The Bible speaks of the Menorah, or Lampstand, on three levels: one in the Torah, one in the Prophets, and one in the New Covenant. Moses was commanded to build a 7–branched, golden lampstand and place it in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-40). The priests were required to take care of the lampstand, but there was no clear teaching as to the spiritual meaning of the Menorah.
This is the lampstand that was supposedly rededicated by the Maccabees and celebrated on the holiday of Hanukah. The lampstand at Hanukah is called in Hebrew a Hanukiah. It has 9 lights (for 8 days, and 1 to light the others). It is NOT a replica of the Tabernacle Menorah, but it has become in some way representative of this Menorahin Jewish religious tradition.
On the second level, the prophet Zechariah saw a vision of a mystical Menorah, with two olive trees, one to each side. This symbolized the Lord restoring Zion and the Temple by the power of His grace and spirit (Zechariah 4:1-10). This vision became the basis for the symbol and seal of the modern State of Israel.
The third level is found in the book of Revelation in which John has a supernatural vision of Yeshua in a glorified form, standing in the midst of 7 lampstands, representing the 7 churches or congregations of Asia Minor (Revelation 1:12, 20), which are symbolic of all types and streams making up the international ecclesia.
As the Mosaic lampstand found expression in Jewish religious tradition, Zechariah’s prophetic vision found expression in modern Zionism, and John’s vision pictures people of every tribe, tongue and nation being glorified by the power of God.
Asher serves as president of Tikkun Global family of ministries and congregations, dedicated to the dual restoration of Israel and the Church. He is founder of the Revive Israel five-fold ministry team, and oversees both Ahavat Yeshua and Tiferet Yeshua congregations in Israel.
He and his wife Betty share a passion for personal prayer and devotion, local evangelism and discipleship in Hebrew, and unity of the Body of believers worldwide.
Asher was raised in a conservative Jewish home and holds degrees from Harvard University, Baltimore Hebrew College and Messiah Biblical Institute. He has authored numerous books, tracts and articles.