Lecture 1: The Offerings for the Tabernacle: The Branches

The Branches

And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side

The golden candlestick, consisting of the center shaft and lamp, his branch, bowls, knops, and flowers represents CHRIST HIMSELF, the center and source of ministry. The whole candlestick, with its seven branches and seven lamps, and all its other parts, is the divinely-devised representation

Christ for its center.

The apostles and prophets of the present dispensation, having laid the foundation, and all the fundamental points, whether of truth or practice, being settled, and contained in the inspired scriptures, the three standing branches of ministry in the church, and for the adding to and building up of the church until it is complete, are those of the evangelist, the pastor, and the teacher (Eph. 4).

The six branches proceed from the main shaft in pairs, expressing fellowship and concurrence in testimony. They proceed from the sides, and not in front; for the object of ministry is not to make the ministry or the minister prominent, but for the exhibition of Christ.

We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake {2 Cor. 4:5}.

Standing aside that he may be visible to all, and thus giving him in testimony his own proper place, "Jesus in the midst."

These branches, as the original word for branch implies, are hollow.

In Zech. 4 we have a candlestick all of gold; the representation of ministry in the power of the Spirit, in the latter day, and in connection with Israel. This candlestick has a bowl on the top of it, and seven pipes leading to the seven lamps. While two olive trees supply the oil to the bowl, and thence to the seven branches and lamps. The two olive trees are representations of Zerubbabel and Joshua; but these again are typical of the Lord Jesus in his Melchizedec character as priest and king. While the great lesson conveyed by all is --

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts ‹Zech. 4:6}.

"Branches," hollow, and thus adapted to receive and to convey the oil. The import of this is expressed by the apostle

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to think anything of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God {2 Cor. 3:5}.

We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us {2 Cor. 4:7}.

The source of all supply for ministry is in Christ, and the power for all testimony is the Spirit of God.

Three branches on either side. The evangelist begins the work, and lays the foundation, which is Christ Jesus, and faith in him. His sphere is the widest. His parish is the world. The pastor carries on the work, in caring for the blood-bought flock of God. The teacher leads the soul yet higher into the truth of God, and the apprehension of the divine glories of the person of Christ.

The Bowls

Three bowls made like unto almonds, a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, (with) a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick {Ex. 25:33}.

"Bowls." Compare Jer. 35:5, there translated "pots," the larger vessels from which the "cups" were supplied.

Their oval form, "made like unto almonds," is doubtless significant. The root of the Hebrew word for "almond"

signifies to watch, and also to be early, ready, or prepared, as the almond tree was noted for its early blossoming. See

Jer. 1:11, 12: -

Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? and I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. Then said the Lord unto me, Thou hast well seen; for I will hasten (or watch over) my word to perform it.

So also 2 Tim. 2:21: --

If a man therefore purge himself from these (vessels t dishonour), he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified. and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

And 2 Tim. 4:5: --

But watch thou in all things, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

These bowls, therefore, made like unto almonds, express watchfulness, readiness, and preparedness for the Christian ministry.

But this preparedness consists in a general and large acquaintance with divine truth; the word of Christ dwelling 'ichly in the heart, in all wisdom. Like the scribe instructed unto the kingdom of heaven, bringing forth out of his treasure things new and old (Matt. 13:52).

So Paul to Timothy -

Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all (1 Tim. 4:15).

And -

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).

The Knops

A knop. Round in form, so the original word signifies, and smaller in size than the bowls. These knops I understand to be typical of the distinct gifts, such as the gift of the evangelist, the pastor, and the teacher.

The Flowers

And a flower. The Septuagint says, a lily; probably an artificial flower, in the form of a lily.

As the bowls express preparedness for ministry, through a large and deep acquaintance with the word of God; and the knop, distinct gift for its ministration; so by the flower is expressed the beautiful and full unfolding of divine truth in actual testimony.

And this suggests an important and instructive lesson — that God would have his truth presented in a comely and attractive form.

The preacher sought to find out acceptable words, (or words of delight) (Eccl. 12:10).

And

the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning (Prov. 16:21).

On the lips of the great teacher the people hung, and marvelled at the gracious words that proceeded from him; and no wonder, for

never man spake like this man {John 7:46}.

Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch {Ex. 25:33}.

That is, three bowls, one knop, and one flower in each branch. Significant of a threefold capacity or preparedness, consisting in a general acquaintance with each branch of divine truth — "three bowls." One distinct gift, as that of the evangelist, the pastor, or the teacher — "a knop." And one manifestation of gift — "a flower."

Every EVANGELIST should not only be acquainted with the truth of the gospel, but also with the other truths of God's word, so as to be prepared to give the word of exhortation where needed, and also a word of instruction; though his distinct gift be that of the evangelist, and his distinct work be that of preaching the gospel.

So with the PASTOR; his especial call may be to deal with souls experimentally, to

reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and doctrine {2 Tim. 4:23,

but he should be also ready to present the gospel of the grace of God to perishing sinners, and also to instruct the souls he deals with.

And so with the TEACHER: while he makes full proof of his own ministry, he will find it delightful and profitable to

do the work of an evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5),

as God gives him opportunity. And experimental dealing with souls in secret, will tend to increase the richness and value of his ministry in teaching.

The Center Shaft

And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like almonds, with their knops, and their flowers {Ex. 25:34}.

"The candlestick." This is the center shaft and branch, the type of the Lord Jesus, the great pattern, center, and source of ministry in the Spirit.

"Four bowls," all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in him.

"Four knops," he was the great Evangelist, the Good Shepherd, and the perfect Teacher, and he was more, he was the great Apostle and Prophet of our profession.

And four flowers. The very perfection of beauty and excellency shone out in his ministry. When he preached the gospel, all the publicans and the sinners drew near unto him for to hear him. And what can equal the rich unfoldings of grace contained in the fifteenth of Luke? When he feeds his sheep, what green pastures and still waters do his cheering words provide! When he instructs his disciples, what rich unfoldings of divine truth! what revelations of a Father's love! And when he unfolds the future, how distinct the prophetic visions stand before the eye! How vivid the brightness of his coming! how gorgeous the mansions of the Father's house appear! and that one place which he is gone to prepare for us!

In v. 31 we also have noticed "his branch, " for he too was the empty and dependent one in ministry on earth. His language was,

I can of mine own self do nothing {John 5:30}:

As I hear I speak; and my doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me {John 7:16}.

And when from the height of his glory, he gives the revelation to his servant John, he writes upon it the title,

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him {Rev. 1:1}.

What an example for us!

The Knops Under the Branches

And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that come out of the candlestick {Ex. 25:35}.

The word "and" shows that this is additional. There are four knops in the center branch, and three in the shaft, making seven in all, the perfect number; for the PERFECTION OF GIFT IS IN CHRIST, he has received gifts, all gifts for men. And it is beautiful to see how each several branch of ministry is sustained, as it were, by the corresponding office and grace of the Lord Jesus, as we read, "A knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, " &C. The evangelist, the pastor, and the teacher all fall back on him, that out of his fulness they may receive grace for grace in the exercise of their several gifts.

The Oneness of the Candlestick

Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all of it shall be one beaten work of pure gold {Ex. 25:36}.

How beautifully expressive of the oneness of this ministry and labour and patience!

He that planteth and he that watereth are one {1 Cor. 3:8%,

and one in Christ. However diversified the gift, the labour, the characters, and service of each; and though each will receive his own reward according to his own labour; yet in the end he that soweth and he that reapeth shall rejoice together. By the grace of God they are one in the service, and when the whole shall result in the glory of God, they shall share in the joy.

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ... Differences of administrations, but the same Lord. ...

Diversities of operations; but it is the same God which worketh all in all (1 Cor. 12).

The Lamps

And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof {Ex. 25:37}.

Seven lamps, the perfection of testimony to divine truth. Six in the side branches, and one in the center shaft, making the

complete according to God which has Christ for its central subject.

And they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it (Ex. 25:37).

Where God has given the gifts it is that they may be exercised.

No man lighteth a candle and putteth it under a bushel, but on a candlestick ‹Matt. 5:15}.

"That they may give light over against it. "The design of testimony in the power of the Spirit, is the manifestation of the glory of God in the person of the Lord Jesus. The whole circle of truth is to be connected with him, that it may not merely be truth, but

as the truth is in Jesus {Eph. 4:21}.

How beautifully the Lord Jesus has taught this in speaking of the Comforter, through whom it is that this ministry is exercised!

He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine:

therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you (John 16:14, 15).

Then again, the candlestick was placed in the tent of the congregation over against the table (Ex. 40:24). So that ministry in the power of the Spirit is designed to throw its light on the solemn and sacred scenes of the sacrifice and atonement of Jesus, and in its light the sweet memorials of his redeeming love are to be set forth and realized.

Indeed, all that was done in the holy place was by the aid of its bright shining. Nature's light was excluded by the coverings and hangings of the door. Within the holiest of all the Shekinah shed its lustre; but in the first tabernacle the bright shining of this candlestick gave its light.

The Oil

In Ex. 27:20, we read:

And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.

How this oil, that is, the supply of the Spirit, is to be obtained, we learn from the example of the early disciples recorded in Acts 4:23-31:

They lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said.. And now, Lord... grant unto thy servants that with all boldness they may speak thy word... And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

So Paul:

Brethren, pray for us {1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1} and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel ... that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak (Eph. 6:19, 20).

Through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:19).

The Vessels Belonging To the Candlestick

And the tongs thereof, and the snuff dishes thereof, shall be of pure gold (Ex. 25:38).

This ministry is to be kept in order, not by human authority, or on human principles, but on those which are of God, and according to God. Not by ecclesiastical courts of human organization, nor by the mere voice and will of the people (2 Tim. 4:3); but, when needed, by godly counsel and admonition, exercised in spiritual wisdom and grace. See the example of Paul, in his inspired epistles to Timothy and Titus.

Of a Talent of Gold

Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels (Ex. 25:39).

A talent of gold is computed to be about 114 Ibs. in weight, and about £5475 in value {im 1863}.

Ministry according to God, in the exercise of the gifts of his Spirit, and in connection with Christ, is a weighty and valuable thing.

That which gave the candlestick its weight and value was the pure gold of which it was composed.

The highest order of natural ability, however cultivated, is but as inferior metal. It is the GRACE OF GOD, and the

GHoST, which gives to ministry its true dignity and real value.

The expression, "liberty of ministry," has been much misunderstood. Every saved sinner is at liberty "to tell to sinners round what a dear Saviour he has found. " But this is not "ministry, " in the sense we have been considering it. The Holy Ghost uses a distinct word (keerusso) for preaching, when it is in the exercise of the gift of the evangelist. And it had been well for the English reader if our translators had been more careful than they have been, in faithfully distinguishing it. This word signifies, to proclaim as an herald, with official authority. And for the preaching of the gospel in this sense the gift and call of the evangelist is needed.

Every believer, who has had experience in the things of God, is called on to look, not on his own things only, but also on the things of others. And brotherly care exercised in brotherly love is our duty and our privilege. But this is not all that is expressed in the pastoral gift and office. Godly souls may be able also to admonish one another. But to be a pastor, in the true sense of the word, there must be the gift of a pastor from Christ.

Every one who is taught in the word may seek to communicate what he knows to his fellow believers, though he may not have the gift of a teacher. To be a teacher in the church of God, there must be a divinely-given capacity to receive and to communicate the mind of God revealed in his word.

Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is as clouds and wind without rain (Prov. 25:14).

And oh, what confusion, disquietude, and loss of blessing must ever result when the flesh asserts its right to do what it will, and to speak as it likes! May God ever preserve his few weak, simple, gathered ones from this! Felt weakness, confessed nothingness, leaves an open door for the Lord to come in; pretence of being something when we are nothing shuts him out.

The Caution

And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount {Ex. 25:40}.

Oh, that we were wise, that we understood this! Oh, that the church of God had never departed from God's pattern! But it is not too late; even now individual servants of Christ may return to God's order, and individual souls may refuse to recognize the innovations and perversions of man; and liberty, and joy, and blessing, and soul progress, will, by God's grace, be the inevitable results. May God in his infinite mercy grant it for Christ's sake.