Old Testament references showing the importance of artificial and natural light in the Tabernacle/Temple, especially related to the candlestick (menorah) and the lack of natural light inside the sanctuary, which made light absolutely necessary for the priests to minister.

1. No Natural Light in the Holy Place or Holy of Holies

The Tabernacle and later the Temple were fully enclosed, especially the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. There were no windows, and the sunlight could not enter these inner rooms. Thus, the priests had to rely completely on the golden candlestick (menorah) for light when ministering in the Holy Place.

📖 Exodus 26:33–35

“And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches… and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy... And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table…”

📖 1 Kings 8:12

“Then spake Solomon, The Lord said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.”

📖 2 Chronicles 6:1

“Then said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.”

The "thick darkness" here refers to the Holy of Holies, emphasizing God’s hidden glory, but also highlighting the absence of natural light.

2. The Menorah Was the Only Light Source in the Holy Place

The candlestick (menorah) had seven lamps and was the only source of illumination inside the Holy Place. It had to be constantly maintained by the priests because without it, the sanctuary would be in total darkness.

📖 Exodus 27:20–21

“And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.
In the tabernacle of the congregation... it shall be a statute for ever...”

📖 Leviticus 24:2

“Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.”

📖 Exodus 25:31–37

(Detailed design of the menorah and its purpose as light inside the Holy Place.)

The lamps burned continually, especially throughout the night, showing there was no natural light, and darkness would fall without the menorah.

3. Daylight Was Needed Outside the Temple Courts

In the outer court, the priests could operate using natural sunlight (especially for animal sacrifices), but as they moved inward, they left sunlight behind.

📖 Ezekiel 8:16

“...they worshipped the sun toward the east.”
A false practice, but it shows how natural light (sun) played a role outside, while inside, artificial light was needed.

4. Candles in Later Jewish Practice (Hanukkah & Temple Rededication)

Though not part of the original Mosaic Law, later temple use (like during the Second Temple period) included lighting candles/oil lamps during Hanukkah, celebrating the rededication of the temple and the miracle of light lasting in the temple.

📖 (Historical reference: 1 Maccabees 4:49–50 – Apocrypha)

“They made new holy vessels, and they brought the candlestick… and they lighted the lamps that were upon the candlestick, and they gave light in the temple.”

Summary of Old Testament Temple Light Use:

The Holy Place and Holy of Holies had no natural light, they were completely dependent on the golden candlestick. Priests could not minister in darkness, they needed to maintain light (oil, trimming wicks, etc.). Natural sunlight was only in the outer court. God’s dwelling was described as in “thick darkness” meaning hidden glory, but also literal absence of light without the menorah. Later temple traditions further emphasize the need for light in temple worship (e.g., Hanukkah).