Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, lamps were essential for providing light in homes, places of worship, and during travel. These lamps were typically small, handheld vessels made of clay or metal, designed to hold oil and a wick. The use of oil lamps is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, symbolizing guidance, wisdom, and the presence of God.Old Testament References Oil lamps are first mentioned in the context of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 25:31-37, God instructs Moses to make a lampstand, or menorah, for the Tabernacle: "You are to make a lampstand of pure gold... Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it" . The lampstand was to be kept burning continually, symbolizing God's eternal presence among His people (Exodus 27:20-21). In 1 Samuel 3:3, the lamp of God in the Tabernacle is mentioned as still burning when the Lord calls the young Samuel: "Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was located" . This indicates the lamp's role in maintaining a sacred atmosphere and its connection to divine revelation. New Testament References In the New Testament, oil lamps are used in parables and teachings of Jesus. One of the most notable references is the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. Jesus describes ten virgins who took their lamps to meet the bridegroom. Five were wise and took oil with their lamps, while the other five were foolish and took no oil. When the bridegroom arrived, only the wise virgins were prepared to meet him: "The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 'No,' said the wise ones, 'or there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves'" (Matthew 25:8-9). This parable emphasizes the importance of spiritual readiness and vigilance. In Luke 12:35, Jesus instructs His followers to be ready for His return: "Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning" . Here, the lamp symbolizes the believer's duty to remain faithful and prepared for the coming of the Lord. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance Lamps lighted with oil carry rich symbolic meaning in Scripture. They represent the light of God's truth and guidance, as seen in Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" . The oil often symbolizes the Holy Spirit, whose presence illuminates the believer's life, providing wisdom and understanding. The continuous burning of lamps in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple signifies God's unending presence and the call for His people to be a light to the nations. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls His followers to be the light of the world: "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:14). This charge reflects the responsibility of believers to shine forth God's truth and love in a darkened world. In summary, lamps lighted with oil in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of divine presence, spiritual readiness, and the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. They remind believers of their call to live in the light of God's truth and to be prepared for the return of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 25:3,8They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Oil for Lamps. Matthew xxv. 1-13. What the Oil in the Lamps Means. The Ten virgins. John Chapter v. 19-40 Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week-On the Mount of Olives ... The Waiting Maidens Thekla Singing Decorously a Hymn, the Rest of the virgins Sing ... "The Light of Life" Acts of the Holy Apostle Thomas, when He came into India, and ... The Same Endeavour and Effort after virginity, with a Different ... Resources What is the menorah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that “the smoking flax He will not quench” in Matthew 12:20? | GotQuestions.org What is the Diwali festival in Hinduism? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lamps of a Succession of Heirs Lamps of Glory of the Cherubim Lamps of Graces of the Holy Spirit Lamps of Omniscience of Christ Lamps used for Lighting: Chariots of War by Night Lamps used for Lighting: Marriage Processions Lamps used for Lighting: Persons Going out at Night Lamps used for Lighting: Private Apartments Lamps used for Lighting: The Tabernacle Lamps: (Put Out) Destruction of the Wicked Lamps: (Totally Quenched) Complete Destruction of Those Who Lamps: Illumination of the Tents of Arab Chiefs By, Alluded To Lamps: Often Kept Lighting all Night Lamps: Oil For, Carried in Vessels Lamps: Placed on a Stand to Give Light to all in the House Lamps: Probable Origin of Dark Lantern Lamps: Required to be Constantly Trimmed Lamps: Sometimes Supplied With Oil Form a Bowl Through Pipes Related Terms Burnt-offerings (86 Occurrences) |
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