The Old Testament

The Old Testament highlights how the Lord commanded skilled craftsmen to build the Temple and Ark of the Covenant. These sacred places were constantly illuminated by candles and oil lamps. The Temple was adorned with intricate candelabras, and lamps with mirrors cast colorful light onto the walls. Candles played a prominent role in Festival, sacrifice, and worship ceremonies.

Instructions about the elaborate candle holders in the Tabernacle and Temple can be found in Exodus 25:31-38. The priests were responsible for caring for the lamps and offering incense, as stated in Exodus 30:7-8 and Exodus 40:24-25. Furthermore, 2 Chronicles 13:11a mentions how the priests presented offerings, set out bread, and lit the lamps on the gold lampstand every evening.

The background to the Festival of Lights (Hanakkah), mentioned in John 8, is explained in the book of 1 Maccabees. The sacred vessels, including the lampstand, the altar of incense, and the table, were brought into the temple. Incense was burned on the altar, and the lamps on the lampstand illuminated the temple (1 Maccabees 4:49-50). After purifying the temple, sacrifices were offered, incense burned, lamps lit, and the showbread set out (2 Maccabees 10:3).

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The New Testament

Scripture emphasizes the significance and wonder of light, linking it to God, purity, truth, the work of Christ, and our witness for Christ. The light of Christ illuminates the hearts and minds of believers, guiding them to truth and imparting wisdom. It represents the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit and reminds us of our union with God, knowing that He will never leave nor forsake His people (Hebrews 13:5).

The light provides comfort and encourages boldness. Believers are instructed to share this light in a darkened world. For example, Matthew 5:14-16 states that believers are the light of the world and should let their light shine for others to see their good deeds and glorify God. Mark 4:21-22 and Luke 11:33 both emphasize that light is not meant to be hidden but should be placed on a lampstand for all to see.

1 John 1:5-9 affirms that God is light, and if we walk in the light, we have fellowship with Him and the blood of Jesus purifies us from sin. Confessing our sins leads to forgiveness and purification. Hebrews 9:2 mentions the tabernacle, which housed the lampstand, the table, and the bread of offering, referred to as the Holy Place.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What were the instructions for the candle holders in the Tabernacle and Temple?

   • Exodus 25:31-38 provides detailed instructions for making the lampstand out of pure gold, along with its shaft, branches, cups, knobs, and petals. It also mentions the need for seven lamps to shed light on the space in front of the lampstand.

2. How did the priests care for the lamps and offer incense?

   • According to Exodus 30:7-8, the priests burned fragrant incense on the altar every morning and evening when they prepared and lit the lamps. Exodus 40:24-25 states that the lampstand was set up before the Lord, as commanded.

3. What is the significance of light in the New Testament?

   • The New Testament teaches that believers are the light of the world and should let their light shine before others (Matthew 5:14-16). Light represents God, truth, and the work of Christ. Walking in the light leads to fellowship with God and purification from sin (1 John 1:5-9).

4. What does Hebrews 9:2 mention about the tabernacle?

   • Hebrews 9:2 states that a tabernacle was constructed, consisting of the lampstand, table, and bread of offering. This area was known as the Holy Place.

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