Are you helping to keep the light burning? - Leviticus 24:2
- Tony Daniels
- Oct 23
- 2 min read
Leviticus 24:2
Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.
The Old Testament tabernacle was covered with cloth and topped with badger skins. A veil covered the entrance into what the Bible calls the holy place. There were no windows or skylights, so there would only be a thick darkness inside this area unless there was a light source. Moses was instructed to make a “candlestick” of pure gold with many little cups and wicks coming out all over it. This candlestick was a type of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Without Him, our world would be in total darkness because of sin. He is the only source that has been ordained by God to prevent the spreading of darkness.
In order for this lamp to burn and dispel the darkness, it would require the responsibility of man. In Leviticus 24 vs 2, Israel was to bring the oil, and in vs 3-4, the high priest and priest were to keep the cups filled so they would burn, putting forth the light. After clearing the ground, someone had to plant the olive trees, prune the trees, and pick the olives. Someone would have to take the olives to people who would crush them and prepare containers for the oil for the journey to the tabernacle. Someone would have to carry them to their appointed place. The priest would put the oil in a holding place until needed, and then it would be opened and brought into the holy place where he would fill the cups and trim the wicks to keep the light burning. It took a lot of people and a lot of work, and especially a faith in the Lord and a love for the Lord, to dedicate oneself to keeping the fire burning.
Today, in New Testament terms, we still need people who have believed in Christ for salvation to do the work of God’s people in keeping the light burning. We don’t need to plant olive trees or find a tabernacle and a candlestick, but we must share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Israel was given the blessing of keeping the light on in the Old Testament, and the church is given the blessing in the New Testament through the gospel.
Are you helping to keep the light burning?
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