We are commissioned by Jesus Christ to shine as light in the world without being hidden. In this context, I would like to refer to the menorah (note: the seven-branched lampstand), made entirely of gold in the tabernacle, whose light was to shine forward (cf. Matthew 5:14-16 i.c.w. Numbers 8:1-2).
Matthew 5:14-16:
14 ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
14 ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Numbers 8:1-2:
1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 ‘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.” ’
1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 ‘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.” ’
The Menorah and the Forward Shining Light
The forward shining light of the menorah, in a spiritual context, can point to the directive word whose revelatory truth leads us to confidently walk our path of righteousness with Christ Jesus (cf. Psalm 119:105).
Psalm 119:105:
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
From the making of the menorah, which is of pure gold, it is clear that it bears the attributes of the almond tree, which is associated with God’s watching over His Word, as He communicated to the prophet Jeremiah (cf. Exodus 25:31.33 i.c.w. Jeremiah 1:11-12).
Exodus 25:31.33:
31 ‘Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them….
33 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand.
31 ‘Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them….
33 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand.
Jeremiah 1:11-12:
11 The word of the Lord came to me: ‘What do you see, Jeremiah?’ ‘I see the branch of an almond tree,’ I replied. (note: The Hebrew word for ‘almond tree’ is ‘šāqēd’ and is similar to the Hebrew word ‘šāqad’ which means ‘to be watchful’.)
12 The Lord said to me, ‘You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.’
11 The word of the Lord came to me: ‘What do you see, Jeremiah?’ ‘I see the branch of an almond tree,’ I replied. (note: The Hebrew word for ‘almond tree’ is ‘šāqēd’ and is similar to the Hebrew word ‘šāqad’ which means ‘to be watchful’.)
12 The Lord said to me, ‘You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.’
The seven-branched lampstand was made in a way that first there was a shaft in the middle, from which three arms went off on the right side as well as on the left, so that the lampstand had seven goblets like almond blossoms, on which seven lamps were placed in order to shine forward (cf. Exodus 25:31-33.36-37).
Exodus 25:31-33.36-37:
31 ‘Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them.
32 Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand – three on one side and three on the other.
33 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. …
36 The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold.
37 ‘Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it.
31 ‘Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them.
32 Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand – three on one side and three on the other.
33 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. …
36 The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold.
37 ‘Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it.
At God’s instruction, the menorah was positioned on the south side to shine forward, in this case toward the north, where the table of shewbread stood, on which the twelve shewbreads (note: the bread of His presence) were placed (cf. Exodus 26:35).
Exodus 26:35:
35 Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side.
35 Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side.
The Vision of the Menorah and the Letters
In connection with the making of the menorah, I received an open vision in which I saw the shaft with its first arm, on which appeared the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which is the ‘Aleph’, also associated with ‘the head of the bull’. Since it is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, it is also the so-called ‘father letter’ because the Hebrew word for ‘father – ‘āb’’ also begins with an ‘Aleph’.
After seeing this, I looked at the three outgoing arms of the menorah on the right as well as on the left side of the shaft. When I saw these three arms on both sides, I recognized the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet on each side, which is a ‘Gimel’, that is also related to the ‘Camel’, among others.
When I saw the letters, a cone of light developed from the lamp of the shaft, which extended simultaneously to the three arms of the right side as well as to the three arms of the left side. Thereupon I could read the word ‘אֲגַג – Agag’, which means ‘flame, burning, heated’.
The name ‘Agag’ is the title or proper name of the kings of the Amalekites, who are the archenemies of Israel. (Part excerpt on the name ‘Agag’ from Strong’s Concordance with word key number: H90).
While I was perceiving and pondering this, the LORD called my attention to the position of the menorah, which is located in the south. The Hebrew word used for ‘south’ is ‘têmān’. The south is associated with the highest position of the sun, whose light, in a prophetic context, is also associated with the glory of God, among other things. By biblical standards, the south is on the right side of the east and points to something that comes into the fullness of strength.
From Habakkuk 3:3-4 we can see that Habakkuk saw the LORD coming from the south in His holiness accompanied by praise and glory. Moreover, Habakkuk perceived the radiant presence of God, with rays emanating from His hands that carried the power of God hidden within.
Habakkuk 3:3-4:
3 God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth.
4 His splendour was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden.
3 God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth.
4 His splendour was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden.
From the explanation about the menorah with the experienced vision, it is clear that even if the adversary (note: represented by ‘Agag’) wants to block or intimidate us in our fellowship with God (cf. Zechariah 3:1-2a), it is essential that we stay in the presence of the Father as a symbol for the bull with His ministering angels as a symbol for the camels. As a result, Satan is rebuked in the presence of God.
Zechariah 3:1-2a:
1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him.
2a The Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! …’
1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him.
2a The Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! …’
This means, it is needed that we are satisfied with the grace of God (note: symbol of hands; cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9).
2 Corinthians 12:9:
9 But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
9 But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
From this we receive the power to reveal or make known the glory of God among men and to assist in giving them direction into true fellowship with God, who desires to reveal Himself to them as Father through Christ Jesus (cf. John 14:9b).
John 14:9b:
… 9b Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. …
… 9b Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. …
Even when the adversary in the form of the antichrist spirit (note: ‘Agag’) confronts us in our walk with Jesus Christ, we may be full of confidence that all things must work out for our good (cf. Romans 8:28).
Romans 8:28:
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
As we abide in the light of the Father’s love and God’s ministering spirits, we receive joy for faithfulness and endurance in the midst of seeming periods of spiritual drought. Furthermore, with a humble heart attitude, we are able to enter deeper into the glorious freedom of the sons of God within His Kingdom in times of ‘narrowness’ or ‘pressing periods’ (cf. Matthew 19:24 i.c.w. Romans 8:21).
Matthew 19:24:
‘… 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ (cf. Mark 10:25; Luke 18:25).
‘… 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ (cf. Mark 10:25; Luke 18:25).
Romans 8:21:
… 1 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children (note: sons) of God.
… 1 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children (note: sons) of God.
The Bright Shining Light of God in the Darkness
God wants to let His forward shining light shine mostly where it is dark or gloomy in order to bring forth clarity (cf. Genesis 1:1-3 i.c.w. Matthew 4:15-16).
Genesis 1:1-3:
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Matthew 4:15-16:
15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – 16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light (note: Jesus Christ); on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – 16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light (note: Jesus Christ); on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
In the first place, God makes His light shine through Jesus Christ the Lamb of God because the Lamb possesses the character of a lamp which is the reason why it is no coincidence that Jesus Christ was seen from men as a great light when He walked on earth in flesh and blood (cf. Revelation 21:23 i.c.w. Matthew 4:16).
Revelation 21:23:
23 The city (note: the messianic/anointed Jerusalem) does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
23 The city (note: the messianic/anointed Jerusalem) does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
Matthew 4:16:
“… 16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light (note: Jesus Christ); on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
“… 16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light (note: Jesus Christ); on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
The Lamb of God is the facet of the spiritual characteristic in the invisible world of Jesus Christ carrying the presence of Jesus while He lived on earth in the temporal time (note: round about 33 years; cf. Luke 3:23) as well as His final victory, that He achieved on the middle cross of Calvary.
The Setting Up of the Lamps and its Ignition
In Exodus 8:2 we are told that Aaron (note: means ‘light mountain, enlightenment’) should place the lamps of the menorah so that they might shine to the front. The Hebrew word for ‘set up’ used in this passage is ‘’ālāh’ and means ‘going up, ascending. It also describes the movement from a lower place to a higher place.’
The Hebrew word for the ‘forward shining light’ is ‘’ôr’ and means among other things ‘the source of light/daylight as the first created work of God as well as illumination, bright, glorious, ignited, joy’. (Part excerpt from the Elberfelder Study Bible to the word ‘’ālāh’ with the word key number 6045 and the word ‘’ôr’ with the word key number 220)
So looking closely to the attributes that contributed to the menorah being illuminated according to God’s will, we can clearly see that the obedience of Aaron following the instruction of God by Moses was necessary in the first place.
So looking closely to the attributes that contributed to the menorah being illuminated according to God’s will, we can clearly see that the obedience of Aaron following the instruction of God by Moses was necessary in the first place.
At this point, Aaron representing saints who have already maintained a close relationship with God over a long period of time, who are spiritually mature as well as empowered to advance in a high sphere of revelation and in the knowledge of the Lord. These are saints, who are willing to be enabled in order to fill the predestined space with divine revelation by God.
The illuminated Room and the Soul of Man
This divine fulfillment of the predestined space is closely connected to the ignition of the spirit of believers (note: like the lighting of the wicks of the seven lamps of the menorah) who would move forward in spirit and in truth in unity and also in the richness of faith.
Furthermore, they should be ready to go to a higher spiritual level in Jesus Christ. It is crucial for those believers to be submitted to a spiritually competent leadership empowering them to go higher in the spirit by their knowledge.
According to the Word of God, the soul/spirit of man is a light or rather a flame (cf. Proverbs 20:27).
Proverbs 20:27:
27 The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.
27 The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.
And similarly, as the flame of a candle moves and always searches its way upward so should we as believers in Jesus Christ always pursue to go higher in the spirit and consequently to mature as sons in the relationship with God, the Father (cf. Romans 8:14).
Romans 8:14:
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children (note: sons) of God.
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children (note: sons) of God.
In this way, in the presence of the Father, it becomes possible for us to recognize what was of soul origin in the past and was only meant to stop us from continuing to carry the light in this time. Only when we, as members of the Body of Christ, no longer have anything in common with darkness, can we effectively lead others out of the realms of lack of knowledge and revelation to see them led in the love of the Father through the Holy Spirit (cf. Romans 13:10-11).
Romans 13:10-11:
10 Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.
11 And do this, understanding the present time: the hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
10 Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.
11 And do this, understanding the present time: the hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
Amen and Amen.
In His Wisdom,
Daniel Glimm
