What is the meaning of Exodus 31:9? the altar of burnt offering This large bronze altar (Exodus 27:1-8) sat in the tabernacle courtyard as the first object a worshiper met. • Purpose: every burnt offering, sin offering, and fellowship offering was laid here (Leviticus 1:9; 4:7). Blood was sprinkled, and the entire animal consumed, picturing complete surrender. • Foreshadowing: Hebrews 13:10 points to Christ as the once-for-all sacrifice; the altar anticipates the cross where sin is finally dealt with. • Practical lesson: before fellowship with God, sin must be addressed. The Israelite could not bypass the altar; neither can we bypass the cross (John 14:6). with all its utensils God ordered shovels, firepans, forks, and basins to accompany the altar (Exodus 27:3; Numbers 4:14). • Utensils kept the fire burning, removed ashes, and handled sacrificial meat—every tool had a holy purpose. • Detail matters: if the Lord specified even shovels, nothing in our service is insignificant (Luke 16:10). • Holiness extends to workmen: those who handled these tools had to be consecrated (Leviticus 8:30), reminding believers that ministry requires clean hands and hearts (2 Timothy 2:21). and the basin Also called the bronze laver (Exodus 30:17-21), it held water for priests to wash hands and feet. • Washing preceded entry to the Holy Place, symbolizing daily cleansing after the once-for-all sacrifice (John 13:10). • Spiritual picture: God’s word cleanses (Ephesians 5:26); believers enjoy ongoing fellowship through repentance and renewal (1 John 1:9). • Made from the mirrors of the women serving at the entrance (Exodus 38:8), it reflects our need to see ourselves honestly before God (James 1:23-25). with its stand The stand lifted the basin above courtyard dust. • Stability: a firm base ensured constant availability of cleansing water (Exodus 30:18). • Permanence: like the enduring foundation of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), the stand affirmed that God’s provision for purity never wobbles. • Accessibility: elevated water was reachable for all officiating priests, mirroring the open access believers now enjoy to God’s throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). summary Exodus 31:9 highlights two essential furnishings: the altar where atonement is secured and the basin where ongoing cleansing is applied. Together they teach that approach to God begins with a blood sacrifice and continues through daily purification. God’s meticulous instructions—down to every utensil and supporting stand—underscore His holiness and His gracious provision that enables sinners to draw near. |
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