Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical worship and the tabernacle, the evening holds significant importance, particularly in relation to the lighting of the golden candlestick, also known as the menorah. This sacred act is deeply rooted in the traditions and commandments given by God to the Israelites, as recorded in the Old Testament.Biblical Foundation The golden candlestick, or menorah, was a vital element within the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, serving as a symbol of divine light and presence. The instructions for its construction and use are detailed in the Book of Exodus. The menorah was to be made of pure gold, with seven branches, and was to be kept burning continually as a perpetual statute (Exodus 25:31-40). The lighting of the menorah was specifically commanded to occur in the evening. In Exodus 30:7-8 , it is written: "And Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he shall burn the incense as a regular incense offering before the LORD throughout your generations." This passage highlights the dual role of the evening ritual: the lighting of the lamps and the offering of incense, both of which symbolize prayer and the presence of God. Symbolism and Significance The evening lighting of the menorah holds profound symbolic meaning. The menorah itself represents the light of God, His wisdom, and His guidance. In a broader sense, it signifies the illumination of the divine truth in the midst of darkness. The act of lighting the menorah in the evening underscores the transition from the day's activities to a time of reflection, worship, and communion with God. The evening, as a time of day, is often associated with rest and the closing of daily labor. In the biblical context, it is a time to turn one's heart and mind towards God, seeking His presence and guidance. The lighting of the menorah serves as a reminder of God's eternal light that dispels the darkness, both physically and spiritually. Priestly Duties and Rituals The responsibility of lighting the menorah fell to the priests, specifically the high priest, as part of their sacred duties. This task was not merely a physical act but a spiritual service, representing the priestly role as mediators between God and His people. The evening ritual of lighting the menorah was a time of solemnity and reverence, reflecting the holiness of God's presence in the sanctuary. The continual burning of the menorah also emphasized the perpetual nature of God's covenant with Israel. It was a visual and tangible reminder of His faithfulness and the enduring relationship between God and His chosen people. New Testament Reflection In the New Testament, the imagery of light continues to hold significant theological importance. Jesus Christ is referred to as the "light of the world" (John 8:12), drawing a parallel to the menorah's role in the Tabernacle. The evening lighting of the menorah can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's mission to bring light to a world shrouded in spiritual darkness. The practice of lighting the menorah in the evening, therefore, not only served a liturgical function in ancient Israel but also pointed forward to the ultimate revelation of God's light through His Son. This continuity of light from the Old Testament to the New Testament underscores the unchanging nature of God's truth and His desire to dwell among His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 27:21In the tabernacle of the congregation without the veil, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever to their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 30:8 Library The Fifth Day in Passion-Week - Make Ready the Passover!' Of the Priesthood of Aaron. Acts 26:24-29. Portraits. Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Ancestors of the Blessed virgin The Ancestral Home Set at Liberty. Heaven's Nurse Children The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Resources Does Genesis chapter 1 mean literal 24-hour days? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened on each of the days of Creation? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the tribe of Benjamin? | GotQuestions.org Evening: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Evening: A Season For: Exercise The Evening: A Season For: Meditation The Evening: A Season For: Prayer The Evening: A Season For: Taking Food The Evening: All Defiled Persons Uncleaned Until The Evening: Called: Cool of the Day The Evening: Custom of Sitting at the Gates In The Evening: Divided Into Two, Commencing at 3 O'Clock, and Sunset The Evening: Humiliation often Continued Until The Evening: Man Ceases from Labour In The Evening: Part of the Daily Sacrifice offered In The Evening: Paschal Lamb Killed In The Evening: Stretches out Its Shadows The Evening: The Day Originally Began With The Evening: The Golden Candlestick Lighted In The Evening: The Outgoings of, Praise God The Evening: The Sky Red In, a Token of Fair Weather The Evening: Wild Beasts Come Forth In Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
    |