LAMPS

“’Tell Aharon, “When you set up the lamps, the seven lamps are to cast their light forward, in front of the menorah.”’”
Numbers 8:2

In Numbers 8 we begin to see two specific things as we read the scriptures. First we begin to see the details concerning the menorah. Secondly, however, we begin to see further the consecration of the Levites into service. These opening verses pointing toward the menorah beg us to remember a few key things.
The chapter opens in speaking that the seven lamps were to cast their light forward. The menorah was a seven branched golden lamp stand which stood along the southern wall of the Holy Place. Like the Altar of Burnt Offering, the menorah had to be serviced twice daily by the priests. Although the fire had to be continually burning, it was not to be a continuous flame. In truth, the embers only had to stay stoked during the day as opposed to aflame when the darkness came.
As we read above, the seven lamps were to cast light forward. Now remember that as a lamp, the menorah did not use candles, unlike the menorah we light during Chanukah. Instead it burned from the oil. Because it was oil the flame had to be directed so as to cast light upon the Table of Showbread. The light, which in essence is a representation of the light of God, had to shine on the twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Isra’el.

Numbers 8:1-14