Topical Encyclopedia In ancient Jewish culture, the night held significant practical and symbolic importance. The practice of keeping lamps burning during the night was both a necessity and a spiritual symbol. This custom is deeply rooted in the daily life and religious practices of the Jewish people, as reflected in various biblical texts.Practical Necessity The absence of modern lighting made the use of oil lamps essential for illumination after sunset. The Jewish household would often keep lamps burning to provide light for evening activities and to ensure safety. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 highlights the importance of having enough oil for lamps, illustrating the need for preparedness and vigilance. The wise virgins took oil in jars along with their lamps, while the foolish ones did not, leading to their exclusion from the wedding feast. Religious and Symbolic Significance The continuous burning of lamps also held religious significance, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. In Exodus 27:20-21, God commands the Israelites to bring clear oil of pressed olives for the light, so that the lamps may be kept burning continually in the Tent of Meeting. This perpetual light symbolized God's eternal presence and guidance. The menorah, a seven-branched lampstand, was a central fixture in the Tabernacle and the Temple, representing divine light and wisdom. Cultural Practices Jewish tradition also emphasizes the importance of light during the night in various cultural practices. The Sabbath, a day of rest and spiritual reflection, begins at sunset on Friday. It is customary to light candles to usher in the Sabbath, symbolizing peace and sanctity. This practice underscores the role of light as a bridge between the sacred and the mundane. Biblical References Numerous biblical passages reference the use of lamps and light during the night. In Psalm 119:105, the psalmist declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," illustrating the metaphorical use of light as divine guidance. Similarly, Proverbs 6:23 states, "For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life," emphasizing the illuminating power of God's commandments. The practice of keeping lamps burning during the night reflects a broader biblical theme of light overcoming darkness. In John 1:5, it is written, "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." This theme resonates throughout Scripture, symbolizing hope, truth, and the presence of God amidst the darkness of the world. In summary, the Jewish custom of keeping lamps burning during the night was a practical necessity that also carried deep religious and symbolic meaning. It served as a reminder of God's eternal presence, guidance, and the enduring power of light over darkness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 31:18She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Purification of Mary Thursday Night - Before Annas and Caiaphas - Peter and Jesus. Acts XX The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus The Transformation of Rome from a Pagan into a Christian City. The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Saviour (Nt Apocrypha) Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. Ancestors of the Blessed virgin The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem Resources What is the witching hour, and is it in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened in the Garden of Gethsemane? | GotQuestions.org How could there be light on the first day of Creation if the sun was not created until the fourth day? | GotQuestions.org Night: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Night: Continued Until Sunrise Night: Divided Into Four Watches by the Romans Night: Eastern Fishermen Continued Their Employment During Night: Eastern Shepherds Watched Over Their Flocks During Night: Favourable to the Purposes of the Wicked Night: Frequently: Accompanied by Heavy Dew Night: Frequently: Cold and Frosty Night: Frequently: Exceeding Dark Night: General Scriptures Concerning Night: God Frequently: Executed his Judgments In Night: God Frequently: Revealed his Will In Night: God Frequently: Visited his People In Night: Originally Divided Into Three Watches Night: Regular Succession of Established by Covenant Night: Regular Succession of Ordained for the Glory of God Night: Seasons of Severe Calamities Night: Seasons of Spiritual Desertion Night: The Darkness First Called Night: The Heavenly Bodies Designed to Separate Day From Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Prayer Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Sorrow and Humiliation Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Allow Malefactors to Hang During Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Keep the Wages of Servants During Night: The Jews: Often Kept Lamps Burning During Night: The Moon and Stars Designed to Rule and Give Light By Night: Unsuitable for Travelling Night: Wearisome to the Afflicted Night: Wild Beasts Go Forth in Search of Prey During Related Terms Yesterday-night (1 Occurrence) |
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