Leviticus 24: The Lamps and The Bread

 v1-4: The Lamps

The Israelites was told to bring pure oil from beaten olives for the lamp in the tent of meeting, so that the lamps may be kept burning continually on the golden lampstand.  Aaron shall manage the supply and tend the lamps each day. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. 

This light reminds the people of God's perpetual presence and favour on them.

The light reminds us of Jesus: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12). This metaphor signifies Jesus as a source of spiritual illumination and guidance, bringing truth and salvation to humanity. As we mirror Jesus, we can also be a light of the world too! 

There is a story of a miracle in the history of Israel. In 164BC, after the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem from the Greeks, they found only one small jug of pure oil that had not been defiled. This oil was only enough to keep the menorah (the Temple's lamp) burning for one day. They remember God had told them not to let the light go out. However, miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, which was enough time to prepare and consecrate more pure oil.

This event was celebrated during the festival of light, or Hanukkah ("dedication") of the rededication of the second temple and the miracle of the light lasting for 8 days. 

(See appendix for details of how a family practice Hanukkah) 

The oil represent the Holy Spirit, that gives us spiritual light. We should not turn out the Spirit but surrender to it and let Him sanctify us to be like Christ, so that we can be the light for the world. (Matthew 5:14-16). 


 v5-9: The Bread

Aaron will also arrange that twelve loaves shall be baked during the Sabbath day. Each loaf shall have 4.4 litters of fine flour in it, which makes each loaf larger than modern bread. They shall set them into 2 rows on the table of pure gold before the Lord. It is to reaffirm the covenant with Israel (the 12 tribes) forever. The priests shall eat them in the holy place. 


It is also an image that God was dwelling with His people. In most religions, they will feed their gods so the gods will give them peace and prosperity. But our God do not need to be fed. When God sees our obedience, he will feed us instead with physical and spiritual food and peace.

The bread reminds us of Jesus again. John 6:33 says: "For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."  

Jesus describes himself as the "bread of life" - “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."  Jesus emphasized the spiritual nourishment and eternal life he offers.

Application - As the lights and the bread has specific schedule, we are also to spend time with God regularly - both daily and weekly. This can be applied by reading the Word, prayer, and going to praise and worship. 


v10-16: Punishment for Blasphemy

The story was told about the son of Shelomith from Dan tribe, who married an Egyptian. The son fought with an Israel man, and he blasphemed the name of God and cursed. God told Moses to bring him out and let those who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let the congregation stone him. 

God said to the people: "Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin. Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him." (v15, 16)

There are two lessons we can learn about blasphemy in the New Testament.

a) Matthew 12:22-32. The Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul (the prince of demons) rather than by the Holy Spirit. Jesus responded by warning them about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit:

"Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come." (Matthew 12:31-32)

In this context, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit involves a deliberate and persistent rejection of the truth and work of the Holy Spirit, attributing it to evil instead of recognizing it as God's work. Since this results in rejection of the salvation that Jesus offers, they will not be forgiven. 

b) 1 Timothy 1:13: The Apostle Paul reflects on his past blasphemy and the mercy he received:  "Though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief."

In the New Testament, the emphasis is on forgiveness and repentance through faith in Christ, rather than the death penalty.


v17-23: Eye for an Eye

God continued to say, that whoever takes a human life shall sure be put to death. Those who kill an animal must replace it; and if he injures in neighbor, then "fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him." (v20)

This is not to encourage people to take revenge, but to restrict the response to the hurt done to each other, whether or not the offender is intentional or made a mistake. If not regulated, anything simple can be escalated and leads to war. 

Jesus addresses the "eye for an eye" principle in his Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:38-39, he says:  "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."

Jesus' teaching emphasizes forgiveness, mercy, and non-retaliation, moving away from the strict retributive justice of the Old Testament law. Instead of seeking revenge, Jesus encourages his followers to respond with love and compassion, even in the face of wrongdoing. This is the New Covenant with God.


APPENDIX

During Hanukkah, Jewish families celebrate for eight days and nights to remember the miracle of the oil in the Temple of Jerusalem. Here’s what families typically do:

1. Light the Menorah (Hanukkiah)

Each night, families light one more candle on the nine-branched menorah (eight for the days, one shamash or “helper” candle).

Blessings are recited while lighting the candles, and the menorah is usually placed in a window for all to see.

2. Say prayers and sing songs

Traditional blessings and songs like “Maoz Tzur” (Rock of Ages) are sung after lighting the candles.

3. Eat special foods fried in oil

Foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) remind people of the oil miracle.

4. Exchange gifts

Many families give small gifts each night, especially to children.

5. Play games

The dreidel, a spinning top with Hebrew letters, is used in a fun game often played with chocolate coins called gelt.

6. Spend time together

Families gather, tell the Hanukkah story, and celebrate the importance of faith, perseverance, and light overcoming darkness.





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