Exodus 27:21

In the Tabernacle of the Congregation without the Uaile, which is before the Testimony, Aaron and his sonnes shall order it from euening to morning before the Lord: It shall be a statute for euer, vnto their generations, on the behalfe of the children of Israel. Exodus 27:21 (KJV)

The book of Exodus describes the construction of the tabernacle, which was a portable sanctuary and the place of worship for the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. In Exodus 27, God gives instructions regarding the construction and maintenance of the tabernacle components, including the altar of burnt offering and the lampstand.

The tabernacle consisted of two main sections—the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies). These sections were separated by a veil or curtain. In Exodus 27:21, the verse refers to the area “without the vail” or “before the veil which is in the tent of the congregation, that is before the testimony,” indicating the outer part of the tabernacle, the courtyard rather than the Holy Place.

Aaron was appointed as the high priest, and his sons served as priests alongside him. Their responsibilities included various priestly duties related to the tabernacle, such as offering sacrifices, tending the lampstand, and ensuring the continual burning of the lamps on the altar of burnt offering.

The verse states that Aaron and his sons were to “order it from evening to morning before the Lord” or “tend the lamps from evening unto morning before the LORD.” This means they were responsible for keeping the lampstand’s fire burning continuously, day and night, symbolizing the perpetual presence of God among His people.

The passage concludes by declaring that this responsibility was to be an everlasting statute for their generations on behalf of the children of Israel. It was a permanent ordinance for the priests throughout their lineage, emphasizing the significance of their role in maintaining worship and sacrifices in the tabernacle.

Exodus 27:21 highlights the responsibility of Aaron and his sons to tend the lamps of the tabernacle and underscores the importance of maintaining the perpetual lamp fire as a symbol of God’s presence. This duty was to be passed down from generation to generation, reminding believers of the enduring nature of priestly service and the vital role of the priests in facilitating the worship of God and representing the people before Him.