“And he put the altar of burnt offering by the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered upon it the burnt offering and the meat offering; as the Lord commanded Moses.”
Context:The book of Exodus narrates the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to their liberation and covenant with God at Mount Sinai. In this specific chapter (Exodus 40), we find the completion of the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that would serve as a dwelling place for God’s presence among the Israelites during their travels in the wilderness.
The Tabernacle:The Tabernacle was a highly significant and symbolic structure in the Old Testament. It was designed according to God’s specific instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Tabernacle comprised two main sections: the outer court and the inner sanctuary, separated by a veil. The outer court contained the bronze altar of burnt offering, where animal sacrifices were made, and the bronze laver for washing. The inner sanctuary, known as the Holy Place, housed the golden lampstand, the table of showbread, and the golden altar of incense. Beyond the veil was the Holy of Holies, which held the Ark of the Covenant.
The Altar of Burnt Offering:In Exodus 40:29, we see that the altar of burnt offering was placed by the entrance of the tabernacle. This altar was a central element of worship, where various offerings were presented to God. It played a crucial role in atoning for sin and expressing the Israelites’ devotion and obedience to the Lord.
The Offerings:The verse mentions two types of offerings that were presented on the altar: the burnt offering and the meat (or grain) offering.
- Burnt Offering: The burnt offering was completely consumed by fire and represented total surrender and dedication to God. It symbolized the worshiper’s desire to offer themselves entirely to the Lord, acknowledging His holiness and seeking His forgiveness and favour.
- Meat (Grain) Offering: The meat offering was a non-animal offering, typically consisting of grain, oil, and frankincense. It was offered to express gratitude to God and acknowledge His provision and sustenance.
Obedience to God’s Commands:The concluding part of the verse emphasizes that the offerings on the altar were made “as the Lord commanded Moses.” This highlights the importance of obedience to God’s instructions. The construction of the Tabernacle and the proper offering of sacrifices were done in precise accordance with God’s explicit commands. Obedience to God’s Word was a fundamental aspect of Israel’s relationship with Him.
