The Tabernacle (The Candlestick)

Text: Exodus 25:31-40, 40:24-25

The weight of the candlestick was 90 talents (94 lbs). 

At today’s prices, it would cost approximately $30,000. All we know of the candlestick is its weight and general appearance. 

We know nothing of its dimensions. 

No limitations can be put on our Lord, who is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. He, not only, is unlimited and unrestricted, but His value is fathomless. 


The Shaft - The Shaft reminds us of John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches.” The branches, three on either side, and one on top, were all part of, and attached to the shaft or stem. 

This signifies our union and relationship with Christ. 

When a marriage takes place, God sees two people becoming one flesh. Spiritually we become one with Christ at conversion. Paul likens this, in Romans, to a marriage. 


The Seven Lamps - In Revelation 4:5, John speaks of the “seven lamps of fire,” which are the seven Spirits of God. 

There is no light in the world today except as the Holy Spirit sets on fire the children of God. All effort is futile, unless energized and motivated by the Holy Spirit. 

The number seven in the Word speaks of divine perfection. 

This is seen in the seven lamps placed on the candlestick, representing the Holy Spirit indwelling the Church of Jesus Christ. 

The Oil for the Lamps - This speaks to us of the Holy Spirit. 

There are numerous instances where oil is used as a type of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 1:9, for instance, says, “Thy God hath anointed Thee with the oil (spirit) of gladness.” 

Think also of the parable of the 10 virgins - see Matthew 25:1-13.

Salvation cannot come to anyone without the supernatural working of the Holy Spirit upon the heart of that individual. 

It is the Holy Spirit who convicts (see John 14). It was the Holy Spirit hovering over the face of the waters and the spoken Word of God that brought light to this world. 

It was the same Holy Spirit Who hovered over Mary and caused her to conceive and bring forth a Son, Jesus - the Light of the World.

The candlestick was made from beaten gold. 

The oil was made from beaten olives. 

This possibly represents the sufferings of the Holy Spirit. We must remember that the Holy Spirit is a person, who has feelings as you and I. Ephesians 4:30 says, “Grieve not the Holy Spirit.” 

The olive was beaten, not just crushed, in order that the lamps might have oil and give forth light.

The Only Light - From the candlestick came the only light in the tabernacle. There were no windows, no natural light. 

Even the priest did not carry a light as he performed his sacred duties in the Holy Place. 

We cannot approach God in worship except through Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. For worship or salvation, we need Christ.