THE LIVES OF THE PATRIARCHS #192 | THE LIFE OF MOSES #173

Pastor Christopher ChooLesson 3878

THE LIVES OF THE PATRIARCHS #192

THE LIFE OF MOSES #173

MOSES AT MT.SINAI#72

THE TABERNACLE OF MOSES ( Part 31)

THE MENORAH #1

We have studied the Gate, the Brazen Altar and the Brazen Laver.

Now it is the turn of the Menorah or Golden Lampstand

in the Holy Place within the Tent of Meeting.

It is a symbol of God's love for His wayward people who under Moses had forfeited their entry into the Promised Land.

For just as Adam and Eve were denied access to the Tree of Life, the Menorah designed after the almond plant was only accessible to the family of Aaron among the Levites.

There the High Priestly family could behold the Menorah that speaks of life and hope especially in Spring when white almond flowers adorn the almond trees throughout Israel. 

The prophet Jeremiah was in fact given such a vision of a blossoming almond in springtime.

In Jeremiah 1:11-12, God uses the almond tree as a symbol of his watchfulness. When Jeremiah replies, "I see an almond tree," to God's question about what he can see, God says,"You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled."

In reference to the Menorah let us read Exodus 37:20:

"And on the lampstand itself were four bowls made like almond blossoms, each with its ornamental knob and flower."

What is the significance, meaning or symbolism attached to the presence of the almonds on the lamp of the Presence?

We shall answer this question tomorrow.

But for today, there are two revelations to ponder.

1. The Menorah gives light in the curtained sanctuary of the Holy Place. Without it, there is only is darkness. The family of Aaron was tasked to keep the 7 flames of the Menorah alight to bring light into the interior darkness so as to enable them to minister to God at the Table of Shewbread and the Altar of Incense as well. 

Is there a revelation here? Do you remember the Parable of the Lost Coin?

2. In a desert nothing grows. 

We were at Mt.Sinai in Egypt and overnight in the Bedouin tents of Wadi Rum in Jordan and there is only sand as far as the eye can see without greenery.

Here in the Holy Place is the agricultural symbol of the Menorah as a fruiftful Almond Tree.

Do you think God is instilling the children of Israel in Sunday School with hope and to colour their world with images of the Promised Land - the land of milk and honey, a picture of fruitfulness?

N.B. Tomorrow we will study the significance of the almonds in relation to the Menorah. Stay tuned.