Eternal Light

[Shimon]

"Fire is to be kept burning on the altar continually—it must not go out."

• Leviticus 6:6, Tree of Life Version

The various olah offerings that were brought on a voluntary basis, remained on the mizbeach all night until the morning (Leviticus 6:2). Primarily, one lamb was brought as a tamid offering in the morning, and one in the evening. The commandment for eish (fire) to be kept burning upon the mizbeach (altar) all night, was enacted throughout the night time by the remaining parts of the evening olah. Additionally, two logs of wood were placed on the mizbeach in the morning, and again in the evening.

The fire that was kept burning upon the mizbeach, reflects the ideal devotion towards the L’RD that we may foster for ourselves. “To serve Ad’nai your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 10:12, TLV). The olah offering of the morning and evening represent our devotion – day and night.

Additionally, it is interesting to note, that the morning and afternoon services – shachris and mincha – relate to the two daily tamid offerings; whereas the evening service (maariv) has its complement, as pertaining to the remainders of the olah of the second tamid offering that burnt throughout the night.

 “In Thy light we see light.”

• Psalm 36:11, JPS 1917 Tanach

The ner tamid (eternal light), represented by the light above the ark in a synagogue, brings us even closer to an understanding of what the L-RD desires of us. In the Zohar, the “everlasting fire,” that is to be kept continually burning on the mizbeach (altar), alludes to the divine light of the soul (Tikkunei Zohar 74a). As expressed in Mishlei, written by King Solomon, “The spirit of man is the lamp of Ad’nai, searching all his inmost being” (Proverbs 20:27, TLV).

To connect with the L’RD (deveykus) on a continual basis, we need to engage every facet of ourselves – our thought, speech, and behavior – in an effort to enhance the light within us. As is demonstrated by the flame of a candle, that flickers upwards, just as our soul should reach up towards Avinu Shebbe Shomayim (Our Father in Heaven). This is denoted in the manner that many Jewish people pray while standing, swaying back and forth.

In specific regard to our mitzvoth (good deeds), Yeshua encourages us, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on a lampstand so it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16, TLV).

“I am the light of the world. The one who follows Me will no longer walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12, TLV

Edited March 22, 2021 by Shimon
consistency

[TheBlade]

Yes amen Christ in us is the light. With out Jesus they are in darkness. thank you Father for Jesus!