“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.”
Context:The book of Exodus narrates the story of 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, which was a portable dwelling place for God’s presence among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings.
In Exodus 40, we find the final instructions given to Moses regarding the assembly and consecration of the tabernacle. This chapter describes the process of setting up the tabernacle and its various elements, including the anointing of the altar of burnt offering, which is the focus of verse 10.
The Altar of Burnt Offering:The altar of burnt offering was a crucial component of the tabernacle. It was a bronze altar upon which various animal sacrifices were offered to God as an act of worship, atonement for sin, and dedication to the Lord.
Anointing and Sanctification:The term “anoint” in the Bible carries the idea of consecrating or setting something apart for a holy purpose. In this verse, God commands Moses to anoint the altar and all its vessels. 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 would become set apart for God’s service, making it “most holy,” symbolizing the special and sacred nature of this place of worship.
Symbolism of the Altar: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.
Holiness and God’s Presence: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.
Conclusion:
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.
