Topical Bible: Oil: Illuminating, for Tabernacle

◄ Oil: Illuminating, for Tabernacle ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, oil used for illumination in the Tabernacle holds significant spiritual and ceremonial importance. This oil, primarily olive oil, was a critical component in the worship practices of ancient Israel, as it was used to fuel the lamps of the golden lampstand, or menorah, within the Tabernacle.

Biblical Instructions and Usage

The instructions for the use of oil in the Tabernacle are detailed in the Book of Exodus. God commanded Moses regarding the preparation and use of this oil: "And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually" (Exodus 27:20). This directive underscores the necessity for the oil to be pure and of the highest quality, symbolizing the purity and holiness required in worship.

The oil was used to keep the lamps of the menorah burning continuously, as described in Exodus 25:31-40. The menorah, a seven-branched lampstand made of pure gold, was placed in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, opposite the table of showbread. The continuous burning of the lamps represented the perpetual presence of God among His people and served as a symbol of divine light and guidance.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The illuminating oil in the Tabernacle is rich in symbolism. It represents the light of God's presence and His guidance for the Israelites. The continuous burning of the lamps signifies the eternal nature of God's covenant with His people and His unending watchfulness over them. In a broader spiritual sense, the oil can be seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, who illuminates the hearts and minds of believers, guiding them in truth and righteousness.

The requirement for the oil to be pure and pressed from olives also carries symbolic weight. It reflects the purity and dedication required of those who serve in God's presence. The process of pressing olives to extract oil can be seen as a metaphor for the trials and refining processes believers undergo to produce spiritual fruit and light in their lives.

Priestly Duties and Rituals

The priests, particularly Aaron and his sons, were responsible for maintaining the lamps and ensuring they were kept burning from evening until morning. This duty is outlined in Leviticus 24:2-4: "Command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. Outside the veil of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning continually. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come."

The priests' role in tending the lamps highlights the importance of faithful service and vigilance in worship. It also emphasizes the responsibility of spiritual leaders to ensure that the light of God's truth is continually upheld and proclaimed.

New Testament Reflections

While the specific practice of using oil for illumination in the Tabernacle is not carried over into New Testament worship, the symbolism of light continues to hold profound significance. Jesus Christ is referred to as the "light of the world" (John 8:12), and believers are called to be "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14), reflecting the light of Christ in a darkened world. The illuminating oil of the Tabernacle thus foreshadows the greater spiritual illumination brought by Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 25:6
Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 27:20
And you shall command the children of Israel, that they bring you pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 24:2-4
Command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Lamps and Bushels
... its light through the curtains of the Tabernacle into the ... loins and continual reception
of the illuminating principle of the Divine Spirit's oil, we fill ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/lamps and bushels.htm

At the Feast of the Dedication of the Temple.
... in the Book of Maccabees - that of illuminating the Temple ... were restored by Judas
Maccabaeus, the oil found to ... to which the making of the Tabernacle had been ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiv at the feast.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... Because he is under the sanctifying and illuminating influence of ... with thee, him
that is left in his tabernacle. ... he will make anointest my head with oil; my cup ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... a hole in the vaulting dimly illuminating the cave ... which stood in the Temple and
Tabernacle of Solomon ... of the finest wheaten flour mixed with oil and sprinkled ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

Striking Similes
... Like pouring oil on troubled waters. ... stern-lights of a ship at sea, illuminating
only the ... Purple, crimson, and scarlet, like the curtains of God's tabernacle. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... her, to blaspheme her God, his tabernacle, and those ... convey, with all freeness, the
golden oil thereout, into ... way of God shall, by the illuminating grace of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... not having any one like him"therefore there is one God of all, who, in our opinion,
is God"and there is one Holy Spirit, the illuminating and sanctifying ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm