Oil for the Lampstand


20 “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. 21 In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come. Exodus 27:20-21 NIV

1 “Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests. 2 Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor.” Exodus 28:1-2 NIV


Each weekly chapter can be interpreted literally, looking for the essence, nuances, meaning of words, or it can be interpreted allegorically, using imagination and associations. Any method is possible, worthy, important, and can give us proper edification. Therefore, the basic desire of God's Spirit, expressed through the Scriptures, in Bible study, for us is to apply any approach we can. For me, today's chapter is closely related to "the days and times" in which we live today. Fear and uncertainty, conspiracy, and suspicion. All this is around us. The news reports are frightening, the research of one looks distrustful to others, and no one can freely understand anything about what is going up. This is not only about a pandemic that brings a lot of victims, but also about an almost military confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, between China and Taiwan, the constant tension in the Middle East.

Among believers, there are different opinions about the end times, and in such moments, everything extreme becomes aggravated. But my interpretation will not relate to the analysis of events - is this the “last” time or not. I would like to apply these verses to our behavior today because they can help us to figure that out.

Pure oil from olives (first pressing) for the Lamp, for the Menorah. The lamp is our dedication to God. Our ability to shine for Him, or rather Him. Reading these verses involuntarily recalls the parable of Yeshua about the five wise and five foolish virgins. The standard interpretation teaches us that “the wise ones” are those who fulfill commands/mitzvot/life standards from God.

What else can we do? Protest against anything in our country? Perhaps our voice will be heard by the authorities, but in my experience, usually, they continue to do what they want. Of course, this does not negate the power of prayer and we SHOULD pray for authorities and for correct decisions. But it is probably not worthy of a lot of worrying and “conspiracy theories”. It can only fill life with fear. But by living right, we can place the modern "Olive Oil"/Oil of Worship into a God's Lamp.

“Aaron and his sons will kindle it, from evening until morning...”. Some stability in the search for God. Constantly, especially in evangelical movements, there is an encouragement to read the Word. An important fundamental point. But, sometimes, "from a great mind comes only the human mind." The Word, more than once, speaks of heavenly wisdom, descending from Above. It comes from the study of the Word, and from what Scripture calls meditation. In Hebrew, the Psalms have the word “lechagot” - to meditate on His Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to penetrate into the “joints and marrows.” ". It's more than just Studying. This relates to the knowledge of the Spiritual. Historical churches had more experience in this, and the modern generation, alas, has forgotten a lot. It is important to try to remember the "old days".

“And take Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel…” Similar words are recorded in “Shema Israel,” were part of the command was to teach the Son and the Son of your Son. The continuity of generations. Many believers have unfortunately seen their children fall away. Only prayer can bring them back because this world, unfortunately, is still winning. Take them away from the world! It is important. Others, whose children are still small, and you can tear them away from the influence of corruption, set them on the path, on the truth, on the priesthood together with you, those for whom the Service in the Spirit of the Messiah is important.

The Lord will help us!

Sincerely, Leon Mazin


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