Don Isaac Abravanel (1437-1508) was a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and prolific Biblical
commentator. At the conclusion of Exodus chapter 27, we read about sanctuary’s lampstand. Abravanel
finds something unusual about the chapter’s closing two verses. Consequently, he rejects the notion
that they convey a divine commandment – “And you shall command the Children of Israel, that they
bring you pure olive oil…” Similarly, Abravanel dismisses the idea that the verses convey a
commandment to light the lampstand daily – “In the tent of meeting…Aaron and his sons shall set it in
order, to burn from evening to morning…”
“And you shall command the Children of Israel, that they bring unto you
pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually.”
The reason Abravanel finds it objectionable to understand these two verses as establishing
commandments is simply this: strange timing. Said commandments should appear after the Tabernacle
had been built and the menorah set inside the Sanctuary. Only at that juncture, would it make sense to
request the bringing of the proper oil, for priests to light of the lampstand. But now, before the
Tabernacle becomes operational, it’s premature to make these demands.
Moreover, Abravanel notes, the priests had not yet been designated to serve in the Tabernacle. Aaron
and his sons will be duly appointed in the upcoming chapter. “And bring you near unto you Aaron your
brother, and his sons with him, from among the Children of Israel, that they may minister unto Me in
the priest’s office…” The very next verse teaches that the priests were not to serve in ordinary clothing.
Instead, “And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for splendor and for beauty.” The
balance of the chapter delves into the particulars of the priestly wardrobe.
Here, then, is point of the verses pertaining to oil and lighting. The Bible is providing a spoiler, to be
colloquial. Since the main subject matter will be the priestly attire, God apprises Moses here of
something in the offing – the daily lighting of the gold lampstand, as per “And you shall command the
Children of Israel, that they bring unto you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn
continually.”
Given that Aaron and his sons will be imminently tapped to serve in the Tabernacle, and given that their
duties include lighting the lampstand, it follows that they must dress the part “for splendor and beauty.”
Moshe will oversee the artisans who manufacture the holy garments.
In concluding, Abravanel ties things together. Our verses about oil and lighting provide the background,
and impetus, for the upcoming chapter dealing with priestly garments. Since Aaron and his sons will be
officiating in the sanctuary in multifaceted functions (including the lampstand), they will need to don
special garments.
