How does Exodus 40:6 connect to the broader theme of worship in Exodus? Setting the Scene “Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting.” (Exodus 40:6) The Altar’s Placement: Worship at the Threshold • First object worshipers encountered • Situated “in front of the entrance,” signaling that access to God begins with atonement • Burnt offering = whole‐burnt sacrifice (Exodus 29:38-42) expressing total devotion Worship in Exodus: Three Interwoven Threads 1. Rescue for Worship • God promised, “I will be with you…and you will worship God on this mountain” (Exodus 3:12). • Repeated demand to Pharaoh: “Let My people go, so that they may serve Me” (Exodus 8:1; 9:1). 2. Revelation for Worship • Sinai: Ten Commandments direct exclusive worship (Exodus 20:1-17). • Book of the Covenant spells out life that honors God (Exodus 21-23). 3. Residence for Worship • “Have them make a sanctuary for Me, and I will dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). • Tabernacle instructions (Exodus 25-31) and construction (Exodus 35-40) climax with God’s glory filling the tent (Exodus 40:34-38). From Deliverance to Dwelling • Exodus moves from slavery (ch. 1) to service (ch. 40). • The altar embodies the bridge: redeemed people now meet their Redeemer. Holiness and Access: Approaching on God’s Terms • Altar before the doorway shows separation and invitation simultaneously. – Separation: a sinner cannot stroll into God’s presence. – Invitation: God provides the means—sacrifice—to draw near (Exodus 29:42-43). • Entire nation faces the same path of worship, underlining unity in covenant obedience. Sacrifice, Mediation, and the Foreshadowing of Christ • Priesthood consecrated alongside the altar (Exodus 40:12-15). • Altar anticipates Christ, the once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10). • Tent of Meeting foreshadows the Word “tabernacling” among us (John 1:14). Covenant Faithfulness Lived Out • Worship is not a side activity; it structures Israel’s camp, calendar, and identity. • Exodus 40:6 fixes worship at the center of community life, calling every generation to approach God through His appointed means. |
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