Exodus 29:37: “For seven days make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 29:37 continues the instructions regarding the consecration of the altar used in the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. God commands that for seven days, atonement should be made for the altar, and it should be consecrated. This process would result in the altar becoming “most holy,” meaning that it would be set apart for God’s use, and anything that touched it would also become holy.
This verse emphasizes the importance of thorough and deliberate consecration in the service of God. The seven-day period symbolizes completeness and thoroughness in the process of making the altar holy. The statement that whatever touches the altar will be holy reflects the idea that holiness is contagious in this sacred context. The altar, once consecrated, was not just a common object; it became a sacred space where offerings to God were made, and anything that came into contact with it was sanctified by its holiness.
Historical Context
In the historical context of ancient Israel, the altar was the central piece of the tabernacle where sacrifices were offered to God. It was the place where the priests made atonement for the sins of the people through various offerings. The process of consecrating the altar was crucial because the altar needed to be holy to serve its purpose as the meeting place between God and His people.
The seven-day period for consecrating the altar mirrors the seven days of creation, where God made the world and set it apart for His purposes. This parallel suggests that just as creation was complete and perfect, so too was the consecration of the altar, ensuring that it was fully prepared for its sacred role in Israel’s worship.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 29:37 highlights the seriousness of holiness in worship. The extended period of atonement and consecration underscores the idea that approaching God requires careful preparation and purity. The altar, as the focal point of sacrifice and atonement, needed to be most holy because it was the place where God’s presence was encountered.
The idea that anything touching the altar would become holy reflects the transformative power of God’s holiness. This concept carries forward into the New Testament, where believers are called to be holy because they have been touched by God’s grace through Jesus Christ. Holiness is not just a static state but something that has the power to sanctify and transform.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 29:37 is a verse that emphasizes the thoroughness required in consecrating the altar. The repetition of the seven-day period and the focus on making atonement highlights the importance of this process. The verse is part of a larger section in Exodus that deals with the ordination of the priests and the preparation of the tabernacle, reflecting the detailed and careful approach God requires in worship.
The language used in the verse is straightforward, but it carries deep symbolic meaning. The altar’s transition from a constructed object to a “most holy” place reflects the transformation that occurs when something is dedicated to God’s service.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other biblical passages relate to the themes found in Exodus 29:37:
- Leviticus 8:10-11: This passage describes the anointing of the altar and the tabernacle to consecrate them, reinforcing the theme of holiness in worship.
- Exodus 40:9-10: These verses instruct the anointing of the tabernacle and everything in it to make them holy, similar to the consecration of the altar.
- Matthew 23:19: Jesus refers to the altar as sanctifying the gift placed on it, highlighting the idea that the holiness of the altar imparts holiness to what it touches.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 29:37 serves as a reminder of the importance of holiness in worship and in life. Just as the altar had to be consecrated and made holy, believers are called to consecrate their lives to God, setting themselves apart for His purposes. This verse challenges us to take seriously the process of spiritual growth and sanctification, recognizing that holiness requires dedication and ongoing commitment.
The idea that whatever touches the altar becomes holy also encourages Christians to reflect on the transformative power of God’s presence in their lives. When we come into contact with God through prayer, worship, and obedience, we are changed and made holy by His grace.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 29:37 reflects God’s love in His desire for His people to approach Him in holiness. By providing detailed instructions for the consecration of the altar, God was ensuring that the place where His people would meet with Him was pure and set apart for His purposes. This verse shows God’s loving care in making a way for His people to experience His presence in a holy and sanctified manner.
God’s love is also evident in the transformative power of holiness. The fact that anything touching the altar would become holy reflects God’s desire to sanctify His people, making them holy through their relationship with Him. This transformative power is an expression of God’s love, as He works to purify and prepare His people for His purposes.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 29:37 connects to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system and the one who makes us holy. Just as the altar was consecrated to be most holy, Jesus consecrated Himself as the perfect sacrifice, making a way for believers to be sanctified. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the role of the altar, becoming the place where atonement is made and where we are made holy.
In Hebrews 13:10-12, the writer speaks of Jesus suffering outside the city gate to make the people holy through His own blood. This passage ties the holiness of the altar to the holiness that Christ imparts to believers through His sacrifice, emphasizing that through Jesus, we are made holy and set apart for God’s purposes.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the command to make atonement for the altar for seven days challenge us to think about the seriousness of holiness in our own lives?
- In what ways can we consecrate our lives to God, setting ourselves apart for His purposes, as the altar was consecrated for worship?
- How does this verse encourage us to reflect on the transformative power of God’s presence and holiness in our lives?
- What does it mean for us to live as “holy and set apart,” reflecting the holiness of the altar in Exodus 29?
- How can we show gratitude for the way Jesus, our ultimate sacrifice, has made us holy and prepared us for God’s service through His death and resurrection?