the lamp-stand, "candelabrum," which Moses was commanded to make for the tabernacle, according to the pattern shown him. Its form is described in Exodus 25:31-40 ; 37:17-24 , and may be seen represented on the Arch of Titus at Rome. It was among the spoils taken by the Romans from the temple of Jerusalem (A.D. 70). It was made of fine gold, and with the utensils belonging to it was a talent in weight.
The tabernacle was a tent without windows, and thus artificial light was needed. This was supplied by the candlestick, which, however, served also as a symbol of the church or people of God, who are "the light of the world." The light which "symbolizes the knowledge of God is not the sun or any natural light, but an artificial light supplied with a specially prepared oil; for the knowledge of God is in truth not natural nor common to all men, but furnished over and above nature."
This candlestick was placed on the south side of the Holy Place, opposite the table of shewbread ( Exodus 27:21 ; Exodus 30:7 Exodus 30:8 ; Leviticus 24:3 ; 1 Samuel 3:3 ). It was lighted every evening, and was extinguished in the morning. In the morning the priests trimmed the seven lamps, borne by the seven branches, with golden snuffers, carrying away the ashes in golden dishes ( Exodus 25:38 ), and supplying the lamps at the same time with fresh oil. What ultimately became of the candlestick is unknown.
In Solomon's temple there were ten separate candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right and five on the left of the Holy Place ( 1 Kings 7:49 ; 2 Chr 4:7 ). Their structure is not mentioned. They were carried away to Babylon ( Jeremiah 52:19 ).
In the temple erected after the Exile there was again but one candlestick, and like the first, with seven branches. It was this which was afterwards carried away by Titus to Rome, where it was deposited in the Temple of Peace. When Genseric plundered Rome, he is said to have carried it to Carthage (A.D. 455). It was recaptured by Belisarius (A.D. 533), and carried to Constantinople and thence to Jerusalem, where it finally disappeared.
Lampstand.And thou shalt make a CANDLESTICK of pure gold: of beaten work shall the CANDLESTICK be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same. ( Exodus 25:31 )
which Moses was commanded to make for the tabernacle, is described ( Exodus 25:31-37 ; 37:17-24 ) It was not strictly a "candlestick," as it held seven richly-adorned lamps. With its various appurtenances it required a talent of "pure gold;" and it was not moulded, but "of beaten work," and has been estimated to have been worth in our money over $25,000. From the Arch of Titus, where the sculptured the spoils taken from Jerusalem, we learn that it consisted of a central stem, with six branches, three on each side. It was about five feet high. [See ARCH OF TITUS] The candlestick was placed on the south side of the first apartment of the tabernacle, opposite the table of shewbread, ( Exodus 25:37 ) and was lighted every evening and dressed every morning. ( Exodus 27:20 Exodus 27:21 ; 30:8 ) comp. 1Sam 3:2 Each lamp was supplied with cotton and about two wineglasses of the purest olive oil, which was sufficient to keep it burning during a long night. In Solomons temple, instead of or in addition to this candlestick there were ten golden candlesticks similarly embossed, five in the right and five on the left. ( 1 Kings 7:49 ; 2 Chronicles 4:7 ) They were taken to Babylon. ( Jeremiah 52:19 ) In the temple of Zerubbabel there was again a single candlestick. 1Macc 1:21: 4:49.
in ( Matthew 5:15 ; Mark 4:21 ) is merely a lamp-stand, made in various forms, to hold up the simple Oriental hand-lamps.