Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, light is often associated with divine presence, truth, and guidance. However, the concept of artificial light, while not explicitly detailed in Scripture, can be inferred through various passages that mention human-made sources of illumination. Artificial light in the Bible typically refers to light produced by human effort, such as lamps and torches, which were essential for daily life in ancient times.Lamps and Lampstands One of the most common forms of artificial light mentioned in the Bible is the lamp. Lamps were used to provide light in homes and during nighttime activities. In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus uses lamps as a metaphor for preparedness and vigilance: "The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil" (Matthew 25:3). This passage highlights the importance of maintaining one's spiritual readiness, using the familiar image of a lamp requiring oil to function. The lampstand, particularly the menorah, holds significant symbolic meaning in the Bible. In the Tabernacle and later the Temple, the golden lampstand was a vital element of worship, representing God's eternal light and presence among His people. Exodus 25:31-32 describes the construction of the lampstand: "You are also to make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand shall be made of hammered work—its base and shaft, its cups, its buds, and its blossoms shall be of one piece." Torches Torches are another form of artificial light mentioned in Scripture. They were often used in military contexts or for travel at night. In Judges 7:16 , Gideon uses torches as part of his strategy to defeat the Midianites: "He divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a torch in an empty jar in the other." The use of torches here symbolizes God's deliverance and the triumph of light over darkness. Candles While candles as we know them today are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the concept of a small, portable source of light is present. The idea of a candle is often used metaphorically to represent the light of life or the spirit. In Proverbs 20:27 , it is written, "The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being." This verse uses the imagery of a lamp or candle to convey the idea of divine insight and understanding. Symbolism and Spiritual Implications Artificial light in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for human effort to illuminate the darkness, both physically and spiritually. While natural light is a direct creation of God, artificial light represents human ingenuity and the ability to reflect God's light in the world. In Matthew 5:14-16 , Jesus calls His followers to be the light of the world, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden, encouraging believers to let their light shine before others. In summary, artificial light in the Bible, through lamps, torches, and other means, serves as a practical necessity and a powerful symbol of spiritual truths. It underscores the human responsibility to reflect God's light and truth in a world often shrouded in darkness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 25:10Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 16:29 Library Shakers, or the United Society of Believers. The Resurrection of Lazarus. The Love of the Holy Spirit in Us. Ancestors of the Blessed virgin Wesley's Hymns Reconsidered Second Tractate. On the Kinds of Being (2). The Simple Nature of the Soul is Asserted with Plato. The Identity ... Mosaic Cosmogony. Egypt Chapter xii Resources How can the light of stars billions of light years away from the earth have reached us if the earth is only thousands of years old? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that believers are to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16)? | GotQuestions.org Why does the Bible describe the moon as a light? | GotQuestions.org Light: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Light: Christ the Source of all Wisdom Light: Communicated to the Body Through the Eye Light: Divided Into: Artificial Light: Divided Into: Extraordinary or Miraculous Light: Figurative and Symbolical Light: Separated from Darkness Light: Sun, Moon, and Stars Appointed to Communicate to the Earth Light: The Glory of the Church Light: The Theory of, Beyond Man's Comprehension Light: Whatever Makes Manifest Related Terms |
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