And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive {h} beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.

(h) Such as comes from the olive, when it is first pressed or beaten.

Wesley's Notes

27:20 We read of the candlestick in the 25th chapter ; here is order given for the keeping of the lamps constantly burning in it. The pure oil signified the gifts and graces of the Spirit, which are communicated to all believers from Christ the good olive, of whose fulness we receive, Zech 4:11,12. The priests were to light the lamps, and to tend them; to cause the lamp to burn always, night and day. Thus it is the work of ministers to preach and expound the scriptures, which are as a lamp to enlighten the church. This is to be a statute for ever, that the lamps of the word be lighted as duly as the incense of prayer and praise is offered.

King James Translators' Notes

to burn: Heb. to ascend up

Scofield Reference Notes

[3] oil

Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (Cf) Jn 3:34 Heb 1:9. In Christ the oil-fed Light ever burns, the Light of the world Jn 8:12. But here we have not the world, but the sanctuary. It is a question, not of testimony in and to the world, but of our communion and worship as believer-priests in the holiest Heb 10:19,20. In the Tabernacle there were two compartments, two lights: the holy place with the candlestick See Scofield Note: "Ex 25:31" the holy of holies with the shekinah, or manifested glory of God. These two places are now one Mt 27:50,51 Heb 9:6-8 10:19-21 but it is important to see that there are still two lights: Christ, the Light of life Jn 8:12 through the Spirit giving light upon the holy things of God, the showbread and altar of incense; and also the shekinah, now on the face of Jesus Christ 2Cor 4:6. Into this twofold light we, as believer- priests, are brought 1Pet 2:9. We "walk in the light," not merely which He gives, but in which He lives 1Jn 1:7. But what of the command to "bring pure oil" Ex 27:20. Because our access, apprehension, communion, and transformation are by the Spirit Eph 2:18 1Cor 2:14,15 2Cor 13:14 Phil 2:1 2Cor 3:18. Our title to His presence is the blood Eph 2:13 but only as filled with the Spirit Eph 5:18 do we really walk in the light.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

20, 21. pure oil olive beaten-that is, such as runs from the olives when bruised and without the application of fire.

for the light . Aaron and his sons-were to take charge of lighting it in all time coming.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

27:20,21 The pure oil signified the gifts and graces of the Spirit, which all believers receive from Christ, the good Olive, and without which our light cannot shine before men. The priests were to light the lamps, and tend them. It is the work of ministers, by preaching and expounding the Scriptures, which are as a lamp, to enlighten the church, God's tabernacle upon earth. Blessed be God, this light is not now confined to the Jewish tabernacle, but is a light to lighten the gentiles, and for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary

Verses 20-21

We read of the candlestick in the twenty-fifth chapter; here is an order given for the keeping of the lamps constantly burning in it, else it was useless; in every candlestick there should be a burning and shining light; candlesticks without candles are as wells without water or as clouds without rain. Now, 1. The people were to provide the oil; from them the Lord's ministers must have their maintenance. Or, rather, the pure oil signified the gifts and graces of the Spirit, which are communicated to all believers from Christ the good olive, of whose fulness we receive (Zec. 4:11, 12), and without which our light cannot shine before men. 2. The priests were to light the lamps, and to tend them; it was part of their daily service to cause the lamp to burn always, night and day; thus it is the work of ministers, by the preaching and expounding of the scriptures (which are as a lamp), to enlighten the church, God's tabernacle upon the earth, and to direct the spiritual priests in his service. This is to be a statute for ever, that the lamps of the word be lighted as duly as the incense of prayer and praise is offered.