According to Exodus 25:31–38, Moses was to construct a single lampstand made from one talent of pure gold (about thirty-five kilograms), hammered into a central stem with three branches on the left and three on the right (known as a menorah). On top of each branch was a cup containing a wick and oil so that seven lamps would burn from this single lampstand. It was to be placed in the Holy Place, the first room of the tabernacle. God himself was enthroned in the innermost room, the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies). He was the only source of light in this fallen, dark world (as the psalmists understood; see Psalm 27:1; Psalm 84:11; Psalm 119:105; etc.); in fact, he gives fullness of light (represented by the seven lamps on the lampstand). The lampstand, placed before the Most Holy Place, proclaimed that God was the light in this dark world.
12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,