Glimpses of Israel - The Light That Shines

The Menorah, a seven-branched candlestick made entirely of pure gold, stood in the Tabernacle of meeting, adjacent to the Holy of Holies. Pure olive oil was required to make the light shine, and this light was to shine continuously, in every generation.

"And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually. In the Tabernacle of meeting, outside the veil which is before the Testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening until morning before the LORD. It shall be a statute forever to their generations on behalf of the children of Israel." (Exodus 27:20-21)

The Menorah testifies to Israel's special calling and destiny to be God's light to the nations. Ultimately, the Menorah points to the Hope of Israel, the Messiah, who would come forth from the nation of Israel, and who, as the Light of the World, would bring salvation to all nations.

When the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70CE, the Menorah was taken to Rome–the victory march sculptured on the Arch of Titus still bears witness today. It is believed that the Menorah remains locked away deep in the vaults of the Vatican.

Notwithstanding, the modern State of Israel has the Menorah as one of its emblems, reminding all that God has not cast away His people, and that "the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable" . (Romans 11:29) A large unlit replica stands outside Israel's seat of government, the Knesset.