Why God Asks for Lamplight When the Sun Burns Too Bright

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Tetzaveh 6:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation of (Exodus 27:20): "pure olive oil." You find that one who is placed in the darkness sees what is in the light, and one who is placed in the light does not see what is in the darkness; but the Holy One, blessed be He, sees what is in the darkness and what is in the light. Daniel said (Daniel 2:22): "He reveals the deep and the hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him." Rabbi Judah bar Il'ai said: This sun is placed within His bosom, as it is said (Psalms 19:5): "For the sun He set a tent among them." And in the season of Tammuz it goes forth from His bosom to ripen the fruits, and the world cannot withstand it, because its light is harsh. The Holy One, blessed be He, said: At a creature of Mine you are not able to gaze, and would I have need of light from you? Rather, why did I tell you [to kindle the lamp]? For the world to come.

Themes

World To ComeLightSun And MoonNoahTribes

Biblical References

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