Exodus 27:20–21 “The Reason for Lighting the Lamp”

Exodus 27:20-21 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Everlasting God by Brenton Brown & Ken Riley
• Hillsong Worship – Cornerstone
• You Never Let Go – Matt Redman

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• God Is Always with You | A Sunday School Lesson for Kids
• “This Little Light Of Mine” – Song for Kids
• God Is Always With Us | Holy Land Adventures: Egypt VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Watching Over You | HLA Babylon | Outback Rock | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Lastly, God commands them to keep a lamp burning using “clear oil of pressed olives” (v. 20). Scholars differ on whether this lamp refers to the lampstand previously commanded in 25:31–40 or to a different lamp entirely. Since there is no additional description about the shape or construction of this lamp, it is most likely referring to the lampstand previously mentioned, specifying the type of oil to be used in it.

Olive oil was the finest type of oil in the region of Palestine. Normally, oil is extracted from olives by pressing them, but here God specifies oil made by beating the olives. This process of crushing and filtering to produce clear oil takes significant time and labor. God is asking for such care and devotion. In a typical household, thicker oil was used for lighting, which did not give off much light and produced a lot of smoke. Because the sanctuary is an enclosed space, any smoke would be problematic.

God instructs that the lamp must be kept burning “continually.” In ordinary homes, people light lamps in the evening and extinguish them at bedtime because they must sleep. But the lamp in the sanctuary must always remain lit. This reflects the confession that “He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4). Ensuring that the lamp never goes out becomes one of the most critical duties of the priests (vv. 20–21).

Meditation:

The lampstand with seven branches (Menorah) has two primary functions. Practically, it illuminates the enclosed Tabernacle. Symbolically, it reminds God’s people of the presence of God, who is light. The lamps placed on the lampstand must use pure olive oil. God commands that this oil be produced through a special process. Since it is an offering to God, it is meant to be made with devoted time and labor. The use of pure oil also ensures that no smoke or soot pollutes the enclosed Tabernacle space.

The light in the sanctuary must never go out. The lamps must continue burning even when no one is inside the Tabernacle. The reason is that God “neither slumbers nor sleeps.” Just as the sanctuary lamp remains lit while everyone else is asleep, God watches over His people continuously, day and night.

God’s constant watchfulness has two implications for us. First, it means that God always watches over and cares for us. This is why the pilgrim sang, “The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:7–8).

Second, it means God is always aware of our words, actions, and thoughts. David confessed, “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar” (Psalm 139:1–2). Remembering this, we are encouraged to live in holiness and righteousness even when no one else is watching.

Prayer:

Lord, because You live, we live.
Because You are at work, we can sleep peacefully even through the night.
Because You reign, we can step back and rest when the time comes.
Because You are eternal, we can ultimately find rest in Your arms.
We lift up our thanks and praise to You. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God never sleeps and is always watching over us. Just like the lamp in the sanctuary that stays lit day and night, God is always present, protecting and guiding us. Knowing this helps us trust Him more and reminds us to live in ways that honor Him—even when no one else is watching.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Have you ever been afraid of the dark? How does it feel to know God is always with you, even at night?
  • Why do you think God asked the people to use clean olive oil for the lamp?
  • If God is always watching over us, how can we trust Him during the day and at night?
    
• For Youth
  • The lamp in the Tabernacle had to stay lit all the time. What do you think that teaches us about God’s character?
  • Psalm 139 says God knows our thoughts and actions. How does this truth affect how you live when no one is around?
  • In a busy and distracted world, how can you keep the “lamp” of your heart burning for God every day?