The pshat of this midrash seems very literal: ְRather than accept the commandment to kindle the candelabra in the Sanctuary as something that God needs or desires, the midrash sets the reader straight. The command to bring light into the Sanctuary is for mankind’s benefit. The midrash brings proof texts from psalms and the book of Daniel to further illustrate that God has no need for the physical light that is lit by flesh and blood (בשר ודם) and is very capable of providing all the light that is required.
The second part of the midrash reiterates the question and adds an insight that is difficult to comprehend in its literal application but can perhaps be better understood metaphysically. The midrash posits and brings proof texts that Solomon built the Temple counterintuitively. Rather than build the windows to allow maximum ambient light into the Temple, the apertures of the Temple were constructed to minimize the light coming in yet allow maximum light out. The midrash brings this as further proof that the Temple did not need any light much less the light of the Menorah that Aaron was commanded to light. But Aaron was commanded to light the menorah.
Was the candlepower of the Temple sufficient to light up the world? The cynical mind would answer in the negative but if we allow ourselves to understand the symbolism, perhaps even the metaphysical reality, then the message is clear. God does not want humans to light up the Temple for Him, but for us. The angle of illumination of the windows is not for us to imagine a super-physical miracle but a deeper message. The light of the Temple, where the purity of the service of God finds its zenith, should flow outward and inspire the world. Hence the prayer and even exhortation to grow Torah and a make it glorified. Understanding that God does not need the commandments but they were given for our benefit is the key for this growth.
Then the advent of the messianic era will be upon us. As the proof text from Isaiah posits, our light will meet His light.
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