“And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.”
Historical Context:The book of Exodus is primarily concerned with the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their subsequent journey to the Promised Land. In this verse, God instructs Moses on the construction of the altar to be used for burnt offerings and sacrifices in the tabernacle.
Symbolism and Meaning:
- Altar: The altar in the tabernacle was a central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites. It represented their approach to God, their repentance, and their desire for reconciliation with Him. It also symbolized their commitment to follow God’s commands and offer worship to Him alone.
- Shittim Wood: The altar was to be made of shittim wood, also known as acacia wood. Acacia wood is durable and resistant to decay, which may symbolize the enduring nature of God’s presence and the eternal significance of the sacrifices offered on the altar.
- Foursquare: The altar was to be foursquare, meaning it had equal dimensions on all sides. This symmetrical design represents order, stability, and balance. It reminds us of God’s perfect justice and righteousness.
- Dimensions: The altar was to be five cubits long, five cubits broad, and three cubits high. Cubits were an ancient unit of measurement, roughly equal to the length from a person’s elbow to the tip of their fingers. These specific dimensions show the precise instructions God provided for constructing the altar.
Spiritual Lessons and Applications:
- Worship and Sacrifice: The construction of the altar emphasizes the importance of worship and sacrifice in the life of believers. It reminds us that God desires our sincere worship and devotion. As Christians, we no longer offer animal sacrifices but are called to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1).
- Approach to God: The altar signifies our approach to God. In Old Testament times, the Israelites would bring their offerings to the altar to seek forgiveness and restoration. Today, through Jesus Christ, we have direct access to God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19-22). We can approach Him with confidence, knowing that Jesus has made a way for us.
- Commitment and Obedience: The altar’s symmetrical design and specific dimensions remind us of the importance of obedience and order in our worship. Just as God instructed Moses in precise details, He calls us to follow His Word diligently and worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).
- The Cross: In Christian theology, the altar in the tabernacle serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate altar-the cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, once and for all, for the sins of humanity (Hebrews 9:11-14). The altar in Exodus points forward to the redemptive work accomplished by Jesus on the cross.
In conclusion, Exodus 27:1 provides instructions for the construction of the altar in the tabernacle. This verse reminds us of the significance of worship, sacrifice, obedience, and our approach to God. It also points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, which brings redemption and reconciliation for all who believe in Him.
