candlestick
    n 1: a holder with sockets for candles [syn: candlestick,
         candle holder]

Candlestick \Can"dle*stick`\, n. [AS. candel-sticca; candel
   candle + sticca stick.]
   An instrument or utensil for supporting a candle.
   [1913 Webster]

Candlestick
   the lamp-stand, "candelabrum," which Moses was commanded to make
   for the tabernacle, according to the pattern shown him. Its form
   is described in Ex. 25:31-40; 37:17-24, and may be seen
   represented on the Arch of Titus at Rome. It was among the
   spoils taken by the Romans from the temple of Jerusalem (A.D.
   70). It was made of fine gold, and with the utensils belonging
   to it was a talent in weight.
   
     The tabernacle was a tent without windows, and thus artificial
   light was needed. This was supplied by the candlestick, which,
   however, served also as a symbol of the church or people of God,
   who are "the light of the world." The light which "symbolizes
   the knowledge of God is not the sun or any natural light, but an
   artificial light supplied with a specially prepared oil; for the
   knowledge of God is in truth not natural nor common to all men,
   but furnished over and above nature."
   
     This candlestick was placed on the south side of the Holy
   Place, opposite the table of shewbread (Ex. 27:21; 30:7, 8; Lev.
   24:3; 1 Sam. 3:3). It was lighted every evening, and was
   extinguished in the morning. In the morning the priests trimmed
   the seven lamps, borne by the seven branches, with golden
   snuffers, carrying away the ashes in golden dishes (Ex. 25:38),
   and supplying the lamps at the same time with fresh oil. What
   ultimately became of the candlestick is unknown.
   
     In Solomon's temple there were ten separate candlesticks of
   pure gold, five on the right and five on the left of the Holy
   Place (1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chr. 4:7). Their structure is not
   mentioned. They were carried away to Babylon (Jer. 52:19).
   
     In the temple erected after the Exile there was again but one
   candlestick, and like the first, with seven branches. It was
   this which was afterwards carried away by Titus to Rome, where
   it was deposited in the Temple of Peace. When Genseric plundered
   Rome, he is said to have carried it to Carthage (A.D. 455). It
   was recaptured by Belisarius (A.D. 533), and carried to
   Constantinople and thence to Jerusalem, where it finally
   disappeared.