Exodus 38:1

Bezalel constructed the altar of burnt offering from acacia wood. It was square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high.

Study Bible

Bezalel
Bezalel, whose name means "in the shadow of God," was divinely chosen and endowed with the Spirit of God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. His role signifies the importance of God-given talents and skills in fulfilling divine purposes. Bezalel's work is a reminder that God equips His people for the tasks He calls them to, emphasizing the value of craftsmanship and dedication in service to God.

constructed
The act of construction here is not merely a physical task but a spiritual one. The Hebrew root "asah" implies making or doing with purpose and intent. This construction was an act of worship, reflecting obedience to God's detailed instructions. It serves as a reminder that our work, when done for God's glory, is a form of worship.

the altar of burnt offering
The altar of burnt offering, or "mizbeach" in Hebrew, was central to Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation with God. It was the place where sacrifices were made, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This altar represents the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a substitute to bear the penalty, foreshadowing the redemptive work of Christ.

from acacia wood
Acacia wood, known for its durability and resistance to decay, was used extensively in the Tabernacle. Its use here symbolizes the enduring nature of God's covenant and the purity required in worship. The incorruptible nature of acacia wood points to the incorruptible nature of Christ, who is the foundation of our faith.

It was square
The square shape of the altar, with equal sides, signifies balance, stability, and fairness. In biblical symbolism, the square often represents the earth and the completeness of God's creation. This design reflects the order and precision of God's instructions, reminding us of His perfect nature and the order He brings to our lives.

five cubits long, five cubits wide
The dimensions of the altar, five cubits by five cubits, emphasize the significance of the number five, often associated with grace in biblical numerology. The altar's size indicates the sufficiency of God's provision for atonement and His grace extended to all who come to Him in faith.

and three cubits high
The height of the altar, three cubits, may symbolize the divine completeness and perfection, as the number three often represents the Trinity in Christian theology. This height elevates the altar, signifying the exalted nature of the sacrifices made upon it and pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who was lifted up for our salvation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Bezalel
A skilled craftsman chosen by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. He was filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.

2. Altar of Burnt Offering
A central piece of the Tabernacle, used for sacrifices. It symbolizes atonement and reconciliation with God. Made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, it was a place where offerings were made to God.

3. Acacia Wood
A durable and resistant wood used in the construction of the Tabernacle's furnishings. It symbolizes incorruptibility and endurance.

4. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites. It was a place of worship and sacrifice during their journey through the wilderness.

5. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were on their journey to the Promised Land. They were given the Law and instructions for worship, including the construction of the Tabernacle.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Instructions
Bezalel's work on the altar demonstrates the importance of following God's specific instructions. In our lives, we should seek to understand and obey God's will as revealed in Scripture.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The altar of burnt offering symbolizes the need for atonement and reconciliation with God. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, reminding us of the cost of sin and the grace of salvation.

God's Provision of Skills and Talents
Bezalel was equipped by God with the skills needed for his task. We should recognize and use our God-given talents for His glory and the edification of the church.

The Presence of God
The Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we should live in a way that honors His presence within us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Bezalel's role in constructing the altar of burnt offering demonstrate the importance of using our skills for God's purposes?

2. In what ways does the altar of burnt offering foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience to God's instructions in our daily lives, as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle?

4. What does the use of acacia wood in the altar's construction teach us about the qualities God values in His work and His people?

5. How does understanding the purpose and function of the Tabernacle enhance our appreciation of God's presence in our lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The construction of the altar connects to the broader account of the Tabernacle's construction in Exodus, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's detailed instructions.

The altar's purpose is further explained in Leviticus, where the various offerings and their significance are detailed.

The concept of sacrifice and atonement is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.