If you came through the front of the door of the tabernacle, the lampstand would have sat on the left hand, or south side (Exodus 40:24) opposite the table of shewbread. For the tabernacle always faced the east.

Unlike the ark, the table of showbread, and altar of incense no wood entered into the composition of the lampstand. It was not cast into mold, but made entirely out of hammered sheets of pure gold, and fashioned out of one piece of gold. The lampstand weighed one talent, or roughly 100 lbs. And would cost about $1,200,000 in 2009. The mode of its manufacture indicates that it was hollow. Its size is not given, but Jewish tradition assigns it a height of about 5ft. and a width of about 3 ½ ft. It consisted of an upright stem or shaft. The base and this upright branch or stem constituted the lampstand proper, out of which came six branches extending upwards like arms, three out of the one side, and three out of the other. All six branches were parallel to each other, and they all curved upwards to an equal level. The main branch or stem probably rose to a height a little higher than the others. The branches were decorated with almond-shaped bowls or cups. It is likely that the lampstand’s branches faced from the east to the west—thus better lighting the holy place. Only the best quality olive oil was used for the lamps, to ensure that the light was as bright as possible (Exodus 27:20). Pure or “clear” olive oil was used, prepared from olives that had been cleansed of leaves, twigs, and dust before being crushed and beaten. The resulting white oil is of the finest quality. They are traditionally believed to have held a little more than a half pint of pure oil. The lamps were trimmed and lighted at the same time of the evening sacrifice (Exodus 30:8) and trimmed and filled at the same time of the morning sacrifice (Exodus 30:7; 1 Samuel 3:3). They were never allowed to go out except when the tabernacle was being moved. The lampstand was the only source of light in the entire holy place; for all natural light was shut out. The priests could see to eat the shewbread, and offer up incense on the golden altar, only by the light of the lampstand.

The  lampstand is a type of Christ, the Holy Spirit and the believer.

The lampstand was made out of pure gold which speaks of Deity in the Bible. The lampstand was made of “hammered work.” Without the hammering, you do not have a golden lampstand. It is a striking contrast from the “golden calf” which  Aaron made, for that was cast in a mold (Exodus 32:4). What is idolatrous or according to man’s mind, can be quickly and easily cast into shape; but that which has most of all glorified God and secured the redemption of His people was wrought at great cost. So the hammering is a picture of what Jesus endured on the cross and speaks of a suffering Christ. In a very sense, but to a far lesser degree, we share in enduring the hammering.

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt.5:10-12).

When gold is taken out of the earth, it is fit for nothing. In order to make it useable it must pass through the purifying fires. It is at this point that the impurities are removed for it is the fires where that which is pure gold is manifest. After the gold is brought to this point it can be fashioned in the hands of the gold smith. The process can be painful and take a long time, for the gold must submit to the hammers and beating work of the smith. In this process the gold has to go through a lot, but when the work is done, it is a thing of rare beauty.

This process is typical of that which God works in His Church.God, by His Spirit, is purifying and sanctifying His Church by means of fiery trials, testings and sufferings. Through it all the Church will come forth as pure gold, and it will conform to the Divine pattern that God has fore-ordained (Isaiah 52:14, Isaiah 53:4-5, Job 23:10, 1 Peter 1:7, 2 Peter 1:4, 1 John 3:3).

A goldsmith once pointed out, that hammering gold makes it stronger. As we are hammered into objects of usefulness and beauty, we are strengthened in Him:

“We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor.4:8-9).

When we are called to endure suffering, in whatever form it comes, we are sharing the suffering of Christ.

Think, for a moment, of the design of the Jewish menorah, which is the lampstand. It is designed like a tree, or a vine. With that in mind, look at Rom.11:16b-18.

“…if the root is holy, the branches are too. But if some of the branches were broken off, and you being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became a partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.”

We are the branches in this olive tree which belongs to God. A branch of the menorah broken off from the shaft would be a useless thing. Being curved and having no base, such a branch would not stand upright, and could not hold a lamp. So we are apart from Christ. We, like the branches, are totally dependent on him the main stem or shaft:

“In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts17:28).

The branches go forth from the shaft. There were six branches on the lampstand, three coming out from each side, symbolized the Church.The number six is the number of man, and which speaks of imperfection; however, Christ is the main stem or branch in the middle, and makes up the seventh branch, thereby denoting perfection, as the Church is joined to Christ. Jesus said in John15:5,

“I am the Vine, you are the branches…apart from Me you can do nothing.”

From Adam’s side a rib was taken and fashioned into a bride (Genesis 2:21-25).
Jesus is the last Adam, and He, too, has a bride: the Church. As he died there for you and me, a soldier thrust a spear into His side, and out came blood and water, the fluids of birthing.

From where did we come from?

Out of His side—for it was His death that gave birth to the Church. Notice too, the main stem (Christ) is straight, no shadow of turning. But the branches (believers) are bent, some more than others, but still bent when compared to the stem.

Six branches came out of the lampstand’s sides, none from the front, because the believer must stand aside to give preeminence and the glory to God.The lampstand with its main shaft and branches was made out of pure gold:

“ And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1Jn.3:3).

Each of the six branches had three bowls, or flares, each of which contained a bud and a knop, or blossom, resembling those of an almond. When we look at the terminology used in the regard to the ornamentation of the lampstand, we are immediately struck by similarity of language used in regard to Aaron’s rod that budded. For we see that Aaron’s rod that budded, flowered and brought forth almond fruit (Numbers 17:8, Jeremiah 1:11-12). An almond blossom is pure white, and even today, the almond tree is the first tree to bud and bear fruit in Israel. Therefore carries the message of life out of death. In the Rod of Aaron we get the same message. It was once alive, then dead and finally came to resurrection life, bearing a bud, flowers and almond fruit. This speaks of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, for He is the Firstfruit (1 Corinthians 15:20). That is, He is the first one risen from the dead. We have resurrection life only as we understand the crucifixion, and what it means to us:

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection” (Rom.6:5).

In the almond tree we have the symbol of resurrection life. When Aaron’s priestly prerogative was in question, the budding of his almond rod established his right to the priest-hood. The almond rod, a dead branch, was made to live and bear fruit. Christ was established as the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead. The resurrection did not make Christ the Son of God because He was already that; the resurrection only confirmed it. Aaron was the God-appointed high priest and this position was confirmed by the resurrection of the dead almond rod. The resurrection of Christ likewise established His Priesthood. Christ is our Great High Priest.

The side branches had three units consisting of a flare, a bud and a flare. The middle shaft, however, was to have four such units. This meant it would be higher than the other six.—just as Jesus Christ is preeminent. There is none like Him (Colossians 1:18).

“He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn.3:30).

On the northern side, or right side of the holy place stood the table of shewbread. It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It measured 2 cubits (36in.) long, 1 cubit (18in.) wide and 1 1/2 cubits (27in.) high. The table had an elaborate double gold crown ornamental rim encircling on its top edge, with a hand-breath between these crowns. The hand-breath was a border between the crowns for the various vessels.  In other words, there was to be a crown of molding around the outside edge of the table and a smaller crown inside. Probably serving to prevent articles from falling off the table. The table was fitted with rings in each corner to hold poles for transportation. The poles were also made with acacia wood overlaid with gold. The bread was not removed from the table even when Israel was on the march (Numbers 4:7). The plates and pitchers that held the bread and drinks were also made of pure gold.

The loaves on the table were called “showbread” (Exodus 25:30) or “presence bread,” literally “bread of faces.” Every Sabbath 12 loaves of bread, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, were placed on the table (Leviticus 24:5-9). They remained there for one week. When the loaves were placed with fresh bread, they were eaten by the priests in the holy place. The placing of the loaves on the table symbolized Israel’s recognition that they were daily in God’s presence and daily dependent upon Him for their spiritual and physical needs. This “bread” was not set out in order to feed Israel’s God, unlike food placed in pagan shrines and temples, but to acknowledge that the 12 tribes were sustained constantly under the watchful eye and care of their Lord.

When the Levites made this bread, the wheat was first crushed and ground into flour. Then it was beaten together with other ingredients and pierced with a sharp fork. Finally it went into a hot oven. When the baked loaves were placed on the table, they were sprinkled with pure frankincense, a sweet-smelling incense. The use of incense suggests that the bread was actually a “meal offering” to the Lord (Leviticus 2:1-11) in thanksgiving to Him for “daily bread.”

The loaves of bread were very special, and were not to be eaten carelessly, even by the priests. Any priests who was defiled and ate the bread or any of the sacrificial meat that belong to the priests, was in danger of death (Leviticus 22:3-9).

Jesus, a type of the Table of Shewbread

Wood and gold: Once again wood in the Bible speaks of humanity ( Zechariah 6:12-13, Isaiah 11:1-4,  Isaiah 53:2, Psalm 1:3). The Hebrew word for “gold” comes from an unused root word meaning “shimmer” or “from its shining.”

“and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength”(Rev.1:16).

Gold therefore is typical of Deity or the Divine nature of Jesus Christ. In the table we have gold and wood. Two components and yet only one table. This speaks to us of the union of the 2 natures in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the God-Man. He is the Word (John 1:1, 14,18, 1 Timothy 3:16, Timothy 2:5-6). The gold and wood come together in the Lord Jesus Christ.

There was to be a crown of molding around the outside edge of the table of showbread and a smaller crown inside. Why two crowns? Because Christ will be crowned twice: the first time He was crowned with a crown of thorns (Matthew 27:29). The second time it will be a crown of glory and honor (Hebrews 2:9). And remember, the table was made from the acacia tree, a tree that produced thorns.

It is interesting that the width of the crown is described as a “handbreath,” which is approx. 3 to 4 inches high. All the dimensions of the tabernacle otherwise are in cubits or half cubits. This corresponds with the words of Christ, “Neither shall any pluck them out of My hand” (John 10:28).

His nail- pierced hands, that is!

The bread was crushed and ground into flour. Then it was beaten together with other ingredients and baked in a hot oven. All these factors remind us of the suffering of our True Bread and Living Bread Jesus Christ:

“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chasetisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed” (Isa.53:4-5).

Not only that, but the bread was perforated. The Hebrew implies the thought that they were “pierced cakes.” All of this is typical of the Lord Jesus Christ who was pierced Bread of Life (Zechariah 12:10, John 19:34-37, Revelation 1:7). The priests of Moses day could only eat the bread on the seventh day, while we partake of Christ presently on a daily basis. When we keep learning more of Him and reading God’s Word , we are “feeding” on Him as the priests fed on the showbread. Remember, we too, are priests (1 Peter 2:5,9). Every member of the Body of Christ participates in that one Bread of 1 Cor. 10:17:

“We being many are One Bread and one body; for we are all partakers of that One Bread.”

The unity of the Body of Christ is set forth in the One Bread.

There were a number of pieces of important furniture in the two rooms in the tabernacle which the priestly tribe of Levi used in their daily intercessions for the people.

But the most important article in the entire tabernacle was located in the inner room called the Most Holy Place or (Holy of Holies).
It was called the Ark of the Covenant and was the only piece of furniture inside the Most Holy Place.
And was the first piece of furniture commanded by God to be made.
The Ark represented the power and authority of God in the camp of Israel, and this is why it is named first.
The whole sanctuary was built for no other end, but to be as it were a house, a habitation for the Ark.This was the room where God’s presence dwelt on the earth, and it was the place of “mercy” on God’s part. The ark was the symbol of God’s relationship with His people, a relationship that was based on a promise, or contract, hence, we get the word “covenant.” An ark is designed to preserve intact whatever is put therein. It preserved Noah and his family from the flood. It saved baby Moses from the wrath of the Pharaoh. The Ark of the Covenant was designed of God to preserve His unbroken covenant in the midst of an erring people.

The Ark was a hollow acacia wood box made from the acacia tree that thrived in the Sinai desert. This wood has a very hard, close-grained texture and very resistant to insects. The Ark was roughly four feet long, and two and a quarter feet high and wide. It was covered within and from without gold so you never saw any of the wood. Two poles were inserted into rings on the side of the Ark so that it could be carried by four men without any of them touching it. A lid known as the Mercy-Seat was placed on top of the Ark. A gold rim, known in scripture as the “crown of gold” prevented the lid, or cover, from shifting. The Mercy-Seat was a solid sheet or slab of pure gold. The Mercy-Seat differed from the Ark in that no wood entered into its composition. There was only one other piece of furniture in the tabernacle made solely of gold, namely the lampstand, which was smaller in weight and size; therefore the Mercy-Seat was the most valuable of all the holy vessels. The dimensions of the Mercy-seat were the same as the Ark, regarding length and width. It is believed to have been about an inch thick or possibly more. Gold is very heavy, and it is believed that such a slab would be about 750 pounds or nine million dollars. An extraordinary thing about this Mercy-Seat was its name, because it was not a seat but a lid. The absence of a seat among the tabernacle furniture is an obvious thing, the reason for this being that there was no need for one. The priestly work was never done. The priest went on ministering until he was relieved by another, and so the work continued. Above the Mercy-Seat and of the same piece of gold as the Mercy-Seat were the two cherubim angels. They faced one another with outstretched wings, looking down on the Mercy-Seat. Cherubims are symbols of guardianship, as at the Garden of Eden. Underneath this Mercy-Seat, where God instructed the face of the angels to be looking, were three peculiar items ( Hebrews 9:1-6).  

First, God told Moses to place inside the Ark a pot of manna. You’ll remember the manna was food God provided for the Israelites during there forty year tour of the Sinai wilderness. At first the people had welcomed this miraculous provision, but soon they began griping about it and ask for more variety in their diet. “We wish we had some of those delicious foods-the leeks, the garlics-we had back in Egypt,” they murmured. Their attitude really grieved God. After all, no one had gotten sick in those forty years, so manna must have been a perfect food.

So God said, “Put the manna in the pot and put it in the Ark.”

This became a symbol of man’s rejection of God’s material provisions.  The second item in the Ark originated from within the camp of Israel against Moses’ and Aaron’s leadership (Numbers 16,17). After God had dwelt with the rebel instigators, He called the tribal leaders to come before Moses. The symbol of leadership was a rod, or wooden staff. Moses took a rod from each one of the rebel leaders and deposited all twelve in the tabernacle overnight. The man whose rod sprouted leaves was the one God wanted as the leader.

When the rods were taken from the tabernacle the next day, Aaron’s had sprouted leaves. But the Israelites disobeyed Aaron and Moses’ leadership anyway. His rod was placed inside the Ark as a reminder of man’s rejection of God’s leadership.

The third item in the Ark was the stones upon which the ten commandments were inscribed. The Israelites broke these laws time after time. So God had these three tablets placed in the Ark as a witness that man broke His law.

    The Ark, therefore, contained the physical representations of man’s total sinfulness—

• Manna: man’s rejection of God’s provision
  
• Aaron’s rod: Man’s rejection of God’s leadership
  
• Tablets of the law: man’s rejection of God’s holiness
  

Once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippor) the high priest would take the blood of an animal sacrifice and sprinkle it over the top of the Mercy-Seat. As mentioned earlier, the cherubim in the Bible are associated as His guardians and servants in His presence (Ezekiel 1,  Genesis 3:24). Here they are guarding the blood that was sprinkled on the Mercy-Seat on that Day of Atonement. Man is never called upon to guard the blood; he is ever in need of the blood to guard and protect him.

Though these cherubim faced each other, they are not looking at one another—that is, they are not occupied with each other. The golden cherubim, are represented as gazing with the most intense and delighted interest on the blood sprinkled Mercy-Seat. This is the very attitude of the angels with request to what the blood signified. With faces eagerly and lovingly bending down on our world, they are ever reading with absorbing and joyful interest the story of salvation as it unfolds to the believer.

“With things the angels desire to look into,” (1Pet.1:12 lit., “to bend looking”).

But on the Day of Atonement, what did the angels see? The symbols of sin? No. They saw the blood of a Divinely ordained innocent sacrifice covering the symbols of sin. God could now say, “I’m satisfied, because the death penalty has been paid.” God was no longer offended because the evidence of man’s sin has been covered and I see only the blood of an innocent substitute who paid the required death penalty. The golden lid, or Mercy-Seat, was symbolically God’s throne on earth, because He dwelt between the cherubim (Exodus 25:22)

Until the blood of the animal was sprinkled on the Mercy-seat, this throne of God depicted a place of judgment. But, covered by the blood once a year, it became a throne of mercy. Here was the place where sinful man could now meet God through the mediation of the sacrifice.

The fulfillment of this type was when Jesus Christ died once and for all for the sins of the world. Did you know that the O.T. word for “mercy-seat” can also be translated “propitiation,” or satisfaction. It is the same as the Greek word used in Romans 3:25.

The Mercy-Seat pictured Christ who:

“is the propitiation (mercy-seat) for our sins” (1Jn.2:2).

Now we can stand with the publican who prayed in the temple:

“God be merciful to me a sinner” (Lk.18:9-14), or as the literal suggests, “God be ‘mercy-seated’ to me a sinner.”

As God saw the blood on the Mercy-Seat, He was satisfied; for this sprinkling prefigured Christ.

Listen to what the writer of Hebrews says of Jesus:

“But when Christ appeared as a High Priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once and for all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Heb.9:11,12).

Jesus, as our High Priest, actually entered the Holy of Holies in heaven with the blood of a perfect sacrifice—His own blood. There He sprinkled it on the Mercy-Seat of the heavenly tabernacle and obtained, not just a temporary, year long forgiveness for men, but an eternal redemption ( Hebrews 10).The suggestion implied by the seat is, therefore, that of a finished work.

Christ alone could say “It is finished.”