Brooke Martin
The placement of candles in religious ceremonies is steeped in history and tradition. In the Catholic Church, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal states that a special lamp, fueled by oil or wax, should be kept alight to indicate and honor the presence of Christ near the tabernacle. This is known as a sanctuary lamp, chancel lamp, or everlasting light, and it represents the menorah of the Old Testament. The number of candles used in Catholic masses is significant, with two, four, or six candles used for a standard mass and seven for a Sunday Mass or Holy Day of Obligation. The placement of these candles varies, with some sources suggesting they are placed on or next to the altar, while others describe them as surrounding the tabernacle. In Jewish tradition, the sanctuary lamp, or Ner Tamid, hangs or stands in front of the ark in every synagogue, representing the menorah and the tree of life in the Garden of Eden.
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What You'll Learn
The lampstand/candlestick was made of solid gold
The lampstand, also known as the menorah, golden candlestick, or candelabrum, was constructed of solid gold. It was cylindrical in form, with a centre column and six branches extending from it on each side. The gold for this sacred object was given to the Israelites by the Egyptians when the Jews fled Egypt (Exodus 12:35). The lampstand weighed about 75 pounds and was made from a single piece of gold, as instructed by God to Moses.
The lampstand was an oil-burning lamp, with each of the flower-shaped cups holding olive oil and a cloth wick. Aaron and his sons, who were designated priests, were responsible for keeping the lamps burning continuously. The lampstand was placed on the south side of the holy place, opposite the table of showbread, as this chamber had no windows and required the lampstand as its only source of light.
The lampstand's function was not only practical but also symbolic. It represented the life and light God gives to his people, echoing the tree of life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9). God gave Adam and Eve access to the tree of life, but when they disobeyed, they were cut off from it. Nonetheless, God intended to reconcile his people and offer them new life through his Son, Jesus Christ. The lampstand served as a reminder of God's life-giving power and his role as the giver of life.
The use of gold in the lampstand's construction further emphasised its symbolic significance. Gold is a precious metal, and its use symbolised purity, holiness, and the church as God's most valued possession. The brilliance of gold also served to enhance the lampstand's ability to bring light to dark places, reflecting the church's mission to shine God's light into the world.
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The lampstand/candlestick was placed on the south side
The lampstand, also known as the menorah, candlestick, or candelabrum, was placed on the south side of the tabernacle. It was constructed of solid gold and weighed about 75 pounds. The lampstand was designed to hold seven lamps, with a center column and six branches extending from it, three on each side. This design is significant as the number seven symbolizes divine perfection in the Word.
The lampstand was the only source of light in the tabernacle, as the chamber had no windows. It was placed opposite the table of showbread, which represented the sinless character of Christ. The lampstand served a practical purpose of illuminating the holy place, but it also held deep religious significance. It represented the life and light that God gives to his people.
The lampstand was made of gold to symbolize deity and holiness, in contrast to the common bronze items found outside the tabernacle tent. The gold used for this sacred object was given to the Israelites by the Egyptians when they fled Egypt, as described in Exodus 12:35. The lampstand was designed to burn olive oil, with each of the flower-shaped cups holding oil and a cloth wick.
The placement of the lampstand on the south side of the tabernacle holds symbolic value. In the Southern Hemisphere, the south side is associated with light and warmth, representing the life and energy that God brings into people's lives. The lampstand, as a source of light, reinforces this symbolism.
The lampstand's position also holds religious significance in terms of worship and salvation. With the lampstand illuminating the holy place, it draws attention to the presence of God and Jesus Christ. This placement underscores the belief that one cannot approach God in worship without going through Jesus Christ, who is referred to as "the Light of the World."
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The lampstand/candlestick was the only source of light
The lampstand, also known as the menorah, golden candlestick, or candelabrum, was the only source of light in the Tabernacle. It was placed on the south side of the Tabernacle, opposite the table of showbread. The chamber had no windows, so the lampstand illuminated the entire space.
The lampstand was constructed of solid gold, weighing about 75 pounds. It had a central column with six branches extending from each side, for a total of seven branches. Each of the flower-shaped cups held olive oil and a cloth wick, which was lit to provide light. Aaron and his sons, who were designated priests, were tasked with keeping the lamps burning continually.
The lampstand served both a practical and symbolic purpose. Practically, it provided much-needed light within the windowless chamber of the Tabernacle. Symbolically, it represented the life and light that God gives to his people. The use of olive oil, as prescribed in Exodus 27:20-21 and Exodus 35:14, is significant, as it represents the holy spirit that enlightens and guides God's people.
The lampstand's design also holds special meaning. Its resemblance to almond branches and buds signifies God's faithfulness and his promise to be quick to fulfill his promises, as the almond tree blooms early in the Middle East. The lampstand thus stood as a permanent reminder of God's life-giving power and his role as the giver of all life.
In modern times, the tradition of having a sanctuary lamp or eternal flame burning before the Tabernacle or altar continues in many Christian and Jewish places of worship. This practice honours the presence of Christ and serves as a reminder of the light that God brings into the world.
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The lampstand/candlestick is also known as the menorah
The lampstand, also known as the menorah, is a sacred symbol in Judaism. The original menorah was made for the tabernacle, and the Bible records its presence until the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. The menorah is mentioned in the biblical book of Exodus, where its design is revealed to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. It is described as a seven-branched candelabra, with six branches extending from a central column, three on each side.
The menorah is constructed of solid gold, weighing about 75 pounds, and was crafted by the craftsman Bezalel. It was placed in the holy place, on the south side, opposite the table of showbread, as the only source of light in a windowless chamber. The lampstand's practical function was to illuminate the holy place, but it also held symbolic significance, representing the life and light God gives to his people.
The menorah's design is believed to echo the tree of life in the Garden of Eden, with its flower-shaped cups resembling blossoms. This symbol has become closely associated with Judaism, adorning synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and religious art.
In modern times, the menorah continues to hold significance in Jewish religious ceremonies and celebrations, such as Hanukkah, where a nine-branched menorah, known as the Hanukkah menorah, is lit to commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple.
Additionally, the lampstand has influenced Christian traditions, with Catholic churches adopting the custom of burning candles or oil lamps before the tabernacle to indicate the presence of Christ.
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The lampstand/candlestick had a total of seven branches
The lampstand, also known as the menorah, golden candlestick, or candelabrum, was constructed of solid gold. It was cylindrical in form, with a center column and six branches extending from it on each side. The lampstand was placed on the south side in the holy place, opposite the table of showbread. The lampstand was the only source of light in the chamber, as it had no windows.
The lampstand is described in Exodus 25:31-39 and 37:17-24, where God instructs Moses to make the lampstand from one piece, hammering in its details. The gold for this sacred object was given to the Israelites by the Egyptians when the Jews fled Egypt (Exodus 12:35). The total weight of the lampstand was about 75 pounds of solid gold.
The seven branches of the lampstand are significant, as seven is a symbolic number in the Bible, representing completeness or perfection. The lampstand not only provided light but also represented the life and light that God gives to his people. It pointed to Jesus of Nazareth more than 1,000 years before his birth.
The lampstand is also mentioned in Leviticus 24:1-4, which describes its operation and maintenance. Additionally, 1 Kings 7:49 speaks of the 10 lampstands in King Solomon's Temple, with a total of 70 branches. This number pertains to the Millennial Age, as seen in the Feast of Tabernacles, where 70 bullocks were offered over seven days.
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Frequently asked questions
The candles represent the Old Testament Jewish menorah, with Christ in the center as the seventh light, pointing to eternal life in heaven.
Traditionally, there are six candles placed beside the tabernacle, with a large crucifix in the middle.
Oil lamps or candles may be used, while electric ones are also seen.
The tradition originates from the Torah (Exodus 27:20-21), where God instructs Moses to have a lamp with pure oil perpetually burning in the Tabernacle.
The light represents the Holy Spirit and is meant to signify the presence of Christ in the sanctuary and the Eucharist.
