Exodus 27:21 - In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before Yahweh: it shall be a statute forever throughout their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.
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What does "Exodus 27:21" mean?
Exodus 27:21 describes a specific, recurring duty given to Aaron and his sons (the priests) within the Tabernacle (also called the Tent of Meeting). Let's break it down piece by piece:
"In the Tent of Meeting...": This refers to the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that served as the central place of worship for the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness. It housed the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred objects.
"...outside the veil which is before the testimony...": The "veil" or curtain separated the Holy Place (where the priests could enter regularly) from the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant ("the testimony") resided. Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The lampstand was in the Holy Place, outside this veil.
"...Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order...": "It" most likely refers to the lampstand (menorah), described in Exodus 25:31-40. "Keep it in order" means they were responsible for maintaining the lampstand:
Refilling it with oil: Ensuring the lamps remained lit.
Cleaning the lamps: Removing soot and debris to ensure they burned brightly.
Trimming the wicks: Keeping the wicks properly trimmed to ensure a consistent flame.
"...from evening to morning before Yahweh...": The priests were to perform these duties daily, ensuring the lampstand remained lit throughout the night, acting as a constant light "before Yahweh" - a symbolic representation of God's presence and guidance.
"...it shall be a statute forever throughout their generations...": This emphasizes the importance and permanence of this duty. It was not a one-time task but a continual responsibility for the priestly line throughout their history.
"...on the behalf of the children of Israel.": This highlights that this act of service performed by the priests was on behalf of the entire nation of Israel. It was a way for the people to maintain a connection with God through the priestly ministry.
In summary, the verse means:
Aaron and his sons, the priests, were commanded to diligently maintain the lampstand in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, ensuring it burned brightly from evening until morning, every single night. This was a perpetual and essential duty for the priests, symbolizing the continual presence of God and serving as an act of service and intercession for the entire Israelite nation.
Significance:
Symbolism of Light: The burning lampstand symbolized God's presence, guidance, and enlightenment.
Importance of Ritual: This verse highlights the importance of the prescribed rituals and duties in maintaining the relationship between God and Israel.
Role of the Priesthood: It underscores the role of the priests as intermediaries between God and the people, performing specific acts of worship on behalf of the entire nation.
Continuity and Permanence: The "statute forever" clause emphasizes the unchanging nature of God's commandments and the importance of obedience throughout generations.
Exodus 27:21 - In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before Yahweh: it shall be a statute forever throughout their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.
What does "Exodus 27:21" mean?
Exodus 27:21 describes a specific, recurring duty given to Aaron and his sons (the priests) within the Tabernacle (also called the Tent of Meeting). Let's break it down piece by piece:
"In the Tent of Meeting...": This refers to the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that served as the central place of worship for the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness. It housed the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred objects.
"...outside the veil which is before the testimony...": The "veil" or curtain separated the Holy Place (where the priests could enter regularly) from the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant ("the testimony") resided. Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The lampstand was in the Holy Place, outside this veil.
"...Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order...": "It" most likely refers to the lampstand (menorah), described in Exodus 25:31-40. "Keep it in order" means they were responsible for maintaining the lampstand:
Refilling it with oil: Ensuring the lamps remained lit.
Cleaning the lamps: Removing soot and debris to ensure they burned brightly.
Trimming the wicks: Keeping the wicks properly trimmed to ensure a consistent flame.
"...from evening to morning before Yahweh...": The priests were to perform these duties daily, ensuring the lampstand remained lit throughout the night, acting as a constant light "before Yahweh" - a symbolic representation of God's presence and guidance.
"...it shall be a statute forever throughout their generations...": This emphasizes the importance and permanence of this duty. It was not a one-time task but a continual responsibility for the priestly line throughout their history.
"...on the behalf of the children of Israel.": This highlights that this act of service performed by the priests was on behalf of the entire nation of Israel. It was a way for the people to maintain a connection with God through the priestly ministry.
In summary, the verse means:
Aaron and his sons, the priests, were commanded to diligently maintain the lampstand in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, ensuring it burned brightly from evening until morning, every single night. This was a perpetual and essential duty for the priests, symbolizing the continual presence of God and serving as an act of service and intercession for the entire Israelite nation.
Significance:
Symbolism of Light: The burning lampstand symbolized God's presence, guidance, and enlightenment.
Importance of Ritual: This verse highlights the importance of the prescribed rituals and duties in maintaining the relationship between God and Israel.
Role of the Priesthood: It underscores the role of the priests as intermediaries between God and the people, performing specific acts of worship on behalf of the entire nation.
Continuity and Permanence: The "statute forever" clause emphasizes the unchanging nature of God's commandments and the importance of obedience throughout generations.