“And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; it was foursquare, and three cubits the height thereof.”
Context:Exodus 38:1 is part of the larger narrative of the construction of the tabernacle, which was a portable sanctuary that the Israelites built in the wilderness under the guidance of God. The tabernacle was a central place of worship and a symbol of God’s presence among His people during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
In this specific verse, we read about the construction of the “altar of burnt offering.” This altar played a significant role in the tabernacle’s sacrificial system, as it was the place where various animal sacrifices were offered to God as a means of atonement for sin and for seeking God’s favor and forgiveness.
Key Points:
- Materials and Dimensions:The altar of burnt offering was constructed from acacia wood, also known as shittim wood. This type of wood was durable and resistant to decay, making it suitable for the altar’s purpose. The altar was a square structure, with each side measuring five cubits (approximately 7.5 feet or 2.3 meters). It stood three cubits (approximately 4.5 feet or 1.4 meters) tall.
- Location:The altar of burnt offering was placed in the outer courtyard of the tabernacle, just outside the entrance to the Holy Place. Its positioning signified that access to God’s presence was through the sacrificial system, as the sacrifices offered on this altar served as a temporary means of atonement until Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
- Purpose:The altar of burnt offering was primarily used for the offering of burnt sacrifices. These sacrifices were completely consumed by fire and represented total dedication to God. The burnt offering symbolized surrendering one’s life and possessions entirely to God and seeking His forgiveness and acceptance.
- Symbolism:Throughout the Bible, fire is often associated with purification and divine presence. The fire on the altar symbolized God’s acceptance of the offerings and the purification of the people’s sins. It also represented God’s holy presence in the midst of His people.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Sacrifice and Dedication:The altar of burnt offering reminds us of the concept of sacrifice in our relationship with God. Just as the Israelites offered their best animals on the altar, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). This involves surrendering our will and desires to God’s will, dedicating ourselves to His service, and seeking His forgiveness when we fall short.
- Access to God:The placement of the altar outside the Holy Place teaches us that we can only approach God’s presence through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for our sins, and through faith in Him, we can have direct access to God (Hebrews 10:19-22).
- Holiness and Purity:The consuming fire on the altar emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity in our lives. We are called to be holy, for God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). The process of sanctification involves God purifying us from sin and transforming us into the image of Christ.
- God’s Presence:The presence of the altar in the midst of the camp of Israel reminds us that God desires to dwell among His people. Through the sacrificial system, God was establishing a way for His people to experience communion with Him despite their sinfulness. Today, through the Holy Spirit, God dwells in the hearts of believers, and we can experience a personal relationship with Him.
In summary, Exodus 38:1 and the description of the altar of burnt offering provide us with valuable spiritual lessons about sacrifice, dedication, access to God, holiness, and God’s desire to dwell among His people. As we reflect on these lessons, may we grow in our understanding of God’s plan of redemption and His call for us to live as His holy and devoted people.
