Topical Bible: Lamps: Shining

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In biblical times, lamps were essential for providing light in homes and public spaces, symbolizing guidance, truth, and the presence of God. The imagery of lamps and their shining light is prevalent throughout Scripture, serving as a powerful metaphor for spiritual illumination and divine revelation.

Old Testament References

The use of lamps in the Old Testament is both practical and symbolic. In Exodus 25:37, God commands Moses to make lamps for the Tabernacle: "Then make its seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it." These lamps were part of the golden lampstand, or menorah, which was to burn continually as a symbol of God's eternal presence among His people.

In Psalm 119:105, the psalmist declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Here, the lamp represents the guidance and wisdom provided by God's Word, illuminating the believer's journey through 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, the metaphor of lamps continues to convey spiritual truths. Jesus uses the imagery of lamps in His teachings to illustrate the visibility and influence of believers. In Matthew 5:14-16, He states, "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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 further emphasizes the importance of being prepared and vigilant. The wise virgins, who keep their lamps filled with oil, are ready when the bridegroom arrives, symbolizing the readiness and faithfulness expected of believers awaiting Christ's return.

In Revelation, lamps are again used to depict the presence and judgment of God. Revelation 1:12-13 describes a vision of seven golden lampstands, representing the seven churches, with Christ walking among them, signifying His authority and oversight.

Symbolism and Application

Throughout Scripture, lamps symbolize the presence of God, the guidance of His Word, and the witness of believers. The shining of lamps serves as a reminder of the call to live in the light of God's truth and to reflect His glory in a dark world. Believers are encouraged to keep their spiritual lamps burning brightly, fueled by the Holy Spirit, to illuminate the path for themselves and others, and to be prepared for the return of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 5:35
He was a burning and a shining light: and you were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Light and the Lamps
... underived light and the kindled lamps. It is possible to read the words of that
second text thus"'He was a lamp kindled and (therefore) shining.' But whether ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the light and the lamps.htm

Dying Lamps
... shining,' but it will be light 'for a season' only, unless it is fed from that from
which it was first set alight; and that is from God Himself. 'Our lamps are ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/dying lamps.htm

Oil for Lamps. Matthew xxv. 1-13.
... In the margin of verse 10, we read, "Our lamps are going out." What a lesson to
the backslider! You once were a burning and a shining light, but you did not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxvi oil for lamps matthew.htm

What the Oil in the Lamps Means.
... of continence was not extinguished among them, but was ever shining and giving ...
extinguished, so that the virgins have again to kindle their lamps by light ...
/.../chapter iv what the oil in.htm

Hymn for the Lighting of the Lamps
... From lamps that brim with rich and fragrant oil, Or torches dry this heaven-sent ...
And as the chanting quire their voices raise They tread with shining feet the ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/v hymn for the lighting.htm

Ah, My Soul, Bestir, Awake Thee,
... Drowsy, in the dark reclining,. While a myriad lamps are shining. Ah, my
soul, bestir, awake thee,. Day is passing, soon 'tis night; ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/i ah my soul bestir.htm

A Burning and Shining Lamp.
... hundreds of candles"one insignificant taper may light all the lamps of a ... THE INEVITABLE
EXPENDITURE.""He was a burning and shining lamp." If you would shine ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xiii a burning and shining.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

God Rejoicing in the New Creation
... others. He intends that wherever we go we should be light-bearers, and set
other lamps shining. Why are some so afraid of joy? They ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/god rejoicing in the new.htm

The Christian view of Sorrow
... expired when brought into open day: "So long as we are in the retirements of sorrow,
of want, of fear, of sickness, we are burning and shining lamps; but when ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/the christian view of sorrow.htm