits of God, the channels through which the Holy Spirit manifests His gifts and empowers the Church.
The Menorah, therefore, is not only a symbol of the Church's mission to be the light of the world but also a representation of Christ's presence and the Holy Spirit's work within the body of believers. It is through the Holy Spirit that the light of God's truth shines in the hearts of believers, empowering them to reflect His glory to a lost and dark world.
Conclusion
The Menorah is much more than a historical artifact. It is a living symbol of the Church, the body of Christ, which has been called to be the light of the world. Just as the Menorah in the Tabernacle provided the only light for God's dwelling place, so the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is called to be the vessel through which God's truth illuminates the darkness of this world. As we reflect on the Menorah's meaning, let us be reminded of our role in shining the light of Christ to those around us, fulfilling the purpose God has set before us in His eternal plan.
Dr. Phil Spears
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