THE OIL OF THE SHEKINAH

From the time of its introduction to Israel, the world has been rich in speculations concerning the seven-branch candelabrum of the Tabernacle. Since He hasn't told us what its seven mysterious lights are about, studies abound with Menorah enthusiasts desirous to fill this knowledge void. They may all be right, they may all be wrong. Hashem certainly has a way of teasing our curiosity.

From their position in the tabernacle, the menorah lights shined on the twelve loaves of the bread of presence representing the tribes of Israel. Agreeing with Jewish sages of the past, Yeshua not only informed us that He was the light of the world, but that His disciples were also the light of the world (John 8:12; Matthew 5:14). In the words of Jewish sages, the Hebrew word 'or' which stands for 'light', not only refers to physical illumination, but also to mental understanding and mostly, spiritual enlightenment.

The menorah was fueled by scented oil specially prepared for that purpose (Exodus 25:6). In the mouth of the Torah sages, this oil represents our earthly works of obedience to Hashem's commandments. In telling us 'let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5;16), the Master encourages our obedience to Torah in a way that it becomes a light bearing witness to God in the world. In that 'light', the Master's parable of the ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom becomes 'clear'. They all had the 'light', but without the oil of obedience the five foolish virgins' lamps quit burning exposing the shame of their dark spiritual state in which they could not face the bridegroom.  

Scholars taught that Hashem's shekinah (indwelling presence) rests on His children like the wick of an oil lamp. To burn bright and strong this wick not only needs to be trimmed, but also deeply immersed in oil. May our lives provide this oil that the presence of God in us through the agency of His Mashiach may be seen and felt by all, providing light and warmth to the very dark and cold world around us.