Topical Bible: Lamps: Often Kept Lighting all Night

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In biblical times, lamps played a crucial role in daily life, serving as a primary source of light in homes and public spaces. The practice of keeping lamps lit throughout the night is mentioned in various passages of Scripture, reflecting both practical and spiritual dimensions.

Practical Use of Lamps

Lamps were essential for providing light after sunset, as the absence of electricity made them indispensable for evening activities. The construction of these lamps typically involved a clay vessel filled with olive oil, with a wick that would be lit to produce light. The need to keep lamps burning all night is illustrated in the parable of the ten virgins, where the wise virgins took extra oil to ensure their lamps would remain lit (Matthew 25:1-13). This parable underscores the importance of preparedness and vigilance, as the lamps symbolize readiness for the bridegroom's arrival.

Spiritual Significance

The continuous burning of lamps also holds spiritual significance in Scripture. In the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, the menorah, a seven-branched lampstand, was to be kept burning perpetually as a symbol of God's eternal presence and the light of His truth. Exodus 27:20-21 instructs, "And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. 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 perpetual statute for the Israelites throughout their generations."

Symbol of Guidance and Protection

Lamps also serve as a metaphor for guidance and protection in the Scriptures. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," illustrating how God's Word provides direction and clarity in the believer's life. The imagery of a lamp lighting the way through darkness is a powerful representation of divine guidance and the protection offered by adherence to God's commandments.

Vigilance and Watchfulness

The practice of keeping lamps lit all night is further emphasized in the context of vigilance and watchfulness. In Luke 12:35-36 , Jesus instructs His followers, "Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning. Be like men who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him at once when he comes and knocks." This passage highlights the necessity of spiritual alertness and readiness for the Lord's return, with the lit lamp symbolizing a heart prepared and waiting.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, the continuous burning of lamps was not only a practical necessity but also a reflection of hospitality and security. A well-lit home was a sign of welcome and safety, providing comfort to inhabitants and travelers alike. The presence of light during the night hours deterred potential threats and symbolized the warmth and protection of the household.

In summary, the practice of keeping lamps lit all night in biblical times was deeply rooted in both practical needs and spiritual symbolism. It served as a reminder of God's perpetual presence, the guidance of His Word, and the call for vigilance in the life of the believer.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 31:18
She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Burning and Shining Lamp.
... one insignificant taper may light all the lamps of a ... The fire cannot be kept burning
on the altar apart from the ... It is a wonderful thing how often God puts his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xiii a burning and shining.htm

Christ's Birth
... The light of the lamps which Joseph had lit was no ... for it lies beside the sea, which
often overflows ... They kept for themselves very little of the many provisions ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xi christs birth.htm

False Professors Solemnly Warned
... to proclaim the everlasting gospel, he seems always to have kept an eye ... of truth,
he did not fail to trim the lamps already burning ... I have told you often, and I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/false professors solemnly warned.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... Joseph kept the Sabbath under the lamp in the Cave of ... to an end, and Joseph ceased
lighting the little lamps. ... are alone with the little Child, I often see them ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... the light of flickering torches or smoking lamps, might well ... The most ancient names
were often only a short ... the chapel where the statue was kept, and performed ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... 4. The soul is often called the life of man, not a ... or a case, for the soul to be
put and kept in ... the virgins got oil, and out of which their lamps were supplied ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

Striking Similes
... Like bright lamps, the fabled apples glow. ... Often enough life tosses like a fretful
stream among rocky ... The words kept ringing in my ears like the tolling of a ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... sometimes comfortably; also he would be often reading in ... slew Sisera; the pitchers,
trumpets, and lamps, too, with ... in himself, saying, Oh that I had kept on my ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... And hence is that good wish, so often mentioned in the ... virtue the soul shall for
ever be kept, I say ... voices.' Also before this throne are 'seven lamps of fire ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Dialogue against the Luciferians.
... debate, and the lighting of the street-lamps gave the ... For the enemy often comes,
and sows tares in the ... confession of truth, one thing could be kept secret in ...
/.../the principal works of st jerome/the dialogue against the luciferians.htm