More instruction to Moses in regards to the construction of the tabernacle, the alter for burnt offerings, the holy place, and the holy of holies - a lot of emphasis on the curtains and veil. At the end of chapter 27, after the blueprints have been sufficiently ordered, there is some instruction given about the lamps and oil and the requisite need for constant attendees...
EXODUS 27:20-21
20 And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.Not sure why, in the first verse, the term "oil olive" is used as opposed to "olive oil" but it is apparently correct and worthy of some insight on another day. The important thing here is to understand the meaning of light. Aaron and his sons are given the task of ensuring the lamps are lit every day, with pure oil, early in the evening and remain bright until morning. I think this is very symbolic in that it requires service of man to maintain and provides an ever shining beacon to all that, "this is the place of God." It reminds the people that God is a true God and capable of all, it reassures, gives strength and, more than all else, is somewhat of a lighthouse, a beacon to all, a faith builder.
21 In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the Lord: it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.
We too are asked to shine forth our light, to be an example to others and guide as opposed to blindly following. If we do our part; read, pray, study, increase faith, and attend our meetings, we are effectively keeping our lamps lit and shining forth in the darkness of this ever discouraging world.
Light on!
~Kipling
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