Topical Bible: Lamps: Burning

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In biblical times, lamps were essential for providing light in homes, places of worship, and during travel. The imagery of burning lamps is rich with spiritual symbolism throughout the Scriptures, often representing God's presence, guidance, and the believer's call to be a light in the world.

Old Testament References

The use of lamps is first mentioned in the context of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 25:37, God instructs Moses regarding the construction of the lampstand: "Then make its seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they light the space in front of it." This lampstand, or menorah, was to burn continually, symbolizing the perpetual presence of God among His people (Exodus 27:20-21).

In the Psalms, the lamp is a metaphor for God's guidance and instruction. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Here, the burning lamp signifies the illuminating power of God's Word, providing direction and clarity in the believer's life.

The prophetic writings also employ the imagery of lamps. In Zechariah 4:2, the prophet sees a vision of a golden lampstand with seven lamps, symbolizing the Spirit of the Lord and His watchful presence over Israel.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the metaphor of lamps to teach about readiness and vigilance. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the wise virgins are prepared with oil for their lamps, ready to meet the bridegroom. This parable emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparedness and the necessity of maintaining one's faith and devotion.

Jesus also refers to His followers as the light of the world in Matthew 5:14-16: "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Here, the burning lamp represents the believer's witness and the call to live a life that reflects God's truth and love.

In Revelation, the imagery of lamps appears again in the vision of the seven churches. Revelation 1:20 explains, "The mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches." The burning lamps symbolize the presence and testimony of the churches in the world.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Throughout Scripture, burning lamps symbolize God's presence, guidance, and the believer's responsibility to shine forth His light. They serve as a reminder of the need for spiritual vigilance, readiness, and the continuous presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The imagery of lamps encourages Christians to live in a way that reflects God's truth and to be prepared for the return of Christ, maintaining a steadfast faith and a vibrant witness in a darkened world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 15:17
And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xii. 35, "Let Your Loins be ...
... Sermon LVIII. On the words of the Gospel, Luke xii. 35, "Let your loins be girded
about, and your lamps burning; and be ye yourselves like," etc. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lviii on the words.htm

The Foolish virgins.
... Ten young women had been invited to meet the bridegroom with their lamps
burning and to sit down with him at the wedding-feast. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/the foolish virgins.htm

But God Wanted not Power to Make Man Such as that He Should Not...
... This our Saviour also Himself would have us to understand, so far as seems to me
when He said, "Let your loins be girt, and your lamps burning." [1862] What is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on continence/section 16 but god wanted.htm

Lamps and Bushels
... by the praise that 'He was a burning and a shining light,' nor how He commanded
His disciples to have their 'loins girt and their lamps burning,' nor how He ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/lamps and bushels.htm

Dying Lamps
... So, dear friends, 'let your loins be girt about, and your lamps burning;
and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord.'. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/dying lamps.htm

Oil for Lamps. Matthew xxv. 1-13.
... All ten lamps were at one time burning. In the margin of verse 10, we read,
"Our lamps are going out." What a lesson to the backslider! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxvi oil for lamps matthew.htm

'They that were Ready'
... lamp. Remember that our Lord said once, 'Let your loins be girt,' and put
that as the necessary condition of lamps burning. 'Let ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/they that were ready.htm

The Equipment of the Servants
... to the future, and contemplate our meeting with our Master, I do not think there
is much chance of our having either our loins girt, or our lamps burning. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the equipment of the servants.htm

Elucidations.
... lighted, the eventide hymn (of which see Elucidation III.), and reciting probably,
therewith, the text, "Let your loins be girded, and your lamps burning," etc ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the instructor paedagogus/elucidations.htm

The First Part
... temple, or tabernacle, (for it must be observed, that the description is applicable
to the history of both,) appears both from the seven lamps burning before it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the first part .htm