Good Morning.
You shall also make a lamp stand of pure gold; the lamp stand shall be of hammered work. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and flowers shall be of one piece. And six branches shall come out of its sides: three branches of the lamp stand out of one side, and three branches of the lamp stand out of the other side. (Exodus 25:31-32)
The lamp stand referred to in these passages is, of course, what we all know as the menorah. This term comes from another Hebrew word, נר ner, that means “lamp.” This is the article that provided light within the Holy Place and stood opposite the table of showbread. What most readers overlook is the fact that this candelabra, with all of its branches and bowls etc., was crafted from the same ingot of gold. That is amazing in and of itself and it certainly took a lot of insight and wisdom on the part of Betzalel, Oholiav and the other artisans who built it. That it took wisdom and skill to build it goes hand in hand with what it came to represent with its seven lights — the seven spirits of God (Revelation 4:5).
The way the text reads, the menorah seems to be main branch and the other six branches come out of it, three branches on each side. This would suggest that the branch in the midst of the lamp stand is the one Judaism regards as the ner tamid — eternal light — the one that is the source of light. In that vein it is also called the שמש shammash or servant lamp in that it provides light to the other branches. In short, the center lamp — the one in the midst of the other lights is the one that is given preeminence. That’s fascinating considering that, when Messiah appeared to John on Patmos, He was standing in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands.
That would mean Yeshua is the Eternal Light — the Light of the World that can never be extinguished. He is the Servant in that He performed the Father’s Will that the Light could be passed on to other branches, which is to say, His people — you and me. In turn we are to let our light shine that others may see that light. Together as one Body — just as the menorah was fashioned from one ingot of gold, we cause light to shine in the darkness of the world because He is in the midst of us. Perhaps that is why He called His people “the Light of the World.” Let us then fulfill our purpose and let our light shine that men may give glory unto our Father in Heaven.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments