What is the meaning of Exodus 40:10?

Anoint the altar of burnt offering

“Anoint” signals setting something apart for God’s exclusive use. Just as oil ran over Aaron’s head (Psalm 133:2) and prophets like Elijah anointed kings (1 Kings 19:16), Moses is told to pour oil on the altar where daily sacrifices will burn (Exodus 29:36–37). This act:

• Marks the altar as God-owned property—no other purpose allowed (Leviticus 8:10–11).

• Declares ongoing dependence on divine provision; only God makes worship acceptable (Hebrews 9:22).

By literally applying oil, Moses visibly shows that forgiveness through sacrifice flows from the Lord, not human ingenuity.

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and all its utensils

Tongs, basins, forks, firepans—every tool must be anointed (Exodus 27:3). Nothing that touches holy blood or fire can remain common (2 Chronicles 29:18–19). Consecrating the small items teaches:

• Holiness reaches the details; God cares about more than headline acts (Luke 16:10).

• Everyday instruments become channels of grace when yielded to Him (Romans 12:1).

When the priests handle these utensils, the earlier anointing reminds them that even routine tasks are sacred.

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consecrate the altar

To “consecrate” is to dedicate by a formal, once-for-all ceremony (Leviticus 8:10–15). Moses applies both oil and sacrificial blood (Exodus 29:36). Together they picture:

• Cleansing from sin (blood) and empowerment by the Spirit (oil)––perfectly fulfilled at the cross and Pentecost (John 19:34; Acts 2:1-4).

• A covenant commitment: God promises to meet His people at this altar (Exodus 29:42-46).

By consecrating, Israel agrees to God’s terms, and God pledges His presence.

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and it shall be most holy

“Most holy” (literally “holy of holies”) elevates the altar to the highest category of sanctity, like the incense altar and the ark (Exodus 30:10). Anything touching it becomes holy (Exodus 29:37), foreshadowing Christ, whose holiness overcomes uncleanness (Mark 1:40-42). This status:

• Protects worshipers—approach must follow God’s ordained way (Hebrews 10:19-22).

• Highlights substitution: the altar bears sin so the sinner can go free (Isaiah 53:6).

God’s declaration seals the altar’s role at the center of Israel’s spiritual life.

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summary

Exodus 40:10 charges Moses to anoint, equip, dedicate, and exalt the bronze altar. The oil and blood set it apart, every utensil included, underscoring that all worship must be entirely God’s. Declared “most holy,” the altar becomes the meeting point between a holy God and sinful people, pointing forward to Christ, the ultimate sacrifice and sanctifier.