Definition ( Sanctuary
lamp or "altar lamp" is a light that shines before the altar of
sanctuaries in many denominations of Jewish and Christian places of worship.
Prescribed in Exodus of the Hebrew bible this icon has taken on different
meanings in each of the religions that have adopted it. The passage, which
refers to prescriptions for the Temple in Jerusalem, states: Command the
children of Israel that they bring thee the purest oil of the olives, and
beaten with a pestle: that a lamp may burn always in the tabernacle of the
testimony, without the veil that hangs before the testimony. And Aaron and
his sons shall order it, that it may give light before the Lord until the
morning. It shall be a perpetual observance throughout their successions
among the children of Israel. )
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