Exodus 38:1 – “They built the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood, three cubits high; it was square, five cubits long and five cubits wide.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 38:1 describes the construction of the altar of burnt offering, an essential part of the Tabernacle, where the Israelites would offer sacrifices to God. The altar was made from acacia wood, a durable and resilient material, and was designed to be square, measuring five cubits (approximately 7.5 feet) on each side and three cubits (about 4.5 feet) in height. The altar’s construction reflects the detailed instructions given by God to Moses in earlier chapters of Exodus.
The altar of burnt offering was central to the Israelites’ worship. It was where they brought their sacrifices, both for sin and for thanksgiving, seeking atonement and expressing devotion to God. The act of sacrifice was a tangible demonstration of their recognition of God’s holiness and their need for reconciliation with Him.
Historical Context
The construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the altar of burnt offering, occurred during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The Tabernacle served as a portable sanctuary where God’s presence dwelled among His people. The altar of burnt offering was situated in the courtyard of the Tabernacle and was the first item encountered when entering the sanctuary area, symbolizing the importance of sacrifice in approaching God.
In the ancient Near East, altars were common in religious practices, often seen as a place where humans could interact with the divine. However, the Israelite altar was distinct in that it was built according to God’s specific instructions and was dedicated solely to Yahweh, the one true God. The use of acacia wood, abundant in the wilderness, and the precise dimensions, reflect God’s meticulous care in how He wanted His people to worship Him.
Theological Implications
The altar of burnt offering is a profound symbol of atonement and reconciliation between God and humanity. The sacrifices made on this altar were a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus Christ would make on the cross. In the Old Testament, these sacrifices were a temporary measure, covering sin but not fully removing it. They pointed to the need for a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, which was fulfilled in Christ.
The altar also signifies God’s holiness and the seriousness of sin. The necessity of sacrifice underscores that sin cannot be overlooked; it demands justice. Yet, through sacrifice, there is also mercy, as God provided a way for the Israelites to be forgiven and to maintain a relationship with Him.
Literary Analysis
The verse is part of a larger narrative detailing the construction of the Tabernacle, a key section in the book of Exodus. The repetition of specific measurements and materials throughout these chapters emphasizes the care and precision that the Israelites were to take in their worship of God. The focus on acacia wood, used in several key pieces of the Tabernacle, highlights its significance as a symbol of durability and purity.
The description of the altar being “square” and the specific dimensions given not only reflect physical properties but also carry symbolic meaning. The square shape can be seen as a representation of stability and balance, and the specific measurements align with other biblical numerology, where numbers often hold symbolic meaning.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 27:1-8 – This passage gives the original instructions from God regarding the construction of the altar of burnt offering, detailing its purpose and design.
- Leviticus 1:3-9 – This passage describes the process of offering a burnt offering on the altar, highlighting the importance of sacrifice in the worship of God.
- Hebrews 10:1-10 – This New Testament passage explains how the sacrifices made on the altar were a shadow of the good things to come, fulfilled in Christ’s sacrifice.
Application for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 38:1 serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the immense cost of atonement. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle of sacrifice remains relevant. It points us to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who took away the sin of the world through His death on the cross. This verse challenges us to reflect on the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice and to live lives that honor His gift.
The altar also encourages Christians to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness. Just as the Israelites had to prepare and bring their sacrifices with a pure heart, we too are called to offer our lives as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse demonstrates God’s desire for reconciliation with His people. By providing the Israelites with the means to atone for their sins, God showed His love and mercy. He did not abandon them in their sinfulness but gave them a way to draw near to Him. This reflects God’s character as both just and loving, a theme that runs throughout the Bible.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The altar of burnt offering is a direct connection to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites offered sacrifices on the altar for the atonement of their sins, Jesus offered Himself on the cross for the atonement of all humanity’s sins. Hebrews 9:11-14 explains that Christ entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption. The altar, therefore, is a foreshadowing of the cross, where the final and perfect sacrifice was made.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the construction of the altar of burnt offering reflect God’s attention to detail and His expectations for how we approach Him?
- In what ways does the concept of sacrifice in the Old Testament help us understand the significance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross?
- How can we apply the principles of sacrifice and atonement in our daily Christian walk?
- What does the altar of burnt offering teach us about the nature of sin and the necessity of atonement?
- How does understanding the historical and theological context of this verse deepen your relationship with God?
This passage reminds us that our relationship with God is built on the foundation of sacrifice and atonement, pointing us to the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for our salvation.