lamps and lampstands

A great variety of lamps and lampstands have been excavated in Palestine, revealing interesting differences as techniques developed. The oil was obtained from olives and the wicks were usually made from flax, and would stay alight for up to four hours. Lamps were placed either in niches or on shelves, and they could have important symbolic or metaphorical significance. In the OT the word of the Lord is likened to a lamp which illuminates one's way (Ps. 119:105). In Solomon's Temple there were ten golden lampstands (1 Kgs. 7:49), though in the Temple after the Exile there was but a single lampstand (Zech. 4:1–6, 11–14). In Herod's Temple the lampstand was fashioned with seven branches with a light on each, and this became a characteristic Jewish symbol. In the NT the lamp is used to illustrate the vigilance of a faithful disciple (Luke 12:35) and his witness in the world (Matt. 5:14–16). In Rev. 1:12 the Churches which, in varying degrees, shine in the world are symbolized by lampstands. See menorah.