Why God Commands the Menorah Light Though He Needs No Light

Another interpretation (of Exodus 27:20): "And you shall command, etc." — not because I need light, but in order to give light to you. Rabbi Yochanan said: This eye is white, and the black is in the middle. From where must it see? Is it not from the white? But it is not so; it sees only from within the black. And concerning the light of the eyes you are not able to stand; yet you seek to stand upon My ways! Let not your evil inclination mislead you, to say: Perhaps He needs light. Rabbi Avin the Levite said: You find that one who wishes to make windows for himself makes them wide on the inside and narrow on the outside. Why? So that they may draw in light. But those of the Temple were wide on the outside and narrow on the inside. Why? So that the light would go forth from the Temple and give light to the world. The light goes forth from within My house — and do I need light? And perhaps you will say: Why does He need a lamp? It is in order to give light to us. "And they shall take to you, etc." (Exodus 27:20) — "to kindle a lamp continually" (Exodus 27:20), that your light may be before Me always. David said: "Light is sown for the righteous" (Psalms 97:11).