“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 four square; and three cubits the height thereof.”– Exodus 38:1 (KJV)
“He made the altar of burnt offering from acacia wood. It was seven and a half feet long and seven and a half feet wide; it was square and four and a half feet high.”– Exodus 38:1 (NLT)
“He made the altar of burnt offerings out of acacia wood. It was seven and a half feet long, seven and a half feet wide, and four and a half feet high; it was square.”– Exodus 38:1 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 38:1 Mean?
Exodus 38:1 describes the construction of the altar of burnt offerings, which was an important piece of furniture in the tabernacle of the Israelites. This altar holds significant meaning and symbolism. In Biblical times, the altar was the place where sacrifices were made, which was how the Israelites sought to atone for their sins and maintain a right relationship with God. The altar of burnt offerings served as a visible reminder of the cost of sin and the necessity of blood for forgiveness.
The specific dimensions and materials mentioned in this verse are not arbitrary; they were meticulously prescribed by God to Moses. By using acacia wood, known for its durability and beauty, the altar was intended to last and serve a vital purpose in the worship of the Israelites. Furthermore, the size and square shape emphasize the importance of balance in design and function in worship practices.
Exodus 38:1 Explanation and Commentary
With a closer look at Exodus 38:1, we see that it mentions specific measurements, including the altar’s length, breadth, and height. Each of these measurements symbolically reflects God’s meticulousness in worship and His desire for His people to approach Him in reverence.
When we consider the altar’s size, it’s interesting to note that it was designed to be large enough to accommodate the sacrifices needed for the people. This speaks to the vastness of God’s mercy and forgiveness, as the altar symbolized a place where an abundant number of sacrifices could be offered.
Offering sacrifices on such an altar was also representative of the Israelites’ gratitude to God for His many blessings. It was an expression of their devotion and desire to remain in a covenant relationship with Him. The act of laying down a sacrifice was a statement of dependency on God for reconciliation, reflecting the deep need for redemption and the effort required to maintain purity before Him.
The materials chosen for the altar are equally significant. Acacia wood, often associated with strength and resilience, points to God’s unchanging and steadfast nature. In a world where circumstances and relationships frequently change, it’s reassuring to remember that God remains a firm foundation. Building the altar with such durable materials reaffirms our faith in God’s promises, echoing His reliability and eternal presence.
Context of Exodus 38:1
To fully understand Exodus 38:1, it’s essential to look at the broader context of the book of Exodus. This book narrates the Israelites’ journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom and their establishment as a nation. Central to this is the concept of the covenant between God and His people, where God made promises and expectations clear, setting out guidelines for worship and community life.
The construction of the tabernacle and the altar alongside other sacred furnishings reflects God’s desire to dwell among His people. Exodus demonstrates how God wanted more than just a surface-level relationship; He desired a deep, intimate connection with the Israelites. The instructions given for the altar were a way to teach them how to engage with Him properly.
This also connects to the overarching theme of redemption throughout the Bible. The need for sacrifices on the altar anticipated the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, who paid the price for our sins once and for all. This foretelling establishes a thread connecting Exodus to the New Testament, showing God’s redemptive narrative throughout history.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 38:1
Breaking down Exodus 38:1 into manageable parts can help us appreciate its full significance.
The “altar of burnt offering” captures our attention because it is the primary place where sacrifices for atonement were made. Behind this is a profound understanding that sin requires payment, and that sin has consequences. When the Israelites approached the altar, they recognized their need for forgiveness and redemption for their failures. Each sacrifice offered was a tangible representation of their contrition and desire to align with God’s will.
The use of “acacia wood” in the construction highlights an essential aspect of God’s creation—a material that provides lasting strength. When reflecting on this wood, we are reminded that our worship and offerings, just like the materials used in the altar, should come from a place of integrity and a willingness to honor God with our best.
Lastly, the specific dimensions—the square shape and height—show that God desired a structure that was sturdy and significant. The importance placed on specific numbers often leads to deeper exploration. In biblical numerology, the number four is linked to creation. The square shape of the altar symbolizes the fullness of the earth while connecting us to creation.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 38:1
As we examine Exodus 38:1, we should ask ourselves what lessons can be gleaned from this ancient account. One of the most crucial lessons is about the importance of proper worship. Sacrifice was not just an act; it was a serious and sacred endeavor. Worshiping God should involve intentionality, preparedness, and heart commitment.
We’ve also discovered the significance of understanding our relationship with God. Recognizing our sins and coming to Him for forgiveness is essential for spiritual health and restoration. We can learn that acknowledgment of wrongdoing opens the door for grace to flow into our lives.
A practical takeaway from this verse is the need to give our best to God. Whether it’s through our time, talents, or treasures, we should reflect on what we offer to God in our lives. Like the materials used for the altar, our contributions should come from quality intentions. This applies to all areas of our lives, including how we engage with others and share God’s love.
Final Thoughts
In closing, Exodus 38:1 opens our eyes to the significance of the altar and its implications for worship and relationship with God. It is a reminder that God desires both our reverence and our genuine hearts. May we approach our lives in worship with diligent care and devotion.
As we transition beyond this verse, we have opportunities to further explore other passages that contribute to our understanding of God and His desires for us. We can explore topics like prayer and worship, as seen in Matthew 11, or even the foundations of faith laid out in Genesis 18. Each exploration leads us closer to understanding God’s heart.