A city on a hill
The old city of Jerusalem stands on the brow of ridge, jutting
out southward between two deep valleys. A psalm declares “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
in the city of our God, in his holy
mountain. Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the
whole earth, is Mount Zion, on the north sides, the city of the great
King” (Ps 48:1-2 HNV).
(Matt 5:14-16 WEB)5:14 You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.
5:15 Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.
5:16 Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Let your light shine
This city on a hill was Jerusalem, the mountain of the temple of the Lord and the seat of a dynasty that God had entrusted with revealing his judgements to the world.
The Hebrew Bible links light with God’s words, for both reveal the truth. Those entrusted with God’s words were therefore likened to lights and poetically compared to the stars. As such folk scattered throughout the countryside, they came to resemble the lamps in first Century Jewish homes. Innumerable little truth-revealers, casting their light across the land. Because of ancient Israel’s belief in its light giving role, the menorah style lamp stand, with its seven lamps, became forever associated with the nation.
Jesus reminds his disciples that they are to to be like lamps and reveal the truth before men. When they do, then good things will happen and these good works will bring glory to God.
. . . commentary continues with Matt 5:17-18
This page is just an overview. For a detailed analysis of Matt 5:14-16, with supporting material and citations, see the further notes on Matt 5:14-16.