Numbers 8:2

“Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, etc.] It being his work to light the lamps, though, as Ben Gersom observes, it was not incumbent on an high priest alone to do this, for it also belonged to the sons of Aaron, who were common priests, (<022721>Exodus 27:21); though it is probable that as this was the first time of lighting them, it might be done by Aaron himself, his sons attending and assisting him; in which he was an eminent type of Christ, the great High Priest, who lights the lamps in all his golden candlesticks, the churches, (<660120>Revelation 1:20), and from whom they have all their light and all the supplies of it: when thou lightest the lamps; which was done at evening,…”

“Speak unto Aaron, &c.--The candlestick, which was made of one solid, massive piece of pure gold, with six lamps supported on as many branches, a seventh in the center surmounting the shaft itself (Exo 25:31; Exo 37:17), and completed according to the pattern shown in the mount, was now to be lighted, when the other things in the sanctuary began to be applied to religious service. It was Aaron's personal duty, as the servant of God, to light His house, which, being without windows, required the aid of lights (Pe2 1:19). And the course he was ordered to follow was first to light the middle lamp from the altar-fire, and then the other lamps from each other--a course symbolical of all the light…”

“The actual lighting of the lamps (compare the marginal references) was to be done to set forth symbolically the special presence which God had now Numbers 7:89 actually established among His people. return to 'Top of Page'”

“When thou lightest the lamps - The priests lighted the middle lamp from the fire of the altar; and the rest one from another; signifying that all light and knowledge comes from Christ, who has the seven spirits of God, figured by the seven lamps of fire. Over against the candlestick - On that part which is before the candlestick, Heb. over against the face of the candlestick - That is, in that place towards which the candlestick looked, or where the candlestick stood in full view, that is, upon the north - side, where the table of shew - bread stood, as appears from hence, because the candlestick stood close to the boards of the sanctuary on the south - side, Exo 26:35. And thus the lights…”

“Exo 25:37, Exo 37:18, Exo 37:19, Exo 37:23, Exo 40:25; Lev 24:1, Lev 24:2; Psa 119:105, Psa 119:130; Isa 8:20; Mat 5:14; Joh 1:9; Pe2 1:19; Rev 1:12, Rev 1:20, Rev 2:1, Rev 4:5 Numbers 8:4”