“When you kindle the lamps toward the face of the Menorah shall the seven lamps illuminate.”
(Bamidbar 8:2)
This is comparable to a king who said to his dear friend: “I wish to have a feast in your home.” The friend arranged a simple bed a simple lamp and a simple table. The king arrived accompanied by his servants who surrounded him with golden lamps. When the friend saw the honor accorded to the king he was abashed and hid the simple furnishings he’d prepared.
The king said: “Didn’t I tell you I would be eating at your home? Why did you not prepare anything for me?” The friend answered: “When I saw the magnificent vessels your servants brought I was ashamed of my own simple furnishings and hid them.” The king replied: “I swear that by virtue of your love for me I will use only your vessels and discard my own.”
Similarly Hashem is the Source of all light yet He asks the Jewish People to prepare a Menorah and candles for Him .
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