Context of Light

Hebrew can be a very challenging language to fully understand without careful study. This very graphic and culture-based language is highly dependent on the immediate context. It greatly relies on event driven language based on word or phrase pictures. This phraseology is used in many places in which the context is focused on various spiritual and moral decisions. In the Old Testament word pictures, places near to God were dominated by light (a non-consuming, burning bush (Ex. 3:1-17); light leading God’s people, Ex. 13:21-22); the parallel is that areas or places away from God are in darkness, even chaos as was the world before God made light. This method of communication is also used in the New Testament. This visualization carries over into the New Testament and those who followed God were described by a picture of providing “light,” or godly direction to others. Jesus would say, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matt. 5:14-16 (ESV). As we travel along our unique individual spiritual journey led by the Holy Spirit, God’s people should display godly qualities to those who observe their actions. Along this journey, we must realize we still are sinful people; while we are continually cleansed, we must allow the Holy Spirit to guide us more completely.