25 Bible Verses About Candlesticks

Read these Bible verses about candlesticks/lampstands to learn what they mean in Scripture from Moses and the tabernacle to Revelation.

What Does A Candlestick Mean Or Symbolize In The Bible?

In the Bible, there are references to candlesticks from God’s first instructions to Moses in the book of Exodus through the visions given to John in the book of Revelation.

The Hebrew word for candlestick is menorah, which is a seven-branched candelabrum, or lampstand. 

In fact, although the original King James Version of the Bible always translates the word as candlestick, all modern translations of the Bible (NIV, ESV, NKJV, etc.) only use the word “lampstand” or even “stand” to more accurately convey the meaning of the original Hebrew and Greek words for candlestick.

There is important symbolism that is conveyed through the use of the word candlestick in the Bible.

As you can see in the verses mentioned below, the very first time the word is used in the ancient text of the Bible is immediately after Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.

God then instructs Moses to make a tabernacle as a sanctuary where the Lord will dwell. He gives precise instructions for the furnishings of the tabernacle, including the ark, the table, and the candlesticks.

Therefore, the candlesticks are most often referenced in the Bible regarding the holy tabernacle. The tabernacle was a tent without windows that needed a source of artificial light.

The original candlestick was made of gold and had a base with a central shaft; three branches extended to each side and capped with a flower, which is where the candle, wick, or “lamp” would sit.

The ancient Eastern cultures integrated this custom into their households and would use household menorahs to burn day and night to give light to the home. The prosperity and importance of an individual or family were indicated by the perennially burning lamp.

This meaning in the Jewish culture was used in several metaphors throughout the Bible in which it speaks of the lamp being put out or the light extinguished, implying that the significance and influence of one’s life was snuffed out (see Revelation 2:5).

The candlesticks were a critical component of the Holy Place, which was immediately outside the curtain encircling the Most Holy Place where the Presence of God would dwell as He made Himself known to His people.

This was the holy sanctuary of God and was the only place where He would allow Himself to be revealed. As such, only the high priests were allowed to light the candles or trim the wicks of the lamps in the lampstand.

The candlestick was created each time a new tabernacle was built or a tabernacle was moved to a new location.

It was closely associated with the manifest Presence of God among His people and was required for the Most Holy God to be invited into the tabernacle as a place of worship. Its importance continued even as Solomon built the First and Second Temples as documented in 1st and 2nd Chronicles.

In the New Testament, there are several important references to the lampstands. The first is told in all three of the synoptic Gospels– Matthew, Mark, and Luke– in which they say that no one puts a lamp under a bowl, but instead puts it onto a lampstand for the entire household to enjoy its light.

This is the origin of the lyrics in the beloved children’s song “This Little Light of Mine.” We are instructed to shine the light of God, His presence within us, for the whole world to see.

Another important representation of candlesticks is in the book of Revelation in which the very first thing the apostle John sees in his holy vision is the appearance of seven golden lampstands right next to the glorified person of Jesus Christ.

Jesus tells him that these seven lampstands represent the seven churches to whom he is to deliver the message being given to him.

This a powerful statement about how Jesus envisions His church–a glorified lampstand through which His glorious light shines into the entire world.

Use the following Bible verses about candlesticks as you ponder anew the themes, meaning, and significance of the descriptions of lampstands and candlesticks given to us throughout Scripture. Let your light shine for Jesus!

NOTE: I have decided to use the NIV translation for all verses below which only use the term lampstands. However, the word “candlestick” can be replaced for lampstand in any of the verses. If you want to see the original candlestick word usage, use the exact same verse references and search using KJV (Bible Gateway, Bible Study Tools, etc.).

Bible Verses About Candlesticks

1. Exodus 25:31-35 – God Instructs Moses To Build A Candlestick For The Tabernacle

“Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them. Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. And on the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. One bud shall be under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair—six branches in all. The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold.“

Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it. Its wick trimmers and trays are to be of pure gold. A talent of pure gold is to be used for the lampstand and all these accessories. – Exodus 25:31-35

This is the very first use of candlestick in the Bible, and it includes God’s very specific instructions to Moses on exactly how the candlestick should be made and what it should look like (See Exodus 37:17-24 for very similar instructions from God). Importantly, the lampstand was to be made of a single piece of pure gold. 

This fact alone indicates the holiness and value that was to be placed upon this artifact. Only things of the purest value and the highest quality were considered to be worthy of being in the presence of God. This item was perceived to be just as holy as the altar itself which would be in the center of the tabernacle, this most holy place of worship. 

The structure of the lampstand is to be comprised of a single base and shaft, three branches extending on either side, and all of them ending in an almond flower-like cup. There were a total of seven branches upon which the seven candles would be placed, providing light to the surrounding area. Even the wick trimmers and the trays (which would catch any dripping wax) were only to be made of pure gold. 

God even prescribes how much gold is to be used to construct the candlestick, wick trimmers, and trays when He commands that a talent of pure gold was to be used. A talent was the largest biblical unit of measurement and was equal to about 75 pounds. It was no small feat to create this holy candlestick!

Some of the details that reveal God’s character to me through the description of the candlestick are the importance of:

1) Light: indicating the glory of God, dispelling the darkness, the brilliance of God’s character;

2) Flowers: suggest vibrant life, growth, flourishing, beautiful color and creativity and uniqueness;

3) Gold: represent extravagance, great wealth, purity, worship-filled gifts worthy of the King; and

4) Seven: symbolizes completeness and perfection, healing, fulfillment of promises of God.

2. Leviticus 24:2-4 – Candlesticks Keep The Light Burning Continually

“Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning continually. Outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law in the tent of meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps before the Lord from evening till morning, continually. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. The lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the Lord must be tended continually.” – Leviticus 24:2-4

These words directly from God give even more precise instructions on how to tend to the lamps, and particular emphasis is given to the importance that the lamps be kept burning continually. The golden candlestick was to be tended to continually by Aaron and the high priests.

This duty was so important to the identity of the Israelites as God’s people that this task could not be performed by anyone other than the anointed priests.

Interestingly, the Israelite people were commanded to come together to provide the best pure, beaten (not pressed) and double-strained olive oil that would provide the fuel for the lamps to burn continuously. The entire community had to sacrifice and be personally invested in allowing the candlestick to burn as prescribed by God.

This model suggests that while ministers are burning and shining lights within Christ’s church, it is the duty of the people to provide the resources and support they need to continually burn for God’s glory. The provision of purified olive oil for the lamps is an offering made by the people through which Israel sanctified both their life and labor unto the Lord, not just during appointed holy days but also every day.

The oil provided by each family is what allowed the lampstand to burn continuously and the tabernacle (the church) to function as the sanctuary of God. The light of the burning candlestick symbolizes the enlightening power of the Holy Spirit, which not only shines through believers but also illuminates the church of God.

3. 2 Chronicles 13:10-11 – Candlesticks Used To Display Obedient Reverence To God

“As for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken Him. The priests who serve the Lord are sons of Aaron, and the Levites assist them. Every morning and evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the Lord. They set out the bread on the ceremonially clean table and light the lamps on the gold lampstand every evening. We are observing the requirements of the Lord our God. But you have forsaken Him.” – 2 Chronicles 13:10-11

Lighting the candles on the golden candlestick every evening was an important ritual that God had commanded His people to perform, and it indicated that the people were trusting in God and obeying His commands. God had promised His blessing and presence would go with His chosen people, but they had to make the choice to listen to God and live according to His specific instructions.

In this Scripture, the king of Judah was declaring how they were carrying out God’s commands by presenting Him with burnt offerings, setting out bread in a prescribed way, and lighting the lamps upon the lampstand. The people of Judah were following God’s ways while Israel had forsaken Him. The lampstand is associated with obedience, trusting in God, and bowing down to the Lord in reverence as the prevailing authority in their lives.

It was lighting the candlestick each evening (among other things) that displayed the people of Judah were obeying God in even the smallest details of their lives every day. This obedience led to them conquering their enemy (Israel) in battle and giving them the victory as they trusted God in the huge parts of their lives as well. May we likewise trust God in both small details and huge challenges in our lives.

4. 2 Kings 4:8-10 – A Candlestick Is Used To Display Hospitality

One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. She said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” – 2 Kings 4:8-10

This is a story in 2 Kings about the miracles of Elisha the prophet, but the story begins with a Shunammite woman providing Elisha with food to eat and a place to spend the night as he passed through the region. With the permission of her husband, they make a small room for the prophet, equipped with a bed, table, chair, and candlestick (lamp). 

The candlestick is a means of hospitality that was extended to Elisha so he could comfortably read and study and write while he stayed in this home. There is no doubt that the woman felt that she would be blessed by having a holy man spend time in their home, but it was her acts of kindness and hospitality that persuaded Elisha to take company with them.

Throughout the Bible, acts of hospitality speak of the kindness and compassionate love that God has for us and that we are to show one another.

While we are called to be sacrificial and obedient to God in showing hospitality and kindness to another (possibly even by the use of a candlestick), we must place the outcome of these considerate acts into the hands of God. In this story, God would powerfully use these simple gestures to allow this barren woman to have a son and would later miraculously raise this child to life again after his death.

God may use delivering a meal or giving someone a coat as a means to encourage them and lift their spirits, or it could be used to cause someone to give their life to Christ. We may never know the impact that our hospitality has on someone’s life, such as allowing their child’s life to be saved, but we are called to use even such simple things as a lamp to extend God’s love and compassion to them. 

5. Matthew 5:15 – Do Not Hide Your Light; Put It On A Lampstand

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:15

This is one of the most prominent teachings in the New Testament that specifically refers to candlesticks and is repeated in the Gospels of both Mark and Luke as well, indicating it is an important message Jesus wanted to communicate. He declares that as followers of Christ, we are the light of the world.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of not hiding the light He has given us, which is the message of God’s love and the truth of the Gospel. Just as a lamp is put on a lampstand for the entire household to enjoy its brilliant light, we are not to hide the glorious message that Jesus saves. Instead, may we allow God’s love and truth to shine through our lives in a way that as others see our good deeds they will give glory to God.

When other people look at our lives, they should see the love, compassion, grace, mercy, joy, and hope of God within us. When others interact with us, they should experience God’s love drawing them into His arms because of the power of the Holy Spirit at work through us. We are to be the hands and feet of Christ to a world in need, always giving praise to God for the good He accomplishes through our obedience to Him.

Let us look for ways in our lives to place the light of Christ upon a candlestick, shining brightly so that the entire world may be touched by His love and care.

6. Luke 11:33-36 – Let Your Life Shine Like A Candle On A Candlestick

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.  Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.” – Luke 11:33-36

In this teaching of Jesus, He once again refers to light as the teachings and ministry of Christ that His followers embrace. He reminds the disciples not to hide their lamp, but to put it on a lampstand, or candlestick, so that everyone can see the light glowing in the darkness.

The candlestick is related to the metaphor of the eye and the human body in this particular teaching. We are told that the light of the body is the eye, and we do not want any darkness or lack of health to prevent the candlestick from illuminating the entire body. The eye represents the understanding of the soul, guiding and directing how the light shines.

When our understanding is based on the truth of God’s commands, the glory of God is within us through the Holy Spirit and our soul fills our entire body with light, joy, love, and comfort. However, when the eye is filled with the darkness of sin, selfish ambitions, or false teachings the light cannot reach the entire body because of the darkness within.

Therefore we should seek to be filled with God’s Spirit and truth so that light can fill our entire bodies, shining just as brilliantly as when a lamp is put on a lampstand.

7. Revelation 1:12-13,20 – Seven Candlesticks Are The Seven Churches

I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 

“The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.” – Revelation 1:12-13,20

Jesus explains that the seven candlesticks represent the seven churches in the province of Asia, but it is implied that these churches actually represent all churches of Christ to the end of time. This is emphasized as each letter to the seven churches ends with the phrase “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches,” inviting all believers to take to heart the commendations and warnings Jesus has for the church.

The churches are compared to candlesticks because they hold the light of Jesus Christ for the world to see. As the Body of Christ, the churches are the vessels through which the love and character of Jesus shines to all those who are near. 

They are golden lampstands, precious and purified, comparable to the finest of gold. The members of the church, those who follow Christ, are given the anointed task of shining the light of the Gospel to engage others to give all glory to God.

8. Revelation 2:1,4-5 – Jesus Warns Church In Ephesus About Removing Their Lampstand

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands… Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” – Revelation 2:1,4-5

At the beginning of Revelation, John has a vision in which Jesus, fully glorified and clothed in splendor, gives specific prophetic messages that are to be given to the seven churches. The message to the church of Ephesus begins by emphasizing that these words come directly from Him who “walks among the seven golden lampstands,” referring to Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the First and Last, who walks among the seven churches.

After encouraging Ephesus about many of the things they are doing well and especially their ability to endure hardships and persevere, Jesus continues by convicting them about how they have fallen away from their first love. He declares that if they do not change their ways, Jesus will remove their lampstand.

A lampstand in this context seems to indicate the establishment of the church through which the light of Christ shines. The church and its people are the representatives of Christ to the world, shining the light of the knowledge of God and His love to the world. We are to let our lights shine unto others causing them to give glory to God.

It is important that we are good stewards of the precious message we have been given to proclaim with our lives. God will not ultimately allow false teachings or sinful behavior to harm His reputation, so we must take care to ensure the message we preach is the true light of Christ. We do not want to be in danger of having our light snuffed or our lampstand removed as Jesus warns in this message to Ephesus.

More Scripture About Candlesticks 

9. Exodus 26:34-35 – God Instructs Where Candlestick Is To Be Placed

Put the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law in the Most Holy Place. Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side. – Exodus 26:34-35

After giving instructions as to how to build the tabernacle itself as well as all of the ordained furnishings, including the candlestick, He then gives Moses intricate details of where each item is to be placed and how everything is to be oriented. A large curtain surrounded the ark of the covenant creating the Most Holy Place where God’s holy presence would be manifest. 

Immediately, outside of the curtain was the Holy Place where the candlestick would be placed. The table was to be placed on the north side of the curtain, while the candlestick (lampstand) was to be placed on the south side. The specificity of these instructions indicates how important it was to God for each detail to be observed as a symbol of the honor and reverence the Israelites displayed for a holy, magnificent God.

10. Exodus 30:25-29 – Candlestick Is Anointed With Special Oil

Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil. Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law, the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. You shall consecrate them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy. – Exodus 30:25-29

Not only did the lampstand have to be constructed and placed in a specific way in the Tabernacle, but God then commanded the lampstand to be anointed along with the Tabernacle and the high priests with a very special sacred anointing oil.

The oil was comprised of four of the finest spices mixed with olive oil and could not be used for anything other than consecrating the tabernacle, priests, and temple furnishings.

God is so holy and sacred that He could not be in the presence of anything that had not also been consecrated and purified so these items also became holy. Anything that even touched the candlestick and other items would also be holy. 

These procedures illustrate the depth of God’s holiness and sacredness.

He is infinitely greater and more glorious than anything in all of creation, including humans. How amazing that He would lower Himself to seek a relationship with us!

11. Exodus 31:2-3,6-8 – God Chooses Skilled Workers To Make Gold Candlestick

“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you: the tent of meeting…and all the other furnishings of the tent— the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories.” – Exodus 31:2-3,6-8

Not just anyone was allowed to participate in the construction of the holy furnishings to be used in the tent of meeting (tabernacle). God chose Bezalel of the tribe of Judah and Oholiab of the tribe of Dan to be filled with the Spirit of God in order to direct the work needed to make the tabernacle and all the items that would go in it.

Even the raw materials, such as the gold and the tools used to fashion it, to make the golden candlestick could only be touched by very specific people who were appointed by God.

God always provides everything we need to fulfill something He has called us to do, from the Spirit of wisdom and understanding and knowledge all the way down to the talents and resources needed to do the work. God is faithful! It is also important to remember that just because we may be technically capable of doing a task does not mean that we have been appointed by God to fulfill that role.

We always need to actively seek discernment to know and follow God’s will in everything we do.

12. Exodus 37:17-24 – Construction Of Candlestick For Tabernacle Fulfilled

They made the lampstand of pure gold. They hammered out its base and shaft, and made its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them. Six branches extended from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms were on one branch, three on the next branch and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. And on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. One bud was under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair—six branches in all. The buds and the branches were all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. They made its seven lamps, as well as its wick trimmers and trays, of pure gold. They made the lampstand and all its accessories from one talent of pure gold. – Exodus 37:17-24

These instructions are an almost verbatim repetition of the initial instructions God gave Moses in Exodus 25 for the assembly of the candlestick and other tabernacle furnishings. Unfortunately, before the Israelites had a chance to follow through with the creation of these items Moses had been to Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments, the people had gotten impatient and worshiped the idol of the golden calf, and God had almost destroyed His covenant with the people.

They are now being given a second chance due to God’s mercy and so the instructions are repeated once again. The appointed skilled workers have already been gathered and this time the construction of the tabernacle, including the golden candlestick will be completed. 

The story of God’s chosen people is such a poignant reminder of our inclination to want to do things our own way and abandon God’s plan, good and glorious though it is, veering off His path for our lives. Fortunately, He is rich in mercy and freely forgives those who ask.

The most important lessons we learned often have to be repeated, such as God’s instructions for creating the golden candlestick that would provide His brilliant light for this sanctuary of God.

13. Exodus 39:33,37 – Moses Blesses The Candlestick

Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses: the tent and all its furnishings, its clasps, frames, crossbars, posts and bases; the pure gold lampstand with its row of lamps and all its accessories, and the olive oil for the light; – Exodus 39:33,37

The skilled workers have been laboring diligently to make the tabernacle and all of its various furnishings, including the golden candlestick, just as God specified. They have been trying hard to follow all of God’s commandments. Finally, everything is completed, and Moses carefully inspects every crossbar, measurement, and ornate furnishing of every item. 

Once Moses determined that they had done the work exactly as the Lord had commanded, he blessed the candlestick and other items. Finally, the tabernacle could be established so that the glory of the Lord might dwell with them as God’s beloved chosen people. 

Let us remember that these sacred articles, such as the candlestick, though fashioned by perishable materials with human hands, would be stamped with the blessing of God, His divine approval. May we likewise fashion every aspect of our lives–in affection, in aspirations, and in service– such that we bring pleasure to God and allow His glory to shine through us.

14. Exodus 40:4-5 – God Instructs Moses How To Set Up The Candlestick

Bring in the table and set out what belongs on it. Then bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the covenant law and put the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. – Exodus 40:4-5

God now gives specific instructions on how to set everything up inside the tabernacle. As soon as the ark of the covenant was placed at the center and surrounded by the curtain, the table was set up and then the candlestick and its lamps were placed upon the table.

These instructions come straight from the Lord, and Moses is careful to perform each detail exactly as God says. Even when we don’t always understand why God would ask us to do things a certain way, it is important to honor Him as Lord by walking in obedience to carry out His commands. We reveal a heart completely surrendered to God as we walk by faith, placing our trust not in our own understanding but in the One who always knows best.

There is also a very specific, prescribed order to everything that is accomplished. The Most Holy Place containing the ark of the covenant is put into place first, followed by the articles that comprise the Holy Place such as the table and golden candlestick. The order and sequence of assembly contribute to the holiness of the tabernacle and the role it would play in facilitating the worship of the Most High God.

Praise the Lord that He so orders our lives to grow in grace and holiness as we increasingly experience the Presence of God in our faith journey.

15. Exodus 40:17,24-25 – The Tabernacle With Candlestick Is Erected On Israel’s “New Year’s Day”

So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year. 

He placed the lampstand in the tent of meeting opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle and set up the lamps before the Lord, as the Lord commanded him. – Exodus 40:17,24-25

Finally, the appointed time to actually set up the tabernacle, or tent of meeting, has come. The Lord declares that the tabernacle be set up on the first day of the first month, also known as the first of Abib. This “New Year’s Day” of Israel coincided with the vernal equinox, the day at which the sun is exactly above the Equator so day and night are of equal length.

The tabernacle was set up first, covered by the tent of meeting, and then all the furnishings including the ark of the covenant, the table, and the candlestick. The lights would have been lit at twilight and an incense offering would be burned before the Lord.

In verse 34, we read that as soon as the tabernacle was completely set up the cloud covered the tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. What a glorious sight that must have been!

16. Numbers 3:30-32 – God Appoints Kohathites To Care For Candlestick

The leader of the families of the Kohathite clans was Elizaphan son of Uzziel. They were responsible for the care of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use. – Numbers 3:30-32

The establishment and care of the tabernacle continues to take a central role in the history of the Israelites as God’s chosen people. God has delivered His chosen people from their slavery in Egypt and they have now been in the Desert of Sinai for about ten months.

They have finally erected a new tabernacle and great care was taken to complete an accurate census of all the people in each of the tribes of Judah to re-establish the Israelite people.

God commanded that the Levites (sons of Levi) would assist Aaron and his sons with all the priestly duties. Levi had three sons, one of whom was Kohath. God appointed the Kohathites (all the descendants of Kohath) to be in charge of the care of the tabernacle.

Once again, God emphasizes the great importance of the lampstand in the life of the Israelites by ensuring that the items of His holy sanctuary would be specially cared for by people that God Himself would appoint.

17. Numbers 4:9-10 – Candlestick Is Cared For When Israel Is On the Move

“They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand that is for light, together with its lamps, its wick trimmers and trays, and all its jars for the olive oil used to supply it. Then they are to wrap it and all its accessories in a covering of the durable leather and put it on a carrying frame.” – Numbers 4:9-10

Although the tabernacle of God was originally designed to be a stationary sanctuary where the people would come to worship God and where God’s glory would dwell among them. However, they are now living in the desert and must be constantly on the move, so additional instructions are provided on how to touch such holy and consecrated items of worship, such as the gold lampstand, without contaminating them.

God repeats that the Kohathites, aged 30-50, were to be responsible for the care of the sanctuary items. However, only Aaron and his sons could touch the items. They had to cover them with consecrated blue cloth, wrap them in leather, and then load them on wooden carrying poles.

Once everything was loaded, the Kohathite men would carry the poles to transport them from one encampment to the next.

God warns that the Kohathites could not go in the sanctuary to look at the holy items or they would instantly die. Behold, the holiness of God! See, once again, how precious and anointed was the candlestick in allowing God to make His presence known to His people.

18. Numbers 8:2-4 – Importance Of Seven Lights On the Candlestick

“Speak to Aaron and say to him, ‘When you set up the lamps, see that all seven light up the area in front of the lampstand.’” Aaron did so; he set up the lamps so that they faced forward on the lampstand, just as the Lord commanded Moses. This is how the lampstand was made: It was made of hammered gold—from its base to its blossoms. The lampstand was made exactly like the pattern the Lord had shown Moses. – Numbers 8:2-4

As was first instructed to Moses in Exodus, it is critically important to God that there be seven lamps upon the lampstand and that all of the lights simultaneously burn with bright light to illuminate the front of the lampstand. There seems to be much disagreement among Bible scholars as to whether this passage represents an independent historical event from the passage in Exodus 25.

Nonetheless, the repetition of the candlestick being lit in the sanctuary shows that it was of primary divine concern to God.

It is of equal prominence in the heart of God that the light of His revelation in Christ be made to shine brightly and clearly unto all the world. May we embrace the privilege of being chosen by God as vessels through which His light and glory may shine.

Let us throw off any sin that hinders us from this calling and run with joy and fervor to the finish line as we reflect God in our lives.

19. 1 Kings 7:48-49,51 – Solomon Places Ten Candlesticks In the Temple

Solomon also made all the furnishings that were in the Lord’s temple: the golden altar; the golden table on which was the bread of the Presence; the lampstands of pure gold (five on the right and five on the left, in front of the inner sanctuary); the gold floral work and lamps and tongs; the pure gold basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, dishes and censers…When all the work King Solomon had done for the temple of the Lord was finished, he brought in the things his father David had dedicated—the silver and gold and the furnishings—and he placed them in the treasuries of the Lord’s temple. – 1 Kings 7:48-49,51

There had been great and extensive preparations made for the building of the temple of God, but King Solomon finally erected the magnificent temple of God, considered one of the wonders of the world and equally as spiritually significant for Israel. The temple was a massive structure of cedar ornately decorated with gold, silver, and brass. 

Solomon also made all of the furnishings to be placed in the Lord’s temple, including ten candlesticks of pure gold that were placed in front of the inner sanctuary. The candlesticks were embellished with gold floral work, and the lamps, wick trimmers, and basins were also made of pure gold. Solomon spared no expense and used only the finest, most precious materials for this magnificent temple.

Note that there are ten lampstands, not just one, that are placed in the temple–five on the right, and five on the left. It is proposed that the temple was so colossal that it required more burning candles to provide adequate light to disseminate throughout the entire temple.

Let us consider how much greater still is the heavenly light with which the Gospel blesses us as children of God than even the brightest glow in the Temple of the Lord at Jerusalem.

The Temple was built to proclaim the extravagant and magnificent glory of God in all of its splendor. It celebrated the reality that God would dwell among His people permanently and continuously in a home that invited and welcomed His Presence.

May we remember that through Jesus Christ our bodies are now the temple in which God dwells, shining brightly as if an infinite number of holy candlesticks are burning from within to illuminate God’s glory in our lives.

20. 1 Chronicles 28:15 – David Decrees Candlesticks To Be Made For Temple

Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick. – 2 Chronicles 28:15

David gathered all the leaders in Jerusalem to describe how the temple of the Lord was to be built, which occurred prior to the passage in 1 Kings where the temple was actually built. David designated to Solomon the weight in gold and silver to use for each of the candlesticks that were to be used in the temple.

David declared that these were the plans the Spirit of God had placed upon his mind for the temple of God.

Again, we see that only the finest, most exquisite and precious materials of gold and silver are required to reflect the holiness and majesty of God as our Kings of kings. Additionally, specific adherence to God’s commands as His instructions for the temple are fulfilled are so important to God that He revealed these details for David to record for Solomon and the people of God before his death. 

If these candlesticks were created out of such an enormous weight of gold, imagine how precious we are as the children of God through whom God shines His light. What a mighty God we serve!

21. 2 Chronicles 4:7,19-20 – Candlesticks Of Pure Gold Are Placed In The Temple of God

He made ten gold lampstands according to the specifications for them and placed them in the temple, five on the south side and five on the north.

Solomon also made all the furnishings that were in God’s temple: the golden altar; the tables on which was the bread of the Presence; the lampstands of pure gold with their lamps, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary as prescribed; the gold floral work and lamps and tongs (they were solid gold); – 2 Chronicles 4:7,19-20

These verses in 2 Chronicles repeat the instructions given in 1 Kings 7:48-51 about how the ten golden candlesticks were placed out in the temple, just in front of the inner sanctuary that housed the ark of the covenant. The lampstands and even the lamps themselves were made of solid pure gold. 

Solomon himself oversaw the creation of all the furnishings for the temple. King Solomon was dedicated to ensuring that the temple would be pleasing to the Lord God Almighty, acceptable to Him for the service of the people of God. Let us also honor and worship God as temples of His Holy Spirit who long to reflect the glory of God.

22. Jeremiah 52:17,19 – Babylonians Capture Jerusalem And Take Candlesticks

The Babylonians broke up the bronze pillars, the movable stands and the bronze Sea that were at the temple of the Lord and they carried all the bronze to Babylon. The commander of the imperial guard took away the basins, censers, sprinkling bowls, pots, lampstands, dishes and bowls used for drink offerings—all that were made of pure gold or silver. – Jeremiah 52:17,19

The capture and destruction of Jerusalem is described in Jeremiah 52, outlining how the Babylonians burned the temple, the king’s palace, and many houses in Jerusalem. However, they first seized all the items of greatest value which included the golden candlesticks.

Even to a culture that had no interest in worshiping Yahweh, the candlesticks were considered to be of great enough value to steal before burning the city to the ground.

The candlesticks among other temple furnishings were seen as central to the identity of the Israelite people, so it was a very intentional act of insult and assault toward the people of Jerusalem to steal these precious items. Additionally, the metals of gold, silver, and brass were considered quite valuable to the Babylonians. 

What an amazing reality that our worship of God and our experience of His presence is no longer dependent on physical items that can be stolen, but our faith is based upon the grace of God which was lavished on us by what Christ accomplished on the cross on our behalf. The Spirit of God that lives with us and the joy of our salvation cannot ever be stolen from those who have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior.

23. Daniel 5:5 – Candlestick Of King Belshazzar Illuminates Hand

Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. – Daniel 5:5

Scripture describes King Belshazzar, king of Babylon and grandson to King Nebuchadnezzar, who had taken the Jewish people (including Daniel) into captivity. The king is throwing a banquet and commands that some of the gold and silver goblets stolen from the temple of Jerusalem be brought in and filled with wine.

God is greatly displeased with this profanation of His holy articles by the king, and causes a human hand to write upon the wall in the middle of this royal banquet.

The role of the candlestick in this story is merely to provide adequate light to ensure that King Belshazzar would be able to see and take special notice of the hand as it wrote the inscription. This candlestick is not necessarily in the same form and fashion as those in the tabernacles and temple of God. It merely referred to some type of lamp fixture that was providing light inside the royal palace.

In conclusion to the story, none of the Babylonian enchanters or diviners could interpret the writing, so Daniel was eventually summoned and explained the writing which indicated the king’s days were numbered and that Babylon was a kingdom divided. Daniel was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom, and that night King Belshazzar was killed, fulfilling the prophetic words.

24. Zechariah 4:1-3 – Prophet Zechariah Has Vision Of Candlestick

Then the angel who talked with me returned and woke me up, like someone awakened from sleep. He asked me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven channels to the lamps. Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.” – Zechariah 4:1-3

An angel appears to the prophet Zechariah in a vision. He sees a golden candlestick, which was similar to the original candlestick depicted in Exodus 25:31 except this one has a bowl at the top and also contains seven channels, or pipes. There are also two olive trees, one on the left and one on the right, of the candlestick.

The candlestick is considered to be an emblem of the church of Christ, which shines forth the light of the Gospel of Christ the Messiah. This light of Christ was to shine brightly not only to the saints of Judea but to the uttermost parts of the world and to every nation.

The bowl is a large oil vessel that supplies each of the lamps with the fuel needed to continuously burn and provide sufficient light. It is implied that the oil may indicate the fullness of the grace of God, which is the fountain without measure that supplies God’s people and His church with all that they need to burn brightly for His glory.

The pipes were the vehicles by which the oil was continuously dispersed to each lamp, precluding the need for maintenance or refilling of the candlestick.

When Zechariah asks the angel what the golden candlestick and seven candles represent, the angel answers, “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Although this explanation does specifically outline what work is to be done by the people of God, it is clear that it will not be accomplished by human effort but only by the Spirit of God.

God will always supply the material and spiritual needs that we have in order to fulfill the good works God has called us to do according to His will.

25. Hebrews 9:1-2 – New Covenant Through Christ Fulfills Role Of Candlesticks And Tabernacle

Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. – Hebrews 9:1-2

The book of Hebrews was written to converted Jews who were very familiar with the traditions and laws that served as the foundation of their Judaic culture. The writer frequently uses these Old Testament images to illustrate how Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of these objects of the Jewish faith.

The establishment of an earthly sanctuary and regulations for worship was central to the identity of the Israelites as people of God.

The room containing the candlestick and the table with the consecrated bread comprised the Holy Place, just outside where sacrifices were made to atone for the people by the high priest. However, these external regulations were unable to clear the conscience of the worshiper.

Hebrews 9:11-15 explains that now the perfect offering and ultimate sacrifice has been made for us through the blood of Christ, eliminating the need for a tabernacle, candlestick, or Most Holy Place.

Christ is the mediator of a new covenant that promises our eternal inheritance with God and has set us free from all the sins that were ever committed under the first covenant between God and His people. We do not have to regularly make animal sacrifices or perform special rituals to atone for our sins.

Christ has atoned for all our sins, and when we accept this precious gift of grace through faith we can experience a deep intimacy with the God who relentlessly loves us.

Although candlesticks, or the menorah, are not frequently seen in churches today, these verses illustrate an important role they provide in the worship of God and the shining forth of the light of Christ. Light is an oft-repeated and very important metaphor of God’s truth and His presence in our own lives and to the entire world.

May we embrace the significance of lampstands in the Bible and seek to faithfully shine His light that the power and glory of God may be experienced throughout the world.

More Bible Verses You May Enjoy:

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