Leviticus chapter 23 focused on the seasonal festivities of the Israelites. Chapter 24 is a reminder of the daily requirements. The children of Israel were to regularly provide olive oil for the Golden Lampstand in the Holy Place. For the twelve loaves of bread set on the table in the Holy Place, the people were to contribute fine flour.
The Lampstand was made of hammered gold. It had three branches on each side of a center shaft. The lamp was fueled by beaten olive oil. It was the priest’s duty to keep the lamp lit morning and evening. The Golden Lampstand is representative of the Word of God. Scripture is a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path (Ps. 119:105). As the Word of God made flesh, Jesus is the Light of the world (Jn. 1:14; 8:12).
The Shewbread, also known as the Bread of Presence, was placed on golden table in the Holy Place. Twelve loaves were in two stacks of six, each representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The bread was to be replaced each sabbath, and eaten by the priests. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4). Believers find spiritual sustenance from Word of God.
Only the priesthood could occupy the Holy Place in the Tabernacle. But the children of Israel were represented though they were unable to physically be there. Upon Aaron’s breastplate were twelve stones representing the twelve tribes (Ex. 28:12). The bread that Aaron ate had been provided by the people. And the light from the Lampstand had been fueled by the people as well.
Dear reader, Jesus Christ is present with us through the Word of God illuminating our hearts, and giving us spiritual nourishment. Furthermore, believers are represented in the Holy Place as Christ is always making intercession for us (Heb. 7:25).