Candlestick

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.