How does the design of the altar reflect God's holiness and our approach to Him? The Setting: A Closer Look at Exodus 37:27 “He also made two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it.” Crafted for Holiness: What the Materials Say about God • Pure gold overlay—nothing less than the finest speaks of absolute purity (cf. Exodus 30:3). • Horns on the four corners—points of power and mercy where blood would be applied (cf. Leviticus 4:7). • Meticulous measurements—God defines the terms of worship; we do not improvise (cf. Exodus 25:40). Rings and Poles: Near Yet Separate • Rings fastened “below the molding” keep the poles in place: the altar is movable but never handled directly. • The poles create distance—sinful hands may not touch holy things (cf. 1 Samuel 6:19; 2 Samuel 6:6-7). • Yet portability signals God’s desire to dwell with His people wherever they go (cf. Exodus 29:45-46). Fragrance of Communion: Incense and Prayer • Daily incense symbolizes continual fellowship (Exodus 30:7-8). • Psalm 141:2—“May my prayer be set before You like incense.” • Revelation 8:3-4—heavenly incense mingled with the prayers of the saints. • Our approach must be fragrant with sincere prayer, not empty ritual. Holiness Fulfilled in Christ • Hebrews 9:11-14—Christ enters the greater, heavenly sanctuary with His own blood. • Hebrews 10:19-22—“We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.” • The wooden altar overlaid with gold foreshadows the union of Christ’s humanity and divinity: the cross (wood) bearing the worth of heaven (gold). • No more carrying poles—Jesus has brought the presence of God to us permanently (Matthew 28:20b). Living It Out: Reverent Access Today – Approach God with awe; His holiness is unchanged (1 Peter 1:15-16). – Daily, Spirit-led prayer is our incense; keep it burning (1 Thessalonians 5:17). – Guard purity of heart and life; the gold overlay reminds us nothing impure belongs in His presence (James 4:8). |
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