Why God Does Not Need the Menorah's Light in the Tabernacle

Another interpretation (of Numbers 8:2): "Toward the face of the menorah shall the seven lamps give light" — that you should not despise this menorah, as it is said (Zechariah 4:10): "For who has despised the day of small things? They shall rejoice and see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel — these seven." What is "seven"? These are the seven stars that roam through all the earth. "Shall the seven lamps give light" — these seven are likewise beloved before Him, that you should not despise them. Therefore it is said: "Toward the face of the menorah shall the seven lamps give light" — lest your evil inclination mislead you to say that He needs light. See what is written about light — about the windows of the Temple (Ezekiel 40:16, 25): "And the windows were closed toward the chambers [... like these windows]." It is not written "in windows" but "like the windows," for they were wide on the outside and narrow on the inside, so that they would send forth light to the outside. Rabbi Berekhiah the Priest [son of Rabbi] said: This lightning is an offspring of the fire that is above. When it goes forth, it makes the whole world shine, as it is said (Ezekiel 1:13): "And the likeness of the living creatures — [their appearance was like coals of fire, burning like the appearance of torches... and out of the fire went forth lightning]." The Holy One, blessed be He, said: I do not need your light. [And why did I tell you to give it?] Only in order to lift you up.