Tellout Evangelism Resources and HiVu Antique Photos Galleries
| Next | Previous | Contact Ron | Ron's Blog | Index | Tellout Home |
Seven Lamp Stands Day 10
"I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lamp stands, and among the lamp stands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance." (Revelation 1:12-16)
Seven Golden Lamp Stands
John turns to "see the voice" and saw "seven golden lamp stands." The candlestick of pure gold in the Tabernacle had six branches, three on one side, three on the other, and one in the centre. Seven lamps give light to the Holy Tent. 1
Solomon's Temple
This is also a picture from Solomon's great Temple. There were five candlesticks of pure gold on the right hand and five on the left, "a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl on the top of it, and seven lamps on it." 2 The candlesticks indicate to John the seven churches in that area on the road to Ephesus which were intended to be a light to the world.
Son of Man
Here we find "a son of man" in the midst of the lamp stands. The kingdom and the power and the authority are given by the Ancient of Days (the Lord God) to one like a son of man. 3 Jesus commonly used "Son of Man" as a title for himself during his earthly ministry. 4 By using it here, John makes it plain that the revelation which he is receiving is coming from Jesus Christ himself.
High Priest
The Son of Man is wearing a "robe reaching down to his feet." The same Greek word describes the robe of the High Priest in the Tabernacle and the Temple. 5 The historian Josephus records the actual appearance of this robe, (See the drawing at right of the High Priest offering incense)
Priest's Vestment
"This vestment reaches down to the feet, and sits close to the body; and has sleeves that are tied fast to the arms: it is girded to the breast a little above the elbows, by a girdle often going round, four fingers broad, but so loosely woven, that you would think it were the skin of a serpent. It is embroidered with flowers of scarlet, and purple, and blue, and fine twined linen, but the warp was nothing but fine linen. The beginning of its circumvolution is at the breast; and when it has gone often round, it is there tied, and hangs loosely there down to the ankles." 6
High Priest Par Excellence
Jesus is the High Priest "par excellence." Jesus' title, "son of man," is from the prophecy of Daniel and refers to his humanity and his earthly ministry. This was the title Jesus used exclusively for himself during his earthly ministry.
Jesus took a seemingly vague title from the Old Testament and injected it with new meaning in himself. Even in the heavenly places Jesus, the great High Priest, is still carrying on his priestly work, opening the way for all people into the presence of God.
Meditation
How is the Son of Man most human for you?
Notes
1Exodus 25:31-37 2Zechariah 3Daniel 7:13 4Mark 8.31 to 10.45 5Exodus 28.4 6"The Antiquities of the Jews 3.7.2,4"
A candlestick all of gold, with a bowl on the top of it, and seven lamps on it.
| ^ Top Page | Next | Previous |