Exodus 35:16

the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grate, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin with its stand;

Study Bible

the altar of burnt offering
The Hebrew word for "altar" is "mizbeach," which signifies a place of sacrifice. In the context of the Tabernacle, the altar of burnt offering was central to the Israelites' worship, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation with God. Historically, altars were places where covenants were made and divine encounters occurred. This altar, specifically for burnt offerings, underscores the importance of sacrifice in maintaining a relationship with God, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

with its bronze grating
The "bronze grating" refers to the network or mesh that was placed on the altar. Bronze, a durable and resilient metal, symbolizes judgment and endurance. The grating allowed the ashes to fall through, signifying the complete consumption of the offering. This detail highlights the thoroughness of the sacrificial process, reminding believers of the totality of Christ's sacrifice for sin.

its poles
The poles were used to carry the altar, emphasizing the mobility of the Tabernacle and the presence of God with His people as they journeyed. This reflects the idea that worship and the presence of God are not confined to a single location but accompany believers wherever they go. The poles remind us of the call to carry the message of the Gospel into all the world.

and all its utensils
The utensils, including forks, shovels, and basins, were essential for the practical aspects of the sacrificial system. Each tool had a specific purpose, reflecting the order and precision in worship. This attention to detail in worship practices encourages believers to approach God with reverence and intentionality, recognizing the sacredness of worship.

the basin with its stand
The basin, or laver, was used for ceremonial washing by the priests before they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar. This act of washing symbolizes purification and the need for holiness when approaching God. The stand provided stability, indicating the firm foundation of God's requirements for purity. This imagery points to the cleansing power of Christ's blood, which purifies believers and prepares them for service in God's presence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle from God.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were tasked with building the Tabernacle according to the divine instructions given to Moses.

3. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among His people during their journey through the wilderness.

4. Altar of Burnt Offering
A key component of the Tabernacle where sacrifices were made to atone for the sins of the people.

5. Basin with its Stand
Used for ceremonial washing by the priests, symbolizing purification and preparation for service.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites were called to follow God's instructions precisely, reminding us of the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The altar of burnt offering points to the necessity of atonement and foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

Purification and Service
The basin symbolizes the need for spiritual cleansing before serving God, emphasizing the importance of holiness in our lives.

Community Involvement
The construction of the Tabernacle was a communal effort, illustrating the value of working together in the body of Christ.

God's Presence
The Tabernacle was a tangible sign of God's presence among His people, reminding us that God desires to dwell with us today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the construction of the altar of burnt offering in Exodus 35:16 reflect the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement?

2. In what ways does the basin for washing relate to the concept of spiritual cleansing in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in the Israelites' construction of the Tabernacle to our daily lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can work together as a community of believers to build up the body of Christ?

5. How does the presence of God in the Tabernacle encourage us to seek His presence in our personal and communal worship today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1
Provides detailed instructions on the burnt offerings, highlighting the significance of the altar in the sacrificial system.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the role of the Tabernacle and its elements as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

1 Kings 7
Describes the construction of the Temple, which included similar elements to the Tabernacle, showing continuity in worship practices.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the sacrificial system of the Old Testament.

John 13:10
Jesus speaks of the need for spiritual cleansing, akin to the ceremonial washing at the basin.