Exodus 27:21

In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites for the generations to come.

Study Bible

In the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting" refers to the sacred space where God would meet with Moses and the Israelites. In Hebrew, it is "Ohel Moed," which signifies a place of divine appointment. This tent was a precursor to the Temple and symbolized God's presence among His people. It was a place of communion and revelation, reminding us of the importance of setting aside sacred spaces in our lives for meeting with God.

outside the veil
The "veil" was a significant barrier within the tabernacle, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. In Hebrew, "paroketh" denotes a curtain or screen. This veil represented the separation between God and humanity due to sin, a separation that would later be symbolically torn at Christ's crucifixion, granting believers direct access to God.

that is in front of the Testimony
The "Testimony" refers to the tablets of the Ten Commandments housed within the Ark of the Covenant. In Hebrew, "eduth" means witness or testimony, signifying God's covenant and law given to His people. This highlights the centrality of God's Word and commandments in the life of the Israelites and serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's promises.

Aaron and his sons
Aaron, the brother of Moses, was appointed as the first high priest, and his sons were to serve as priests. This priestly lineage was established by God to mediate between Him and the Israelites. The role of Aaron and his sons underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and the responsibility of guiding others in worship and obedience to God.

are to tend the lamps
The lamps refer to the golden lampstand, or menorah, which was to be kept burning continually. In Hebrew, "ya'arokh" means to arrange or set in order. The tending of the lamps symbolizes the light of God's presence and truth, which should be maintained and upheld by His people. It serves as a metaphor for the believer's duty to shine God's light in a dark world.

from evening until morning
This phrase indicates the continuous nature of the priestly duty, emphasizing vigilance and dedication. The Hebrew concept of "erev" (evening) and "boker" (morning) marks the passage of time and the constancy of God's presence. It reminds believers of the need for persistent devotion and the assurance that God's light never fades.

before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" signifies performing duties in the presence of God, with reverence and accountability. In Hebrew, "panim" means face, indicating a direct encounter with God. This highlights the importance of living and serving with an awareness of God's omnipresence and the desire to honor Him in all things.

This is to be a permanent statute
The term "permanent statute" in Hebrew is "chukkat olam," meaning an everlasting ordinance. This underscores the enduring nature of God's commands and the timeless principles of worship and service. It calls believers to uphold God's statutes faithfully, recognizing their eternal significance.

for the Israelites throughout their generations
This phrase emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and the Israelites, extending His commands to future generations. It highlights the importance of passing down faith and obedience to subsequent generations, ensuring that the knowledge and worship of God endure through time.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tent of Meeting
This was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where He would meet with Moses and the priests.

2. Aaron and his sons
Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first high priest, and his sons were appointed to serve as priests in the Tabernacle.

3. The Veil
A curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity due to sin.

4. The Testimony
Refers to the tablets of the Ten Commandments, which were kept in the Ark of the Covenant within the Most Holy Place.

5. The Lamps
These were part of the golden lampstand (Menorah) in the Holy Place, symbolizing God's light and presence among His people.

Teaching Points

Perpetual Service
The command for Aaron and his sons to tend the lamps "from evening until morning" highlights the importance of continuous service and vigilance in our spiritual lives.

Symbolism of Light
The lamps symbolize God's presence and guidance. As believers, we are called to reflect His light in a dark world.

Priestly Responsibility
Just as Aaron and his sons had specific duties, believers today have responsibilities in maintaining their spiritual walk and serving others.

Generational Faithfulness
The statute was to be observed "throughout their generations," reminding us of the importance of passing down faith and obedience to future generations.

Access to God
The veil represented separation, but through Christ, the veil is torn, granting believers direct access to God. This encourages us to approach God with confidence and reverence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Aaron and his sons in tending the lamps relate to our responsibilities as believers today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that the "light" of our faith remains burning brightly in our daily lives?

3. How does the symbolism of the veil in the Tabernacle enhance our understanding of Christ's work on the cross?

4. What are some practical ways we can pass down our faith to the next generation, as implied by the "permanent statute"?

5. How does understanding the layout and function of the Tabernacle deepen our appreciation for the access to God provided through Jesus Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 24:1-4
This passage provides further instructions on the tending of the lamps, emphasizing the perpetual nature of this duty.

Hebrews 9:2-3
Describes the layout of the Tabernacle, including the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, providing a New Testament perspective on the significance of these areas.

John 8:12
Jesus declares Himself as the Light of the World, connecting the symbolism of the lampstand to Christ's role in bringing spiritual illumination.