Numbers 8:2 kjv
Speak unto Aaron and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick.
Numbers 8:2 nkjv
"Speak to Aaron, and say to him, 'When you arrange the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lampstand.' "
Numbers 8:2 niv
"Speak to Aaron and say to him, 'When you set up the lamps, see that all seven light up the area in front of the lampstand.'?"
Numbers 8:2 esv
"Speak to Aaron and say to him, When you set up the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lampstand."
Numbers 8:2 nlt
"Give Aaron the following instructions: When you set up the seven lamps in the lampstand, place them so their light shines forward in front of the lampstand."
Numbers 8 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 25:31-40 | “You shall make a lampstand of pure gold... and its seven lamps... | Instructions for the Menorah's construction. |
| Ex 27:20-21 | “Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil from beaten olives... | Daily tending of the lamps by priests. |
| Lev 24:2-4 | “Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil... to keep lamps burning perpetually. | Perpetual nature of the lamp's light. |
| Num 8:1 | The Lᴏʀᴅ spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron...” | Immediate context: divine command to Aaron. |
| Ps 119:105 | Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. | God's Word as guiding light. |
| Prov 6:23 | For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light... | Instruction as illuminating. |
| Isa 42:6 | “I am the Lᴏʀᴅ; I have called you in righteousness... a light for the nations." | God's servant as light to Gentiles. |
| Isa 49:6 | I will make you as a light for the nations... | Christ as the ultimate light. |
| Jn 1:4-9 | In Him was life, and the life was the light of men... | Jesus as the true light. |
| Jn 8:12 | Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world.” | Jesus proclaims Himself the source of light. |
| Jn 9:5 | As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” | Jesus's presence brings light. |
| Mt 5:14-16 | “You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others.” | Believers are to reflect divine light. |
| Eph 5:8 | for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. | Transformation from darkness to light. |
| Phil 2:15 | ...that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God... lights in the world. | Believers shining morally. |
| Rev 1:12-20 | ...and among the lampstands was one like a son of man... the seven lampstands are the seven churches. | Churches as spiritual lampstands. |
| Rev 2:5 | ...I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place... | Warning for churches to maintain their light. |
| Gen 1:3 | And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. | Divine origin of light. |
| Job 29:3 | ...when His lamp shone on my head, and by His light I walked through darkness. | God's light enabling guidance. |
| Ps 36:9 | For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. | God as the ultimate source of light and truth. |
| Ps 43:3 | Oh, send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me... | Light associated with God's truth and guidance. |
| Is 60:1-3 | Arise, shine, for your light has come... Nations shall come to your light. | Prophecy of Jerusalem's future glory. |
| Lk 11:33 | “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket...” | Lamps for giving light. |
Numbers 8 verses
Numbers 8 2 Meaning
This verse details a specific command from God, given through Moses, to Aaron the High Priest regarding the meticulous setup and lighting of the Menorah (lampstand) in the Tabernacle. It instructs Aaron to ensure that when the seven lamps are positioned and lit, their illumination is directed forward, illuminating the area directly in front of the lampstand, crucial for the functioning and symbolism of the Holy Place.
Numbers 8 2 Context
Numbers chapter 8 primarily concerns the purification and dedication of the Levites for their service in the Tabernacle, an essential transition before Israel continued its journey in the wilderness. The command in verse 2, regarding the Menorah, is given to Aaron the High Priest immediately preceding the Levites' dedication. This sequence highlights the crucial role of the priestly family in maintaining the sanctity and functioning of the Tabernacle before the broader Levitical ministry can begin. The Menorah's light, ever-present, symbolized God's continual presence and guidance in the Holy Place, thus its proper operation was fundamental to Israel's worship and walk with God.
Numbers 8 2 Word analysis
- Speak to Aaron (דַּבֵּר אֶל־אַהֲרֹן, dabbēr ’el-’ahărōn): A direct divine command, emphasizing the high priest's personal responsibility. "Speak" (`daber`) denotes a formal, authoritative pronouncement from God through Moses. Aaron, as the chief priest, bears the direct responsibility for these sacred duties, reflecting his unique position.
- and say to him (וְאָמַרְתָּ אֵלָיו, wə’āmarta ’ēlāw): Reinforces the direct instruction to Aaron, distinguishing this task as a specific, personal directive for him.
- When you set up (בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ, bəha‘ălōtəkā): From the Hebrew verb `ālāh` (עָלָה), which means "to go up," "to ascend," "to cause to go up," or "to raise." In this context, it refers to setting the lamps in their place on the lampstand and causing them to shine or light up. It signifies an intentional and deliberate action of activating the light, more than just placement.
- the lamps (אֶת־הַנֵּרֹת, ’et-hannērōt): Refers to the seven individual lamps that sat atop the branches of the Menorah. These were oil-burning receptacles.
- the seven lamps (שֶׁבַע הַנֵּרוֹת, sheva‘ hannērōt): The number seven symbolizes completeness, perfection, and divine fullness in biblical numerology. Here, it signifies a complete, perfect illumination from God.
- shall give light (יָאִירוּ, ya’īrū): From the verb `ôr` (אוֹר), "to shine" or "to give light." This is the intended purpose: illumination. The action of shining is tied to the proper setting of the lamps.
- in front of the lampstand (אֶל־מוּל פְּנֵי הַמְּנוֹרָה, ’el-mūl pənē hammənōrāh): `el-mūl pənē` (`in front of the face of` or `facing`). This phrase is crucial. It means the light from each of the seven lamps must be directed forward, away from the central shaft of the Menorah. This precise directionality ensured that the Holy Place was properly lit and not just the Menorah itself, illuminating the space before it, perhaps towards the table of showbread, emphasizing the visibility of other sacred elements in the sanctuary. It underlines the careful design and symbolic functionality of the sacred space.
- the lampstand (הַמְּנוֹרָה, hammənōrāh): The golden Menorah, a distinct article of the Tabernacle furniture. It stood in the Holy Place, symbolizing God's illuminating presence, wisdom, and guidance for His people.
Numbers 8 2 Bonus section
The pure beaten olive oil required for the Menorah (Ex 27:20) further symbolizes the purity and perfection necessary for divine service, as well as the anointing of the Holy Spirit in later theological understanding. The constant attention required by the priests to clean, trim, and refill the lamps day by day represents the ongoing, dedicated spiritual work demanded of those who serve God, ensuring that the source of divine truth and presence remains manifest and potent. The very design of the Menorah, with its intricate craftsmanship as specified in Exodus, spoke of the beauty and perfection of God's divine revelation and presence. Its central placement and continuous illumination reminded Israel that God's presence was their ultimate guide and revelation.
Numbers 8 2 Commentary
Numbers 8:2, though seemingly a simple instruction, underscores profound theological truths about divine order, priestly responsibility, and the nature of God's presence. The Menorah was not merely a source of illumination for practical visibility; its light symbolized God's radiant presence, His truth, and His constant guidance within the Tabernacle, the very heart of Israel's worship. The precise command to direct the light "in front of the lampstand" ensured that its symbolic illumination permeated the sacred space, making visible the other elements like the Table of Showbread, and emphasizing that God's light reveals and provides. Aaron's personal responsibility in this matter highlights the priesthood's role as faithful stewards of God's divine revelation. The consistent and perpetual nature of this light (implied by references to Exodus and Leviticus concerning the lamp's perpetual burning) signifies God's unwavering faithfulness and His desire for His people to walk in His truth, reflecting this light to a darkened world. This Old Testament "light" prefigures Jesus Christ, the ultimate "Light of the World," and believers, who are called to be lights in His name.