(5) Feast of Lamps. The later Jews had even something like this feast among themselves. A 'Feast of Lamps' was held every year on the twenty-fifth of the month Chisleu. It was founded by Judas Maccahreus in celebration of the restora tion of the temple worship (Joseph. tintiq. xii:7, 7), and has ever since been observed by the light ing up of lamps or candles on that day in all the countries of their dispersion (Maimon. Hashanah, fol. 8). Other Orientals have at this day a similar feast, of which the 'Feast of Lanterns' among the Chinese is, perhaps, the best known (Davis' Chinese, p. 138).
Figurative. (1) God is likened to a kmfi; he enlightens, comforts, and honors his people (2 Sam. xxii :29). (2) The seven lamps of the golden candlestick, figured out Jesus and his church, as possessed of the fullness of the Holy Ghost, and of Divine oracles and knowledge (Exod. xxv:37). (3) The Holy Ghost is likened to seven lamps of fire burning before God's throne, to mark the instructive, comforting. heart-warm ing, and sin-destroying nature of his influence (Rev. iv:5). (4) The seven lamps of the golden candlestick in Zechariah's vision, which received their oil from the bowl or fountain by pipes are a sufficient number of ministers, deriving their light, comfort, gifts, and grace, from Jesus, by the pipes of ordinances, reading the Scriptures, meditation, prayer, and by faith (Zech. iv:2). (5) Christ's
eyes of infinite knowledge, and of discovered af fection or wrath, are as lamps of fire, most pene trating and pure, and yet how terrible to his ene mies (Dan. x :6). (6) The Word of God is a lamp arid light: it discovers manifold mysteries; it directs men's course, and coinforts their hearts amidst the darkness of this world ( Ps. cxix: to5). (7) The /amp ordained for God's anointed, is either Jesus, who is the light of the world, and the continued honor of David's family; or it is the gospel. which from age to age maintains the fame and honor of our Redeemer in the world (Ps. cxxxii:i7). (8) A profession of religion is called a /amp, it renders men shining and use ful, and instructors of others (Matt. xxv :3, 4)• (9) Prosperity is a /amp; it renders men cheer ful, noted, and glorious (Prov. xiii:9; xx:2o). (to) The salvation of the church from her trou bles is likened to a "burning lamp"; it is hright and visible, and its effects are instructive and com forting (1s. lxii :t ).