What is the meaning of Exodus 40:6?

Place the altar of burnt offering

“Place the altar of burnt offering…” (Exodus 40:6)

• This altar was the sturdy bronze structure God had already detailed (Exodus 27:1-8).

• It received every daily sacrifice: the constant reminder that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).

• The literal placement answers the spiritual need first; no worshiper approached God empty-handed or self-justified (Leviticus 1:3-9).

• For us, the altar foreshadows the cross—Christ is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

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In front of the entrance

“…in front of the entrance…” (Exodus 40:6)

• Before anyone could even peek inside, the altar stood between the sinner and the sanctuary, underscoring that access to God demands atonement (Exodus 29:42-43).

• This location kept sacrifice public and unavoidable; everyone entering the courtyard encountered the cost of fellowship.

• The order still speaks: repentance precedes relationship; cleansing precedes communion (1 John 1:7-9).

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To the tabernacle

“…to the tabernacle…” (Exodus 40:6)

• “Tabernacle” refers to the larger tented structure where God’s glory dwelled (Exodus 40:17-19).

• The altar’s nearness to the tabernacle linked sacrifice with presence: forgiven people may now draw near (Psalm 65:4).

• Geography becomes theology—God is not distant but makes a way right at His doorstep (Ephesians 2:13).

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The Tent of Meeting

“…the Tent of Meeting.” (Exodus 40:6)

• Same place, different emphasis: “meeting” highlights fellowship. God chose to “meet with you and to speak with you” here (Exodus 29:42).

• The sequence—altar first, then meeting—mirrors salvation’s pathway: Calvary, then communion (Hebrews 10:19-22).

• Jesus fulfills the Tent of Meeting: “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us” (John 1:14). Through Him we enjoy continual, unbroken access (Hebrews 4:16).

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summary

God situated the bronze altar squarely before the tabernacle door to teach an everlasting lesson: atonement opens the way to fellowship. Every Israelite saw that sin’s price had to be paid before stepping closer. Today we look to the greater altar—the cross—where Christ’s perfect sacrifice grants us confident entry into the true Tent of Meeting, God’s very presence.