The term "Golden Candlestick" is a symbolic title and name for the Church, drawing its imagery from the biblical descriptions of the lampstands found in the Tabernacle and the Temple, as well as in the visions of the Apostle John in the Book of Revelation. This imagery is rich with theological significance, reflecting the Church's role as a bearer of divine light and truth in the world.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the Golden Candlestick originates in the Old Testament, where God commands Moses to construct a lampstand for the Tabernacle. In Exodus 25:31-40, the lampstand is described as being made of pure gold, with a central shaft and six branches, making a total of seven lamps. This lampstand, or menorah, was to be placed in the Holy Place, serving as a perpetual light before the Lord.

In the New Testament, the imagery of the lampstand is further developed in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 1:12-13 , John writes, "Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest." Here, the seven lampstands are identified as the seven churches (Revelation 1:20): "The mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches."

Symbolism and Significance

The Golden Candlestick symbolizes the Church's mission to be a light in a dark world, reflecting the glory and truth of God. Just as the lampstand in the Tabernacle was to be kept burning continually, the Church is called to maintain its witness and testimony, shining forth the light of Christ. This is echoed in Jesus' words in Matthew 5:14-16 : "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

The use of gold in the construction of the lampstand signifies purity, holiness, and the precious nature of the Church in God's sight. The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect His holiness and to be set apart for His purposes.

The Church's Role and Responsibility

As the Golden Candlestick, the Church has the responsibility to uphold and proclaim the truth of the Gospel. This involves both the internal edification of its members and the external mission to the world. The Church is to be a beacon of hope, offering the light of salvation through Jesus Christ to those who are lost in spiritual darkness.

The imagery of the lampstand also serves as a reminder of the Church's dependence on the Holy Spirit. Just as the lamps required oil to burn, the Church requires the continual infilling and empowerment of the Holy Spirit to fulfill its mission. This is reflected in Zechariah 4:2-6, where the prophet sees a vision of a lampstand with a bowl and two olive trees, symbolizing the Spirit's provision and power.

In summary, the title "Golden Candlestick" encapsulates the Church's identity as a radiant and holy vessel, entrusted with the light of Christ to illuminate the world and draw people to the truth of the Gospel.Revelation 1:20
The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not ... True" (19:11), the epistle
to this church makes mention of the Saviour by those titles, which are ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

The Mystery
... are desirous of forming the hypothesis, than names of men? ... What, then, if out of
these titles of human communities ... they call the state of the Church, about 7000 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery.htm

The Bible
... And to these might be added more than five hundred other names and titles, together
with ... of Christ, the Rapture and meeting of Christ and the church in the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... the porch of the temple, and they had names given them ... What now are all other titles
of grandeur and greatness, when ... As it is in the church, the grace of love ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... I will come to thee, and will move thy candlestick out of ... our sins, and united to
Himself a church of alien ... that under Saturn, that is in the Golden Age, when ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

A Discourse
... she turns again, and pleads by her titles, her features ... as also the many petty divisions
and names amongst us ... forest of Lebanon, or rather in the church in the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... The learned discourses our tinker had heard at church had casually passed over his
mind like evanescent clouds, and left little or no lasting impression. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

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