"Command the people of Israel to bring you the best olive oil for the lamp, so that it can be lit each evening.

Aaron and his sons are to set up the lamp in the Tent of my presence outside the curtain which is in front of the Covenant Box. There in my presence it is to burn from evening until morning. This command is to be kept forever by the Israelites and their descendants.

the lampstand of pure gold, its lamps, all its equipment, and the oil for the lamps;

He put the lampstand in the Tent, on the south side, opposite the table,

"Tell Aaron that when he puts the seven lamps on the lampstand, he should place them so that the light shines toward the front."

From top to bottom the lampstand was made of hammered gold, according to the pattern that the LORD had shown Moses.

Samuel was sleeping in the sanctuary, where the sacred Covenant Box was. Before dawn, while the lamp was still burning,

the LORD called Samuel. He answered, "Yes, sir!"

Every morning and every evening they offer him incense and animal sacrifices burned whole. They present the offerings of bread on a table that is ritually clean, and every evening they light the lamps on the gold lampstand. We do what the LORD has commanded, but you have abandoned him.

Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path.

The explanation of your teachings gives light and brings wisdom to the ignorant.

Their instructions are a shining light; their correction can teach you how to live.

You are to answer them, "Listen to what the LORD is teaching you! Don't listen to mediums---what they tell you cannot keep trouble away."

The spirit of the LORD will give him wisdom and the knowledge and skill to rule his people. He will know the LORD's will and honor him,

The people who live in darkness will see a great light. On those who live in the dark land of death the light will shine."

In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.

"At that time the Kingdom of heaven will be like this. Once there were ten young women who took their oil lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any extra oil with them,

The bridegroom was late in coming, so they began to nod and fall asleep.

The ten young women woke up and trimmed their lamps.

and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path of peace."

"Be ready for whatever comes, dressed for action and with your lamps lit,

The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people.

This was the real light---the light that comes into the world and shines on all people.

John was like a lamp, burning and shining, and you were willing for a while to enjoy his light.

Jesus spoke to the Pharisees again. "I am the light of the world," he said. "Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness."

You are to open their eyes and turn them from the darkness to the light and from the power of Satan to God, so that through their faith in me they will have their sins forgiven and receive their place among God's chosen people.'

The God who said, "Out of darkness the light shall shine!" is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts, to bring us the knowledge of God's glory shining in the face of Christ.

and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him.

I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people,

You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light,

Try to learn what pleases the Lord.

(It is really too shameful even to talk about the things they do in secret.)

for anything that is clearly revealed becomes light. That is why it is said, "Wake up, sleeper, and rise from death, and Christ will shine on you."

so that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky,

as you offer them the message of life. If you do so, I shall have reason to be proud of you on the Day of Christ, because it will show that all my effort and work have not been wasted.