Definition and Significance:
Lamplight in biblical times was a crucial element of daily life, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. It provided illumination in homes, places of worship, and public gatherings, allowing activities to continue after sunset. Symbolically, lamplight often represents guidance, truth, and the presence of God.

Biblical References:

1. Practical Use:
In the ancient Near East, lamps were typically small clay vessels filled with olive oil, with a wick to produce light. The necessity of lamplight is evident in the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, where the wise virgins are prepared with oil for their lamps, highlighting the importance of readiness and vigilance: "The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps" (Matthew 25:4).

2. Symbol of Guidance and Truth:
Lamplight is frequently used as a metaphor for divine guidance and the illumination of God's Word. Psalm 119:105 states, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" , emphasizing the role of Scripture in providing direction and clarity in the believer's life.

3. Presence of God:
The menorah, a seven-branched lampstand, was a significant fixture in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, symbolizing God's eternal presence among His people. In Exodus 25:31-40, God provides detailed instructions for its construction, underscoring its importance in worship and its representation of divine light.

4. Moral and Spiritual Vigilance:
Jesus uses the imagery of lamplight to teach about spiritual alertness and moral integrity. In Luke 12:35, He instructs, "Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning" , urging His followers to remain prepared and faithful.

5. Judgment and Revelation:
In Revelation, lamplight is associated with the revealing of truth and the judgment of God. Revelation 21:23 describes the New Jerusalem, where "the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" , illustrating the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence and truth.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the biblical era, the absence of modern lighting made lamplight essential for evening activities. The design and function of lamps varied, but they were universally recognized as symbols of life and hope. The maintenance of lamps, such as ensuring they had sufficient oil, was a daily task that required diligence and foresight.

Theological Implications:
Lamplight serves as a powerful metaphor throughout Scripture, representing the light of Christ, the truth of the Gospel, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to be "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14), reflecting the light of Christ in a darkened world. The imagery of lamplight challenges Christians to live lives of holiness, readiness, and witness, shining brightly in anticipation of Christ's return.(n.) Light from a lamp.

Two visitors by Night
... said the boy; and brushing past the astonished slave, he sprang to the partly opened
door of Chrysostom's study, through which there was a gleam of lamplight. ...
/.../chapter iv two visitors by.htm

St. Athanasius,
... shut, but the soldiers forced them open and rushed in; and it was a fearful sight
to see their drawn swords and their armour flashing by the lamplight in the ...
/.../chapter xii st athanasius.htm

Outward Bound
... a gang of men and boys, who, as the night fell, worked, many of them, altogether
naked, their glossy bronze figures gleaming in the red lamplight, and both men ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter i outward bound.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... Jewish fashion. They all carried little pots of fresh herbs. The house
was closed and they worked by lamplight. The Apostles were ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
Gregory of Nyssa: Dogmatic Treatises, Etc. <. ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm

Lamplight (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Light from a lamp. Multi-Version Concordance
Lamplight (1 Occurrence). Revelation 22:5 And there will ...
/l/lamplight.htm - 6k

Lamps (45 Occurrences)

/l/lamps.htm - 19k

Sunlight (5 Occurrences)
... Revelation 22:5 And there will be no night there; and they have no need of lamplight
or sunlight, for the Lord God will shine upon them, and they will be kings ...
/s/sunlight.htm - 8k

Shine (62 Occurrences)
... Revelation 22:5 And there will be no night there; and they have no need of lamplight
or sunlight, for the Lord God will shine upon them, and they will be kings ...
/s/shine.htm - 27k

Lamp (45 Occurrences)

/l/lamp.htm - 28k

Ages (114 Occurrences)
... Revelation 22:5 And there will be no night there; and they have no need of lamplight
or sunlight, for the Lord God will shine upon them, and they will be kings ...
/a/ages.htm - 36k

Kings (350 Occurrences)
... Revelation 22:5 And there will be no night there; and they have no need of lamplight
or sunlight, for the Lord God will shine upon them, and they will be kings ...
/k/kings.htm - 61k

Lamplight: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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