Easton's Bible Dictionary

Lamp

� That part of the candle-sticks of the tabernacle and the temple which bore the light (Exodus 25:37; 1 Kings 7:49; 2Chr. 4:20; 13:11; Zechariah 4:2). Their form is not described. Olive oil was generally burned in them (Exodus 27:20).

� A torch carried by the soliders of Gideon (Judges 7:16,20). (RSV, "torches.")

� Domestic lamps (A.V., "candles") were in common use among the Hebrews (Matthew 5:15; Mark 4:21, etc.).

� Lamps or torches were used in connection with marriage ceremonies (Matthew 25:1).

This word is also frequently metaphorically used to denote life, welfare, guidance, etc. (2 Samuel 21:17; Psalms 119:105; Proverbs 6:23; 13:9).

Candlestick

The lamp-stand, "candelabrum," which Moses was commanded to make for the tabernacle, according to the pattern shown him. Its form is described in Exodus 25:31-40; 37:17-24, and may be seen represented on the Arch of Titus at Rome. It was among the spoils taken by the Romans from the temple of Jerusalem (A.D. 70). It was made of fine gold, and with the utensils belonging to it was a talent in weight.

The tabernacle was a tent without windows, and thus artificial light was needed. This was supplied by the candlestick, which, however, served also as a symbol of the church or people of God, who are "the light of the world." The light which "symbolizes the knowledge of God is not the sun or any natural light, but an artificial light supplied with a specially prepared oil; for the knowledge of God is in truth not natural nor common to all men, but furnished over and above nature."

This candlestick was placed on the south side of the Holy Place, opposite the table of shewbread (Exodus 27:21; 30:7,8; Leviticus 24:3; 1 Samuel 3:3). It was lighted every evening, and was extinguished in the morning. In the morning the priests trimmed the seven lamps, borne by the seven branches, with golden snuffers, carrying away the ashes in golden dishes (Exodus 25:38), and supplying the lamps at the same time with fresh oil. What ultimately became of the candlestick is unknown.

In Solomon's temple there were ten separate candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right and five on the left of the Holy Place (1 Kings 7:49; 2Chr 4:7). Their structure is not mentioned. They were carried away to Babylon (Jeremiah 52:19).

In the temple erected after the Exile there was again but one candlestick, and like the first, with seven branches. It was this which was afterwards carried away by Titus to Rome, where it was deposited in the Temple of Peace. When Genseric plundered Rome, he is said to have carried it to Carthage (A.D. 455). It was recaptured by Belisarius (A.D. 533), and carried to Constantinople and thence to Jerusalem, where it finally disappeared.

Light

The offspring of the divine command (Genesis 1:3). "All the more joyous emotions of the mind, all the pleasing sensations of the frame, all the happy hours of domestic intercourse were habitually described among the Hebrews under imagery derived from light" (1 Kings 11:36; Isaiah 58:8; Esther 8:16; Psalms 97:11). Light came also naturally to typify true religion and the felicity it imparts (Psalms 119:105; Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 4:16, etc.), and the glorious inheritance of the redeemed (Colossians 1:12; Revelation 21:23-25). God is said to dwell in light inaccessible (1 Timothy 6:16). It frequently signifies instruction (Matthew 5:16; John 5:35). In its highest sense it is applied to Christ as the "Sun of righteousness" (Malachi 4:2; Luke 2:32; John 1:7-9). God is styled "the Father of lights" (James 1:17). It is used of angels (2 Corinthians 11:14), and of John the Baptist, who was a "burning and a shining light" (John 5:35), and of all true disciples, who are styled "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14).

Ancient Oil Lamps

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