Reading today from Numbers 7 – 9.
Will focus today on chapter 8:1-4 dealing with what is called the menorah; the light of the tabernacle.
It has been said that darkness is only the absence of light, and that cold is the absence of heat. I can see that from a spiritual point of view; God’s point of view. Especially for the human race. We can be assured, however, that whether in darkness or cold God is present, and is speaking whether we hear or not.
The lamp or Menorah was the only source of light for the tabernacle. It would have been the first thing to tend upon entering the actual “tent”, filling the bowls with olive oil for the burning for light.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, ‘Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick.’ And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses. And this work of the candlestick was of beaten gold, unto the shaft thereof, unto the flowers thereof, was beaten work: according unto the pattern which the LORD had shewed Moses, so he made the candlestick.” Numbers 8:1-4 (KJV)
This lampstand/menorah was positioned on the South side of the tabernacle, and the table of Shewbread was on the North side. The menorah was to be positioned to focus the light on the bread of the table. There were to be twelve loaves of bread on the table, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.
As we can also see in these verses we are told once again that the candlestick is made of pure beaten gold. It is made by taking a piece of gold and forming it with a hammer, I suppose, or some other like tool; to shape it into this beautiful object known as a menorah. In its original form it had three lamps on one side, and three on the other side with one in the middle. A total of seven lights burning. Seven for complete light. We might think that would not be much light. Seven lamps burning in such a small room, however, would illuminate the room quite well. Have you ever been in a cave, in total darkness, without your flashlight turned on or without any light burning? It is so dark you literally cannot see your hand in front of your face. One person lighting a single match can light up a room of a cavern. Darkness is dispelled. Darkness flees in the presence of a sign of light.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5). He has also told those who follow Him,
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 4:14-16
As I read the Scriptures it becomes even more clear, every time I read through the Bible, that the overwhelming evidence is that both Old and New Testaments point to Jesus Christ as the central character of Scripture. Even the last book of the Bible tells us,
“And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10
He is the light of a dark heart. He is the light of the world. He is the light. He is the light that shows men where to find bread; for He also said, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35, 48).
Come out of the darkness of sin and death; into the light of Jesus Christ through His death, burial and resurrection.
Please read Numbers 7 – 9
-Tim A. Blankenship
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