How does the altar's construction in Exodus 38:1 connect to Christ's sacrifice? Exodus 38:1 — Text “Bezalel constructed the altar of burnt offering from acacia wood. It was square, five cubits long and five cubits wide, and three cubits high.” Why This Altar Matters The bronze altar was the first object an Israelite met when approaching God’s presence. Every sacrifice that pointed forward to the cross was consumed here. Acacia Wood: Christ’s Humanity - Incorruptible, desert–hard wood pictures Jesus’ sinless, enduring humanity (Hebrews 4:15). - Wood had to be cut down before use, foreshadowing Christ “cut off” for our sins (Isaiah 53:8). Bronze Overlay: Judgment Fallen on Jesus - Though Exodus 38:1 only names the wood, verse 2 (cf. 27:2) notes it was “overlaid with bronze.” - Bronze in Scripture speaks of judgment (Numbers 21:9; Revelation 1:15). - The cross became the place where divine judgment was poured out on Christ instead of us (2 Corinthians 5:21). Dimensions: Grace and Divine Perfection - Five cubits by five cubits — the number of grace on every side (Ephesians 2:8). - Three cubits high — height of divine completeness, pointing to Father, Son, and Spirit working together in redemption (John 3:16–17; Hebrews 9:14). Square Shape: Universality of the Gospel - Four equal sides faced every direction, picturing the message of the cross extended to “all the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 45:22). Horns at the Corners (27:2): Refuge in Christ - Horns symbolized strength and salvation (Psalm 18:2). - Those seeking mercy grabbed the horns (1 Kings 1:50); believers now “take hold” of Christ for safety (Hebrews 6:18). Continual Fire: Complete Atonement - Leviticus 6:12–13 commanded an unceasing flame. - God’s wrath burned until every sin was dealt with; Jesus cried, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Location in the Courtyard: Open Invitation - Situated at the entrance, accessible to all who entered (Exodus 40:29). - Christ, lifted up outside the city gate, draws everyone willing to come (John 12:32; Hebrews 13:12). Materials Brought by the People: Love’s Offering - The bronze came from willing hearts (Exodus 35:5). - In a higher sense, the Father “did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all” (Romans 8:32). Summing It Up Every board, measurement, and metal of the Exodus 38 altar whispers the same message: God provides a flawless sacrifice so sinners can draw near. The altar’s construction points straight to the cross, where Jesus—fully God, fully man—bore the fire of judgment, satisfied divine justice, and opened the way for anyone to approach the Holy One through grace. |
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