Couched between the law of the annual feasts in Leviticus 23 and the regulations concerning the year of Jubilee in Leviticus 25, chapter 24 begins with a rather mundane description of the priests' duties regarding the care and maintenance of the golden lampstand and the table of show-bread. While Leviticus 24:1-9 intially appears to contain little of theological importance (and even less of popular interest!), it is in fact rather "illuminating" (no pun intended) in regards to the salient features of of biblically faithful and spiritually edifying gospel ministry.
I. Care of the Tabernacle Lamps (vv. 1-4). We first read of this ordinance in Exodus 27:20-21; probably, it is here repeated because the tabernacle was constructed and operational and the priesthood was fully-manned, fully-consecrated, and ready for service. We should notice at least two principles in these verses:
A. The people were to provide the oil (v. 2). This oil was to be, like everything else that was used in God's service, the very best. It is described as "pure oil from beaten olives," most likely because the oil was double-strained. This premium oil was to be provided so that "a light may be kept burning regularly." The light and the lamp of verse 2 is in the singular, but "the lamps" are plural in verse 4. The seven lamps (cf. Exodus 37:23) combined to radiate one light, which is an allusion to the way in which the Holy Spirit is represented by seven burning lamps or torches before God's throne (cf. Revelation 4:5), for there are "varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:4). As to the requirement to provide oil, gospel ministers are like burning and shining lights in Christ's churches, but it is the duty of the people to provide for them. Poor support for ministers brings shame and reproach on God's people and the cause of Christ.
B. Aaron was to tend the lamps and supply them with oil morning and evening (v. 3). Thus it is the work of gospel ministers to hold forth the light of the gospel, not by setting up new lights, but by expounding and preaching the word so as to make the light of it more clear and bright.
II. The Bread of the Tabernacle (vv.5-9). Exodus 25:30 contains the first mention of the bread of the presence. Observe here:
A. The table was set with nourishing bread, not with cakes, pies, and sweets to gratify a pampered and fickle palate. Thus gospel ministers should avoid all art, gimic, and novelty in their preaching; only that which feeds the lambs of Christ so as to promote their spiritual health should be served (cf. John 21:15; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5).
B. A handful of frankincense was deposited by or upon each pile or row of bread; when the bread was removed and given to the priests, this frankincense was burnt upon the golden altar as a "memorial portion" (v. 7). All God's spiritual Israel, typified by the twelve loaves, are made through Christ to be a sweet-smelling fragrance before God, and their prayers are said to come up before God "as a memorial" (Acts 10:4).
C. Every Sabbath the bread was replaced. When the loaves had been available for a week, they were replaced with fresh bread provided by the children of Israel (v. 8). Christ's ministers should provide fresh "bread" for His house - the fruit of labor in the study - every Lord's Day so that all the people may see their progress in the study of the Scriptures (cf. 1 Timothy 4:15).
Grace and peace.
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