Exodus 27:20

And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually.

Study Bible

And you are to command the Israelites
This directive is given to Moses, emphasizing the importance of leadership and obedience in the community of Israel. The Israelites, as God's chosen people, are to follow His commands as a demonstration of their covenant relationship with Him. This command highlights the communal responsibility in worship and service to God.

to bring you pure oil of pressed olives
The oil mentioned here is to be pure, indicating the need for quality and holiness in offerings to God. Olive oil was a staple in ancient Israel, used for cooking, anointing, and lighting. The process of pressing olives to extract oil symbolizes the purity and dedication required in worship. This oil is a type of the Holy Spirit, who illuminates and empowers believers.

for the light
The light refers to the menorah, the seven-branched lampstand in the Tabernacle, which symbolizes God's presence and guidance. Light in the Bible often represents truth, holiness, and divine revelation. The continual burning of the lamp signifies the perpetual presence of God among His people.

to keep the lamps burning continually
The continuous burning of the lamps signifies the unending nature of God's presence and the need for constant vigilance in spiritual matters. This perpetual light foreshadows Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, who brings eternal illumination and truth. The command for the lamps to burn continually also points to the believer's call to be a light in the world, reflecting God's glory at all times.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is receiving instructions from God on how to maintain the Tabernacle.

2. Israelites
The people of God, who are commanded to bring pure olive oil for the lampstand in the Tabernacle.

3. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites, where the lampstand is located.

4. Lampstand (Menorah)
A seven-branched candelabrum in the Tabernacle, symbolizing the light of God's presence.

5. Pure Oil of Pressed Olives
The specific type of oil required for the lamp, symbolizing purity and dedication.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Purity
The requirement for pure oil signifies the need for purity in our worship and service to God. Just as the oil was to be pure, our hearts and actions should be free from impurity.

Continuous Devotion
The command to keep the lamps burning continually reflects the need for ongoing devotion and vigilance in our spiritual lives. Our relationship with God should be constant and unwavering.

Symbolism of Light
Light in the Tabernacle symbolizes God's presence and guidance. As believers, we are called to reflect God's light in the world, illuminating the darkness with His truth and love.

Community Responsibility
The Israelites were collectively responsible for providing the oil, illustrating the communal aspect of worship and service. We are called to support and encourage one another in our faith journeys.

Christ as the Fulfillment
The lampstand points to Christ, the true Light of the World. Our lives should be centered on Him, drawing from His light and sharing it with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the requirement for "pure oil of pressed olives" teach us about the nature of our offerings to God?

2. How can we ensure that the "lamps" of our spiritual lives are kept burning continually?

3. In what ways can we, as a community of believers, support each other in maintaining our spiritual light?

4. How does the symbolism of light in the Tabernacle connect to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence as a guiding light in your life. How can you share that experience with others to encourage them?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 24:1-4
This passage provides further instructions on the maintenance of the lampstand, emphasizing the importance of keeping the light burning continually.

Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus speaks of believers as the light of the world, drawing a parallel to the lampstand's role in the Tabernacle.

John 8:12
Jesus declares Himself as the Light of the World, connecting the physical light in the Tabernacle to the spiritual light He provides.

Psalm 119:105
The Word of God is described as a lamp to our feet, highlighting the guiding and illuminating role of God's truth.

Revelation 1:12-13
The vision of the Son of Man among the lampstands, symbolizing the presence of Christ among His churches.