The golden lampstand was situated to their left on the south side in the Holy Place opposite the table of shewbread.
Outside, in the courtyard, there was the light of the sun, moon, and stars – or the ‘fiery pillar by night’; however, inside the Holy Place, the Lampstand was the only light provided. It was ‘lit’ from the perpetual fire of the Brazen Altar, a fire that was initially provided by God. The light, or ‘fire’ of the Lampstand was kept burning continuously by the oil provided by the people. In each oil-lamp was a wick that was to be trimmed. The trimmings, or ashes, were to be held in pure gold snuff-dishes (Exodus 25:38). One of the duties of the priests was to trim the wick to prevent the light from dimming, or going out altogether. Each of the seven lamps on the Lampstand gave an individual light, yet all were united to the one central branch that literally was ‘in the midst’. I am the vine you are the branches John 15:4 (Mirror) our seamless union you in me and I in you is pictured in the vine. Without the light of this Golden Lampstand the other pieces of furniture could not be seen or used.
Each branch of the Lampstand was to have hammered out ‘a knob and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds’ (Exodus 25:33). The branches were constructed so that they could not possibly be used for anything unless they were attached to the central stem. The almond tree is the first tree to blossom after winter, often called ‘the awaken tree’ and, with its snow-white blossoms, proclaims new life. As the picture of Aaron’s rod from an almond tree that budded (Number 17:1-11). Aaron’s dead almond limb came to life in the Tabernacle, an undeniable picture of resurrection – the dead coming to life. The six branches are to extend from the lampstand outward, three on each side of the centre trunk. The Menorah has seven lights which remind us that seven is the number of God — He made the world in six days and then rested on the seventh. God also set up seven feasts for His people Israel to celebrate throughout the year. What are the Seven Feasts, and how do they point to Yeshua the Messiah? The seven branches of the Menorah represent the seven feasts. The seven feasts each point specifically to the birth, life, death, and final resurrection of the Messiah.
The Light as in John 1:4 is linked to the life of Christ who came into the world. vs 9 “A new day for mankind has come. The authentic light of life that illuminates everyone was about to dawn in the world” (Mirror). Christ the image and likeness of God made visible in human form so that all may recognise their true origin in him. We are his offspring, our beginning and our being is in Him. Jesus,the first to rise from the dead (firstfruit of those fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20 ). Because we, all humanity, is included in Christ co-died, co-raised, we too are the light in this world. Cleansed, forgiven, blameless and pure, without fault radiating light in the midst of a people who have forgotten their true sonship and therefore their lives have become distorted and perverse (Philippians 2:15 Mirror), they have forgotten the rock from which they were hewn. “When Jesus spoke to the people, He said, `I am the light of the world. Whoever journeys with me shall not walk in darkness but will radiate the life of life (John 8:12 Mirror).
