Exodus 40:10

And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy.

Exodus 40:10 (KJV)

Context

The book of Exodus narrates the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to Mount Sinai, where God establishes a covenant with them and gives them the Law. In the latter part of the book, God instructs Moses to build the tabernacle, a portable dwelling place for God’s presence among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings.

Exodus 40 records the final instructions for assembling and consecrating the tabernacle. Verse 10 focuses on the altar of burnt offering, commanding Moses to anoint it and all its vessels, and to sanctify it so that it becomes “most holy.” This act was part of a larger pattern: the tabernacle and all its furnishings were consecrated (Exodus 40:9), and the priests were also anointed and sanctified (Exodus 40:12-15).

Meaning

The altar of burnt offering was a bronze altar upon which various animal sacrifices were offered to God as acts of worship, atonement for sin, and dedication to the Lord. The term “anoint” in the Bible carries the idea of consecrating or setting something apart for a holy purpose. The anointing oil was a sacred mixture specifically prepared for consecrating the tabernacle and its elements (Exodus 30:22-33). By anointing the altar, it became set apart for God’s service, making it “most holy,” a phrase that translates the Hebrew kodesh kodashim, underscoring the absolute holiness required in approaching God.

The altar’s holiness was so significant that anything touching it would become holy (Exodus 29:37; 30:29). This designation emphasized the reverence with which worship was to be conducted and the centrality of God’s holiness in His relationship with His people.

Biblical connections

The altar of burnt offering was a place where sacrifices were made, and it represents the concept of substitutionary atonement. Animal sacrifices were offered on the altar as a way for the people to seek forgiveness for their sins and draw closer to God. This system of sacrifice pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, who would become the perfect and final atonement for humanity’s sin.

The phrase “altar most holy” emphasizes the importance of holiness in the worship of God. Holiness refers to being set apart and dedicated to God’s service. God’s presence would dwell in the tabernacle, specifically in the Most Holy Place, the inner sanctum separated by a veil. The altar, as part of this sacred structure, needed to be consecrated and treated with reverence because it was a place where people encountered God.

Application

While we may not have a physical altar of burnt offering today, the principle of setting things apart for God’s service remains relevant. As Christians, we are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). Our lives should be consecrated for God’s purposes, and our worship and service should be characterized by holiness. We can come to God boldly through Jesus Christ, our high priest (Hebrews 4:16), and offer our lives as a living sacrifice in worship and devotion to Him.

Reflection

Exodus 40:10 highlights the significance of consecrating the altar of burnt offering and the importance of holiness in worship. The anointing of the altar symbolized its setting apart for God’s service and represented the people’s desire to approach God and seek His forgiveness. As we reflect on this verse, let us remember to consecrate our lives, offering ourselves as living sacrifices, and seek to maintain a life of holiness as we draw near to God through Christ, our mediator and high priest.