Golden Lampstand
The single hammered gold lampstand has six side branches, a central shaft, and seven oil lamps. It stands on the south side, opposite the table (Exodus 25:31–40; 26:35). Exodus specifies almond-blossom cups, buds, and flowers, but no height or branch curvature. Its dimensions and curved branches here are illustrative. In a west-up floor plan, its south-side position is on the left.
Key points
- Its lamps provide light for the sanctuary service.
- Look for: Seven lamps above branches shaped with blossoms.
- Illustrated location: Holy Place
- A reconstruction from Exodus 25–30 and 40, with the bread arrangement from Leviticus 24. The Tabernacle has one lampstand with seven lamps and one bread table. The tent follows conventional chamber proportions inferred from boards and curtains; textual court dimensions are listed separately, while the drawn court outline and object spacing are schematic. The court and tent use different drawing scales, and some furnishings are enlarged for visibility; this is not a single-scale plan. The text does not specify the basin’s size, the lampstand’s height, a complete visual blueprint, or the exact appearance of the cherubim. Their drawn forms and decorative patterns are interpretations. Roof and walls are opened to reveal spaces whose access was restricted. The raised illustrative ground base is a display device, not a prescribed Tabernacle floor; Exodus does not specify a floor material. The rear boards, individual silver sockets, carrying fittings, and small service utensils are simplified or omitted.
- Light before God (Orthodox reception): Exodus describes one seven-lamped stand for the wilderness Tabernacle. Solomon’s Temple has ten gold lampstands, five on each side (1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chronicles 4:7). Some Orthodox sanctuaries have a seven-branched candle stand. Compare these with prayer candles and the synagogue’s eternal light, which have their own uses and meanings.
- A candle stand, menorah, and synagogue eternal light are distinct furnishings. Their forms, locations, and interpretation vary; not every church has seven branches.
Scripture
- Exodus 25:8–40 — The single hammered gold lampstand has six side branches, a central shaft, and seven oil lamps. It stands on the south side, opposite the table (Exodus 25:31–40; 26:35). Exodus specifies almond-blossom cups, buds, and flowers, but no height or branch curvature. Its dimensions and curved branches here are illustrative. In a west-up floor plan, its south-side position is on the left.
- Exodus 26 — The single hammered gold lampstand has six side branches, a central shaft, and seven oil lamps. It stands on the south side, opposite the table (Exodus 25:31–40; 26:35). Exodus specifies almond-blossom cups, buds, and flowers, but no height or branch curvature. Its dimensions and curved branches here are illustrative. In a west-up floor plan, its south-side position is on the left.
- Exodus 25:10–40 — Light before God: Exodus describes one seven-lamped stand for the wilderness Tabernacle. Solomon’s Temple has ten gold lampstands, five on each side (1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chronicles 4:7). Some Orthodox sanctuaries have a seven-branched candle stand. Compare these with prayer candles and the synagogue’s eternal light, which have their own uses and meanings.
- 1 Kings 7:23–26, 48–50 — Light before God: Exodus describes one seven-lamped stand for the wilderness Tabernacle. Solomon’s Temple has ten gold lampstands, five on each side (1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chronicles 4:7). Some Orthodox sanctuaries have a seven-branched candle stand. Compare these with prayer candles and the synagogue’s eternal light, which have their own uses and meanings.
- 2 Chronicles 4:6–8, 19–20 — Light before God: Exodus describes one seven-lamped stand for the wilderness Tabernacle. Solomon’s Temple has ten gold lampstands, five on each side (1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chronicles 4:7). Some Orthodox sanctuaries have a seven-branched candle stand. Compare these with prayer candles and the synagogue’s eternal light, which have their own uses and meanings.