Three Important Symbols

 

I saw seven golden lampstands, and among these lampstands,

I saw someone like a Son of Man.

I saw that in His right hand He had seven stars.

A sharp two-edged sword came out of His mouth…

Revelation 1:12-16 selections 

THE GOLDEN LAMPSTANDS

The speaker in Chapter 1 gives us the key to this symbol.  The seven lampstands, reminiscent of the lampstand in the sanctuary, represent the seven churches.  They were to be the light of the world, a light that never went out.

THE SEVEN STARS

Our narrator also gives the meaning of the stars in Jesus’ right hand.  The seven stars represent the messenger angels to the seven churches.

THE TWO-EDGED SWORD

Some commentators state that the sword coming from Jesus’ mouth is justice or divine retribution.  I believe that we can find the meaning of this symbol in Hebrews 4:12: “The Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”