The Meaning of Light in the Hebrew Bible by Myra Kahn Adams for Town Hall
Today we begin a two-part study exploring the Meaning of Light in the Old Testament, and next week the New Testament.
First, a quick story. Back in the 1990s, a friend was into “New Age,” and angels — but I was unsure of what she really believed. However, she shared a “light blessing” with me that I cherish and have used ever since. When a loved one departs for a trip (or any reason), you imagine them being surrounded by glowing white light. The blessing only takes two seconds but is very powerful and comforting.
Why would you want to envelop someone you love in imaginary glowing light? What is the meaning of light? What is the basis for the blessing? Our search for answers starts “in the beginning.”
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And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light (Genesis 1:3). As we studied in Vol. 46, this was God’s first direct quote. Its greater meaning is explained in my NIV Study Bible’s footnote and is worth quoting, “Light is necessary for making God’s creative works visible and life possible. In the Old Testament, it is also symbolic of life and blessing.”
As the Old Testament progresses, the light He created comes to symbolize God’s Glory — all holiness, goodness, and the presence of God is associated with light. HE is light. His being is light. Therefore, in the “light blessing,” when you envelop someone in light, you are asking God to bless and protect them through your belief in His power. A double blessing happens because you are also blessed by acknowledging His awesome power.
The following is a familiar prayer invoking God’s light often recited in Jewish synagogues. It is called “The Priestly Blessing” and scripture directly quotes God’s words. The prayer is recorded in Numbers, the fourth of the Five Books of Moses, also known in the Hebrew Bible as the Torah:
