“Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book in the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch (also known as the Torah), which includes the first five books of the Old Testament. Exodus narrates the historical events of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt, their journey through the wilderness, and the establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai. In this particular verse, God is instructing Moses regarding the consecration of the altar in the tabernacle, where sacrifices and offerings would be presented to God.
Importance of Atonement:The verse begins with the command to make atonement for the altar for seven days. Atonement is a crucial concept in the Old Testament, representing the process of reconciliation between God and His people. It involves the removal of sin’s consequences through offerings and sacrifices. The altar served as a central place of atonement, where God’s forgiveness and mercy were symbolically obtained through the shedding of blood.
Sanctification of the Altar:The process of atonement goes hand in hand with the sanctification of the altar. Sanctification means to set something apart as holy and dedicated to God’s service. In the context of the tabernacle, the altar was sanctified to represent its holiness and sacred purpose. This shows the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect.
The Altar’s Holiness:Once sanctified, the altar became “an altar most holy.” The altar was not an ordinary object; it held special significance in facilitating communication between God and His people. This highlights the importance of maintaining the holiness of the place of worship and the need for purity in offering sacrifices.
Holiness through Contact:The verse concludes with a powerful statement: “whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.” This means that anything that came into contact with the consecrated altar also became holy. This principle illustrates the contagious nature of holiness. It emphasizes the transformative power of being in the presence of God and being dedicated to Him. It also suggests that those who participate in acts of worship and draw near to God with a contrite heart can experience His holiness and sanctifying influence.
Application:As we reflect on Exodus 29:37, several valuable lessons emerge for us as believers today:
- The importance of atonement and forgiveness:We are called to seek God’s forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
- The significance of sanctification:We are called to live holy lives, set apart for God’s purposes, and not conform to the patterns of the world.
- The reverence for places of worship:Just as the altar was sanctified, we must approach God’s house and His presence with reverence and respect.
- The contagious nature of holiness:As we draw near to God and spend time in His presence, we are transformed and become more Christ-like.
In summary, Exodus 29:37 emphasises the importance of atonement, sanctification, and the contagious nature of holiness. It serves as a reminder of God’s desire to have a relationship with His people and His provision for forgiveness and consecration through the sacrificial system, ultimately pointing us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
