This beautiful candlestick was “beaten” out of pure gold and was made with almond blossoms on each branch. We might also notice that the olive oil used to make the light had to be beaten, too, for apart from the death and resurrection of Christ we would have remained in darkness. He was “beaten” for us at Calvary, but like Aaron’s rod that budded and brought forth almonds, all the fruit is in resurrection. Now, consequent upon His going back to the Father, the Spirit of God (the oil) has come down to bring us into the good of our portion in Christ.
We notice, too, that there were four golden bowls of oil in the candlestick, reminding us that through the work of Christ, light and blessing go out to the “four corners” of the earth. God will gather a redeemed people “out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (Rev. 5:99And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Revelation 5:9)). How wonderfully all this is typified in the candlestick, and may we always realize our debt to Him who endured so much for us. May we walk according to the light at all times!
Living in the Light
There is also a practical application to this, for we find that the seven assemblies in Asia were responsible to be light-bearers, or candlesticks, in the earth (Revelation 1:2020The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. (Revelation 1:20)). The nation of Israel was set as God’s candlestick on the earth in Old Testament times, but how sadly they failed. Then Christ, the true Light came, and His life was always by the power of the Spirit of God. However, the world did not want that Light shining in all its brightness. They soon cast Him out, nailing Him to the cross of Calvary.
Now, during the night of Christ’s absence, the Spirit of God has come down, dwelling in the professing church as a divine Person, as well as in the body of every believer. The Church is therefore responsible as the candlestick on the earth now, but how sadly she has failed, just as Israel did. Nevertheless the professing church is still responsible, while here on earth. Let those of us who are truly the Lord’s be careful to let our light shine for His glory that more of Christ may be seen in our lives. There were snuff dishes and tongs of pure gold to be used in trimming the lamps. A charred wick prevented the pure oil from flowing freely, and trimming the wick made it burn brightly again. The Lord often has to put His chastening hand on us to “trim” us so there will be more light for Him. The Lord knows just when it is necessary to remove some hindrance to light and testimony in our lives. May we be exercised by all He passes us through!
The Coverings
The next thing described is the covering, or more accurately the tabernacle itself. It, like the veil which we will mention later, was made of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim wrought with needlework on it. Even these very colors make our hearts think of the glories of Christ. The fine twined linen tells us of His walk of perfect obedience to God His Father. We have remarked before that gold tells us of divine righteousness — the very character of God — but this fine twined linen would tell us of that moral loveliness which was always seen in Christ’s daily life. How lovely it is to meditate upon this, and to see the perfect, display of His moral glory which “could not be hid” (Mark 7:2424And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid. (Mark 7:24)).
Further Meditation
1. How and why does the Lord use his “tongs” on each of us?
2. Each color in the covering has a spiritual significance. Could you describe what each represents?
3. The Holy Vessels and Furniture of the Tabernacle by H. W. Soltau provides a rich and extensive source of teaching on the tabernacle that includes the topics covered in this chapter in greater detail.