Leviticus 24: The Light, the Bread, and Justice – Living in God's Presence

MIJN Team
Apr 1
2 min read

Key Verse: Leviticus 24:2 "Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning continually."

Leviticus 24 shifts from the appointed feasts (Leviticus 23) to practical instructions for maintaining worship in the Tabernacle. It focuses on three key areas:

The Lampstand (Menorah) – The Light of God's Presence
The Bread of the Presence – Daily Communion with God
Justice for Blasphemy and Sin – Upholding Holiness

These themes remind us that living in God's presence requires continual worship, spiritual nourishment, and obedience to His justice.

The Lampstand – Keeping the Light Burning (Leviticus 24:1-4)

The Israelites were commanded to bring pure olive oil to keep the golden lampstand (Menorah) burning continually in the Holy Place.
This symbolized God’s presence with His people and Israel’s role as a light to the nations.

Jesus identified Himself as the ultimate fulfillment of this symbol. He declared, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.” (John 8:12) Believers are called to reflect His light in their daily lives, as seen in Matthew 5:14-16.

The Bread of the Presence – Spiritual Sustenance (Leviticus 24:5-9)

Every Sabbath, twelve loaves of bread (representing the twelve tribes of Israel) were placed on the table inside the Tabernacle.
The bread was to remain in God’s presence all week before being eaten by the priests.
This represented God’s continual provision and Israel’s dependence on Him.

Jesus fulfilled this provision when He declared, “I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.” (John 6:35) Just as the priests ate the holy bread, believers are invited to spiritually nourish themselves through Christ, His Word, and the Lord’s Supper.

Justice for Blasphemy – Honoring God's Name (Leviticus 24:10-23)

A man who blasphemed the Name of God was brought before Moses, and God commanded that he be put to death. (Leviticus 24:14)
This reinforced the seriousness of honoring God's holiness and respecting His Name.
God also reaffirmed the principle of justice: “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” (Leviticus 24:19-20)

While the Old Testament law demanded justice through equal punishment, Jesus introduced a new standard of mercy and forgiveness. In Matthew 5:38-39, He taught, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for an eye...’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.” Instead of demanding justice, Jesus took our punishment on Himself, offering grace instead of condemnation.