Lamps, Wicks, and Trays - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

You shall make seven lamps for it … that they give light in front of it. And its wick-trimmers and their trays shall be of pure gold.
Exodus 25:37–38

Lamps, Wicks, and Trays
The lampstand, placed in the outer sanctuary of the tabernacle, was made entirely of gold, beaten out of one piece, having a central stem and six branches to support its seven lamps. The gold speaks of the glory of God as revealed in the blessed person of the Lord Jesus, the supreme Sustainer of all light. Oil for the light is mentioned elsewhere, and we know this is a type of the power of the Spirit of God.

Golden wick-trimmers and golden trays are also spoken of here, but it seems most interesting that the thing which makes them necessary is not mentioned at all, that is, the wicks. No doubt the reason for this is because this chapter in Exodus places all the emphasis on what is gold—that which is entirely divine. Indeed, the light itself was not simply to light up the sanctuary but primarily to shine on the lampstand. It is Christ Himself who is to be the object of display.

The wicks do not speak of what is divine, for they must be trimmed daily by the wick-trimmers. The wicks therefore stand for believers who, by the power of the Spirit of God, are privileged to shine for the Lord Jesus and bear precious witness to the glory of His person. What an honor indeed is given to us! But we can only continue burning brightly as we are trimmed regularly by the wick-trimmers. This involves our being in the presence of the Lord Jesus to have Him deal with what has already been burnt, for what has not been trimmed will cause dimness and smoke. Only in waiting upon Him shall we renew our strength to bear a fresh, bright witness for our Lord.

The trays remind us that He will remember what every child of God has done in His name. But it is well for us to leave this all behind now and to concentrate on displaying His glory.

L. M. Grant