Leviticus 24:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

These loaves are to be displayed every Sabbath before the Lord by the children of Israel, constituting an everlasting covenant belonging to Aaron and his sons, who will partake of them in the holy place, for it is a significant holy matter associated with the Lord's offerings, as stated: “It is an everlasting ordinance” (Leviticus 24:1-9).

Consequently, the use of pure olive oil is essential; oil derived from foreign seeds does not convey the same spiritual purity. The light found in the churches is symbolically pure and undefiled, manifesting through Christ and communicated by the Spirit, as the saints proclaim, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). This is natural because those whom He has called as brothers, and made participants in His essence, also receive the glory of His accomplishments.

The lampstand is lit, with deeper meanings in its symbolism, particularly in the first Tabernacle where seven lamps illuminate the space for those who enter. This lampstand figuratively embodies Christ, radiating abundant light for those drawing near to the Holy of Holies. It reflects the notion that “ye shall come unto Him, and ye shall be enlightened.” The lighting of these lamps at dawn can represent the time of the Incarnation when He emerged as the Day, illuminating minds and dispelling the darkness of ancient ignorance. The prophet also speaks of the Savior's coming, stating, “Early shalt thou hear my voice, early shall I stand before thee, and I will wait” (Psalms 5:4); for it is by the heavenly light, through Christ, that we are enabled to appear before God in a spiritual affinity and obedience of faith. Hence, the inner tabernacle contains the abundant and pure light of the seven lampstands, showcasing that the people under the law were not devoid of divine illumination.

The law given through Moses turned many away from the worship of false gods towards the recognition of the true Creator, enlightening the hearts of those who understood. The abundance of light sent from Christ radiates more greatly to those entering the Holy of Holies than to those bound by the law. The distinction is clear, as the shadow of the law cannot match the spiritual brilliance of the Gospel, which illuminates all creation, while the law was known only to the descendants of Israel.

The candlestick may symbolize the holy John the Baptist, while the twelve loaves could represent the holy Apostles. The prophetic words, “I will set up a lampstand for my anointed” (Psalm 131:17), indicate that John was indeed a lampstand heralding Christ. The Savior acknowledged him, saying, “He was a lamp burning and shining; but ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light” (John 5:35). Paul subtly alludes to this lampstand in his teachings, as the law emphasized its continual maintenance: “That the lampstand should burn continually... in the tabernacle of the congregation” (Leviticus 24:2-3).

Although the Jews briefly rejoiced in the presence of John, they ultimately rejected him, extinguishing what shined brightly, despite the passage being attributed to Herod, who was from Israel's lineage. Thus, Christ remarked about the Jewish people, “It cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem” (Luke 13:33). Thus, John the Baptist served as a light for those under the law in Judea in his communion with Christ.

The true Bread from heaven gives life, and those who embody the mystery share in this divine sustenance, drawing believers toward godliness and presenting the words of eternal life. The twelve loaves symbolize the disciples laid out in two rows, with Christ, the true Bread from heaven, at the center. Each loaf, comprising two perfect measures, signifies the perfect disciples, shining with wisdom and grace, as prescribed in the Scriptures that the words of the saints promote understanding, being seasoned with “grace and salt” (Colossians 4:6), reflecting how Christ called His followers, “Ye are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13).

The loaves are presented every Sabbath, representing the chosen Apostles' mental Sabbath—the coming of Christ, which the Israelites failed to recognize. Therefore, Paul points out that there remains a Sabbath for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9), one that is attained through their faith in Christ. The offering of the loaves stands before God and the people of Israel, intended for continual remembrance by God, for “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous” (Psalms 33:16), while calling Israel to reflect upon these truths.

The loaves belong to Aaron and his sons, representing the writings of the holy Apostles offered to sanctified believers—a chosen and holy race, anointed by the Spirit's grace (1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 2:20-27). While discussing the positioning of the Baptist and the Apostles within the Tabernacle, it is noted that their proximity to Christ is significant. The divine nature, embodied by Christ, far surpasses humanity, establishing a disparity between the nature of the divine and that of mortals, dictating that their proper place is in the first Tabernacle, where the altar of offerings also stands.

Paul elaborates on the distinctions between the two tabernacles, stating, “In this arrangement, the first tabernacle is always entered by the priests to perform divine service; but in the second tabernacle, once a year, the high priest alone, not without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the ignorance of the people. By this the Holy Ghost indicates that the way into the sanctuary has not been made manifest while the first tabernacle still stands.” This first Tabernacle, portraying the present age, involved rituals that were inadequate for achieving true cleansing of conscience. However, Christ has come as the High Priest of good things to come, having entered through a greater and perfect Tabernacle, not made by human hands, and with His own blood, He gained eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:6-12).

It is understood that the first Tabernacle is where the priestly duties were carried out, lacking the authority to enter the Holy of Holies—representative of the service of the law which merely casts shadows against the truth. Paul implores that these actions are insufficient for genuine atonement, having power only until the time of the Incarnation when the reality of salvation dawned. Christ, who offered Himself as our sacrifice, transcended the old practices, and now stands in heaven before God on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24).