Exodus 27:21

In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites for the generations to come.

Study Bible

In the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert. It served as the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The design and construction of the Tabernacle were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, emphasizing its divine origin and significance.

outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony
The veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant, also known as the Testimony, was kept. This veil symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. The presence of the Ark, containing the tablets of the Law, represented God's covenant with Israel. The veil's tearing at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) signifies the removal of this separation through Jesus' atoning sacrifice.

Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps
Aaron, the first high priest, and his sons were responsible for maintaining the lamps on the golden lampstand, or menorah, in the Holy Place. This duty highlights the priestly role of mediating between God and the people, ensuring that the light of God's presence was continually visible. The lamps symbolize spiritual illumination and the guidance of God, paralleling Jesus as the Light of the World (John 8:12).

before the LORD from evening until morning
The lamps were to burn continually from evening until morning, signifying God's perpetual presence and watchfulness over Israel. This practice underscores the importance of constant vigilance and devotion in worship. The imagery of light in darkness also points to the hope and guidance provided by God, fulfilled in Christ's coming as the light shining in the darkness (John 1:5).

This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites
The command for the lamps to be tended was not temporary but intended as a lasting ordinance, reflecting the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel. It underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness in maintaining the relationship with God. This permanence is echoed in the New Covenant, where believers are called to be a light to the world (Matthew 5:14-16).

for the generations to come
The instruction was meant to be observed by future generations, ensuring that the knowledge and worship of God were passed down. This continuity emphasizes the communal and intergenerational aspect of faith, as seen in the repeated biblical theme of teaching God's laws to one's children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). It also foreshadows the eternal nature of Christ's priesthood and kingdom (Hebrews 7:24-25).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tent of Meeting
This was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where He would meet with Moses and the priests.

2. Aaron and his sons
Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first high priest, and his sons were appointed to serve as priests in the Tabernacle.

3. The Veil
A curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity due to sin.

4. The Testimony
Refers to the tablets of the Ten Commandments, which were kept in the Ark of the Covenant within the Most Holy Place.

5. The Lamps
These were part of the golden lampstand (Menorah) in the Holy Place, symbolizing God's light and presence among His people.

Teaching Points

Perpetual Service
The command for Aaron and his sons to tend the lamps "from evening until morning" highlights the importance of continuous service and vigilance in our spiritual lives.

Symbolism of Light
The lamps symbolize God's presence and guidance. As believers, we are called to reflect His light in a dark world.

Priestly Responsibility
Just as Aaron and his sons had specific duties, believers today have responsibilities in maintaining their spiritual walk and serving others.

Generational Faithfulness
The statute was to be observed "throughout their generations," reminding us of the importance of passing down faith and obedience to future generations.

Access to God
The veil represented separation, but through Christ, the veil is torn, granting believers direct access to God. This encourages us to approach God with confidence and reverence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Aaron and his sons in tending the lamps relate to our responsibilities as believers today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that the "light" of our faith remains burning brightly in our daily lives?

3. How does the symbolism of the veil in the Tabernacle enhance our understanding of Christ's work on the cross?

4. What are some practical ways we can pass down our faith to the next generation, as implied by the "permanent statute"?

5. How does understanding the layout and function of the Tabernacle deepen our appreciation for the access to God provided through Jesus Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 24:1-4
This passage provides further instructions on the tending of the lamps, emphasizing the perpetual nature of this duty.

Hebrews 9:2-3
Describes the layout of the Tabernacle, including the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, providing a New Testament perspective on the significance of these areas.

John 8:12
Jesus declares Himself as the Light of the World, connecting the symbolism of the lampstand to Christ's role in bringing spiritual illumination.