Exodus 37 details how Bezalel made the ark of the testimony, the table for the bread of the presence, the altar of incense, and the golden lampstand. The lampstand has always fascinated me, not only for its beauty, but for the significance of all that it represents.
It is formed, with its branches, calyxes, and blossoms, in the shape of a tree, calling to mind the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil from the Garden. Its form also foreshadows the tree on which our savior died and the tree pictured in Revelation with leaves for the healing of nations. Trees appear in scripture in a multitude of verses, with rich significance. Each tree we see in God's Word shouts God's provision.
The lampstand in Exodus 37 also calls to mind the seven lampstands of Revelation, one for each of the seven churches addressed. The lampstands in the book of Revelation, as here, represent the Spirit of God. God's presence among His people was the whole basis for creating the tabernacle.
Finally, the lampstand is made of pure gold, symbolizing God's purity. It's hammered and beaten of one piece, representing Christ's suffering. The light of the lamps signifies the light of Christ in the life of believers and as the function of the lampstand was to give light within the temple, so Christ's light is to shine through believers, whose body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (I Cor. 6:19-20)
We see Christ In and through the Old Testament In so many ways, but this Is one of the most beautiful illustrations of all that Jesus proclaimed. Where do you see Christ revealed most clearly in the Old Testament?
It is formed, with its branches, calyxes, and blossoms, in the shape of a tree, calling to mind the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil from the Garden. Its form also foreshadows the tree on which our savior died and the tree pictured in Revelation with leaves for the healing of nations. Trees appear in scripture in a multitude of verses, with rich significance. Each tree we see in God's Word shouts God's provision.
The lampstand in Exodus 37 also calls to mind the seven lampstands of Revelation, one for each of the seven churches addressed. The lampstands in the book of Revelation, as here, represent the Spirit of God. God's presence among His people was the whole basis for creating the tabernacle.
Finally, the lampstand is made of pure gold, symbolizing God's purity. It's hammered and beaten of one piece, representing Christ's suffering. The light of the lamps signifies the light of Christ in the life of believers and as the function of the lampstand was to give light within the temple, so Christ's light is to shine through believers, whose body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (I Cor. 6:19-20)
We see Christ In and through the Old Testament In so many ways, but this Is one of the most beautiful illustrations of all that Jesus proclaimed. Where do you see Christ revealed most clearly in the Old Testament?
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