Revelation 1:12 and some of 13

Here we find that John actually turned to see the voice that was coming from behind him. This starts the first of John's visions. John sees seven golden lamp stands.  There are three mentions in the old Testament of golden lamp stands.

1. The lamp stands here are mentioned as seven separate lamp stands, or some bibles state as candlesticks.  That would indicate that they are not like the ones in the tabernacle as they were seven-branched. (Exo 25:31-37)
2.  Recall Solomon's temple, in it there was to be five golden candlesticks on right and five on the left. (1Kings 7:49)
3. The third came from Zechariah 4:2 in his vision of the golden candlestick with a bowl on top of it.

William Barclay mentions all three in his book, "The Revelation of John" Vol.1 and makes mention that John see visions similar to the old Testament visions in which God has previously revealed himself.  Then Mr. Barclay suggests that the lesson here is in order to discover new revelation, we must first learn the revelation God has already given us.  Awesome thought!

In the holy place, Christ is represented by the seven branched candlestick, the Spirit of God by the lamps upon it.  However, while Christ is away in Heaven we, His people, are to be the lights for Him here in this world.  The seven lamp stands are also representative of the seven churches (see prior blog concerning Rev 1:4), representing a possible picture of the Church's history until our Savior comes again.

Moving on to verse 13, John sees a figure in the the midst of the circular arrangement of the candlesticks, "...One like unto the Son of Man,...".  Son of Man, a title Jesus frequently applied to himself, and is used for the Messiah in Daniel 7:13 in addition to being mentioned like this in  all four of the Gospels.

We will further discuss the appearance in the next blog, until then, ask yourself, Am I truly a light for Him while we wait for his return?

Blessings on all,

Calabash