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. )