This week we're studying Zechariah 4. There, the prophet beholds a golden lampstand notably different from that which stood in the tabernacle (Ex 25:31-40). The former menorah looked something like this:
By comparison, Zechariah describes his lampstand thus:
"And he said to me, “What do you see?” I said, “I see, and behold, a lampstand all of gold, with a bowl on the top of it, and seven lamps on it, with seven lips on each of the lamps that are on the top of it." (Zech 4:2)
Basically, the lamppost was topped with a central basin filled with oil. This fed to seven protruding "lamps" each with seven cast "lips" (spouts). The result would be an impressive amount of light coupled with an efficient means of refueling.
Now examine these artifacts found in and around biblical Israel.:
While not exactly matching Zechariah's vision, they reveal the contemporary existence of menorahs that featured central reservoirs to feed several lamp-protrusions, as well as lamps with multiple cast "lips" (spouts).
To learn more check out this article, "Oil Lamps from the Times of the Bible (3,500 - A.D. 600).”
