Light: The Radiance of Divine Presence

Light is one of the most pervasive and powerful symbols in the Abrahamic faiths. From the very first day of creation when God said, “Let there be light,” to the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem where “the Lord God will give them light,” the imagery of light pervades Scripture and Islamic teaching.

Light symbolizes God’s presence, His truth, His holiness, His revelation, and His salvation. God Himself is light: “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). The Quran declares: “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth” (Quran 24:35). The LORD “wraps himself in light as with a garment” (Psalm 104:2).

In contrast, darkness represents evil, ignorance, sin, and separation from God. The drama of salvation history is the story of light overcoming darkness, God’s light breaking into a dark world, truth dispelling lies, and revelation illuminating ignorance.

In an age that often confuses light with mere information, that equates enlightenment with education, the Abrahamic traditions offer a deeper vision: true light is the presence of God, and to walk in the light is to walk with Him.

Biblical Foundations: “Let There Be Light”

The First Creation: Light Before the Sun

The first recorded words of God in Scripture are “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). Before the sun, moon, and stars (created on day four), God created light itself on day one. This primordial light was not sunlight but the radiance of God’s creative word, the first manifestation of His glory in the material world.

“God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness” (Genesis 1:4). This separation of light from darkness establishes a fundamental biblical pattern: light and darkness are opposites, incompatible, locked in conflict. Where light comes, darkness must flee.

God as Light

Throughout Scripture, God is associated with light:

“The LORD wraps himself in light as with a garment” (Psalm 104:2). God’s very nature is light—brilliant, pure, holy, revealing, life-giving.

“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). God as light provides guidance (showing the way), protection (exposing dangers), and deliverance (salvation).

Moses encountered God’s light on Mount Sinai, and afterward his face shone so brightly that he had to wear a veil (Exodus 34:29-35). He had been in the presence of the Light.

When the temple was dedicated, “the glory of the LORD filled the temple. The priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14). God’s glorious light-presence dwelt among His people.

The Face of God Shining

The Aaronic blessing prays: “The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you” (Numbers 6:25). For God’s face to shine is for Him to smile upon us, to show favor, to manifest His presence. The light of God’s face brings blessing, grace, and peace.

The psalmist repeatedly prays for the light of God’s face:

“Let the light of your face shine on us, LORD” (Psalm 4:6).

“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD” (Psalm 89:15).

To be in God’s light-presence is the highest blessing; to be removed from it is the deepest curse.

The Menorah: Symbol of Divine Light

God commanded Israel to make a menorah (lampstand) for the Tabernacle: “Set up the lamps so that they light the space in front of it” (Exodus 25:37). The menorah, with its seven lamps, stood in the Holy Place, continually burning before the LORD.

The menorah became a central symbol of Judaism, representing God’s light dwelling among His people. The light never went out; priests tended it daily to ensure continuous light.

Torah as Light

The Torah itself is repeatedly described as light:

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). God’s word illuminates the path of life, showing the way to go.

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130). Scripture enlightens, bringing understanding and wisdom.

“These commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light” (Proverbs 6:23). The law provides moral and spiritual guidance.

To study Torah is to walk in light; to ignore it is to walk in darkness.

Light and Darkness in Conflict

The biblical narrative presents an ongoing conflict between light and darkness:

In creation, God separated light from darkness (Genesis 1:4).

The ninth plague on Egypt was darkness—thick darkness that could be felt—while Israel had light in their dwellings (Exodus 10:21-23). Even in judgment, God’s people experience light.

The prophets envisioned a coming day when God’s light would triumph: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2).

Messiah as Light

The prophets foretold a coming Deliverer who would be the light of the world:

“I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you” (Isaiah 60:1).

The Messiah would not only walk in light but would be light itself, bringing God’s illumination to all nations.

Light in Judaism: The Eternal Flame

Judaism developed rich symbolism around light, from the Sabbath candles to the Hanukkah menorah to the metaphor of Israel as a light to the nations.

Sabbath Candles

Every Friday evening, Jewish families light Sabbath candles to welcome the Sabbath. The lighting is accompanied by a blessing: “Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Sabbath light.”

These candles symbolize the spiritual light of the Sabbath, the joy and holiness of the day of rest. The light of Shabbat dispels the darkness of the work week and brings divine peace.

Hanukkah: Festival of Lights

Hanukkah (Dedication) commemorates the rededication of the Temple after the Maccabean victory. According to tradition, when the Temple was rededicated, there was only enough consecrated oil to keep the menorah burning for one day, but miraculously the oil lasted eight days.

During Hanukkah, Jews light a special nine-branched menorah (chanukiah), adding one candle each night for eight nights. The increasing light symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, of faith over oppression, of the few over the many.

The prophet Zechariah’s vision of the menorah is read during Hanukkah: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6). The miracle of light testifies to God’s power.

Torah as Light

Jewish tradition emphasizes the Torah as light that illuminates life’s path. The Talmud teaches: “A lamp (the Torah) is a commandment, and the Torah is light” (Proverbs 6:23). Studying Torah brings enlightenment, understanding, and wisdom.

When the Torah scroll is taken from the ark during services, the congregation may sing: “For from Zion shall go forth the Torah, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3). Torah is the light that goes forth from Jerusalem to enlighten the world.

Israel as Light to the Nations

Jewish tradition understood Isaiah’s prophecy—“I will also make you a light for the Gentiles” (Isaiah 49:6)—as a calling for Israel. By keeping the covenant, observing the mitzvot, and witnessing to the one true God, Israel would be a light to the nations, showing them the path to the LORD.

This calling continues: through living faithfully, pursuing justice, and sanctifying God’s name, the Jewish people shine light in a dark world.

Messianic Light

Jewish hope includes the expectation that when Messiah comes, God’s light will fully shine. The prophet Malachi promised: “For you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays” (Malachi 4:2).

In the messianic age, darkness will be banished: “The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light” (Isaiah 60:19-20).

The Light of Life

Jewish prayers thank God for the light of life itself. The morning prayers include: “Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe, who forms light and creates darkness, makes peace and creates all things.”

Each new day is a gift of light, an opportunity to walk in God’s presence.

Light in Christianity: Christ the Light of the World

Christianity proclaims Jesus Christ as the ultimate manifestation of God’s light, the fulfillment of all the light-imagery of the Old Testament.

John the Baptist: A Lamp

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. Jesus said of John: “He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light” (John 5:35). John was a lamp that pointed to the true Light.

John himself testified: “I am not the Messiah… I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness” (John 1:20, 23). He deflected attention from himself to the one who is the Light.

The Incarnate Light

The Gospel of John opens with a cosmic vision of Christ as the Light:

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5).

“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1:9).

When God said “Let there be light” at creation, He was speaking forth Christ, the eternal Word. Christ is the true Light, the source of all spiritual illumination.

Simeon, holding the infant Jesus, declared: “My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32).

Jesus is the light Isaiah foretold, bringing revelation to Gentiles and glory to Israel.

Jesus: “I Am the Light of the World”

Jesus explicitly claimed to be the light of the world:

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5).

To follow Jesus is to walk in light—to have guidance, truth, life, salvation. To reject Jesus is to remain in darkness.

Light vs. Darkness: The Great Divide

John’s Gospel presents a stark contrast between light and darkness:

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God” (John 3:19-21).

Christ’s coming forces a decision: will we come to the light or remain in darkness? Evil loves darkness and flees from light. Righteousness welcomes light.

Believers as Light

Jesus told His disciples: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Christians are called to be light—not generating their own light but reflecting Christ’s light. By living righteously and doing good works, believers illuminate a dark world and point others to God.

Paul elaborated: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)” (Ephesians 5:8-9).

Christians are not just in the light; they are light. Our identity has been transformed from darkness to light.

The Light Shining in Hearts

Paul connected creation’s first light with the light of the gospel:

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

The same God who spoke light into existence at creation speaks light into human hearts through the gospel. To know Christ is to have the light of the knowledge of God’s glory.

Walk in the Light

1 John emphasizes that walking in the light is essential to fellowship with God:

“God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:5-7).

Walking in the light means living in truth, righteousness, and love—the character of God who is light.

The Eschatological Light

Revelation envisions the New Jerusalem as a city of light:

“The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp” (Revelation 21:23).

“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 22:5).

In the end, God’s light will banish all darkness forever. We will dwell in perpetual light, in the unmediated presence of God.

Light in Islam: Allah the Nur

Islam teaches that Allah is light (Nur) and that He guides believers from darkness into light through the Quran and Islam.

Allah as Light

The most famous verse about light in the Quran is Ayat an-Nur (the Light Verse):

“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things” (Quran 24:35).

This verse uses rich imagery to describe Allah as the source of all light—physical and spiritual. His light is perfect, brilliant, and self-sustaining (“would almost glow even if untouched by fire”). He illuminates the heavens and the earth.

The Quran as Light

The Quran is repeatedly described as light:

“There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book. By which Allah guides those who pursue His pleasure to the ways of peace and brings them out from darknesses into the light by His permission and guides them to a straight path” (Quran 5:15-16).

“So believe in Allah and His Messenger and the light which We have sent down. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do” (Quran 64:8).

The Quran is the light that guides from darkness (ignorance, sin, disbelief) into light (knowledge, righteousness, faith).

From Darkness to Light

A central theme in the Quran is that Allah brings believers from darkness into light:

“Allah is the ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into the light. And those who disbelieve—their allies are the devils. They take them out of the light into darknesses. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally” (Quran 2:257).

“Is one who was dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge therefrom? Thus it has been made pleasing to the disbelievers that which they were doing” (Quran 6:122).

Before faith, one is in darkness—spiritually dead. Through Allah’s guidance, one is brought to life and given light to walk by. Believers walk in light; unbelievers stumble in darkness.

Muhammad as a Light

The Prophet Muhammad is described as a light-bringing messenger:

“O Prophet, indeed We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner. And one who invites to Allah, by His permission, and an illuminating lamp” (Quran 33:45-46).

Muhammad is an “illuminating lamp” (siraj munir), bringing the light of divine guidance to a dark world.

Faith as Light

Faith itself is described as light that believers carry:

“O you who have believed, fear Allah and believe in His Messenger; He will [then] give you a double portion of His mercy and make for you a light by which you walk and will forgive you; and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful” (Quran 57:28).

This light enables believers to navigate life’s challenges, to distinguish right from wrong, to walk the straight path.

Light Cannot Be Extinguished

The Quran promises that no opposition can extinguish Allah’s light:

“They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah refuses except to perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it” (Quran 9:32).

“They intend to put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it” (Quran 61:8).

Those who oppose Islam are like people trying to blow out the sun with their breath—futile. Allah’s light will prevail and be perfected.

Eschatological Light

On the Day of Judgment, the earth will shine with Allah’s light:

“And the earth will shine with the light of its Lord, and the record [of deeds] will be placed, and the prophets and the witnesses will be brought, and it will be judged between them in truth, and they will not be wronged” (Quran 39:69).

In Paradise, believers will dwell in light; in Hell, disbelievers will remain in darkness.

Comparative Themes Across Traditions

God as the Source of Light

All three Abrahamic faiths confess that God Himself is light. This is not merely metaphor but speaks to His essential nature: He is pure, holy, radiant, glorious, revealing, life-giving.

“The LORD is my light” (Psalm 27:1). “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth” (Quran 24:35).

Scripture as Light

All three traditions describe their sacred scriptures as light:

• Torah: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105)
• Gospel: “The light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
• Quran: “There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book” (Quran 5:15)

Divine revelation illuminates, showing the path of life and dispelling ignorance.

Light vs. Darkness as Fundamental Opposition

In all three faiths, light and darkness represent irreconcilable opposites—good and evil, truth and falsehood, God and Satan, life and death.

Creation began with God separating light from darkness. History is the story of light overcoming darkness. Eschatology envisions darkness finally banished.

Walking in the Light

All three traditions call believers to “walk in the light”:

• Judaism: “Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD” (Isaiah 2:5)
• Christianity: “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another” (1 John 1:7)
• Islam: “We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people” (Quran 6:122)

To walk in light means to live righteously, to follow God’s guidance, to live in His presence.

Believers as Light

All three traditions envision believers as light-bearers in a dark world:

• Judaism: “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles” (Isaiah 49:6)
• Christianity: “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14)
• Islam: “He will give you a light by which you walk” (Quran 57:28)

The faithful reflect God’s light, illuminating the world around them.

Modern Challenges

Confusion of Light with Information

Modern culture equates enlightenment with information, education with illumination. Having access to data is seen as being “in the light.”

But the Abrahamic traditions insist that true light is not mere information but divine presence, truth, holiness. One can have vast knowledge and still walk in spiritual darkness.

Relativism: No Absolute Light

Postmodern relativism claims there is no absolute truth, no objective light—only individual perspectives, each equally valid. “Your truth” and “my truth” are both enlightening.

The Abrahamic faiths reject this: there is objective truth, and it shines from God. To deny absolute truth is to choose darkness.

Technological “Illumination”

Technology promises to illuminate everything—to bring all knowledge to our fingertips, to light up every dark corner. But technological light often brings surveillance, exposure, and invasion rather than wisdom, holiness, and life.

True light brings not just visibility but understanding, not just exposure but transformation.

Spiritual Darkness in Material Prosperity

Western material prosperity can coexist with deep spiritual darkness. People may have physical light in abundance yet walk in moral and spiritual darkness—ignorant of God, blind to truth, dead in sin.

The prophets warned against this: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness” (Isaiah 5:20).

Light Without Heat

Some modern religion offers “light” (intellectual understanding, moral teaching) without the heat of personal encounter with God. But biblical light is always warm—it is the presence of the living God, not just abstract truth.

To know the light is to know the God who is light.

Significance: Walking in the Light

Light is not merely a beautiful symbol but a reality that shapes how we live. To understand God as light and to be called to walk in the light has profound implications.

Light reveals God’s character. That God is light means He is pure, holy, radiant, glorious, true, revealing. There is no darkness in Him—no evil, no falsehood, no hidden wickedness. What you see is what you get: perfect goodness, absolute truth, holy love.

Light exposes darkness. When light comes, darkness is revealed for what it is. Jesus’ coming exposed the darkness of human sin, religious hypocrisy, and demonic power. The light of truth exposes lies. Walking in the light means living transparently before God, with nothing hidden.

Light guides the path. God’s word is “a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). We don’t navigate life’s journey by our own wisdom but by God’s illumination. His light shows the way to go, warns of dangers, and leads to life.

Light gives life. “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind” (John 1:4). Light and life are inseparable. To walk in light is to walk in life. To choose darkness is to choose death.

Light must be received. The tragedy is that “light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Light can be rejected. We can choose to remain in darkness rather than come to the light.

Walking in the light means living in truth, righteousness, and love. “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Walking in light is not just believing correct doctrine but living in holiness and love.

Believers are to be light-bearers. “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). As the moon reflects the sun’s light, believers reflect Christ’s light. By living righteously and doing good works, we illuminate a dark world and point others to God.

Light will ultimately triumph. However dark the world seems, however powerful evil appears, light will win. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). God’s light cannot be extinguished.

In the end, we will dwell in pure light—in the unmediated presence of God, where there is no darkness at all, no night, no need for lamp or sun, for the Lord God Himself will be our light forever.

“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). When we walk in God’s light, what can darkness do to us? The one who is light is with us, in us, and will be our light forever.

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you (Isaiah 60:1). Let us walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:8-9).