Exodus 40:29

He placed the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, just as the LORD had commanded him.

Study Bible

He set the altar of burnt offering
This phrase refers to the altar that Moses placed in the tabernacle courtyard. The Hebrew word for "altar" is "mizbeach," which signifies a place of sacrifice. Historically, the altar of burnt offering was central to Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. The act of setting the altar underscores the importance of obedience to divine instructions, as Moses followed God's precise commands for the tabernacle's construction and arrangement.

at the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting
The "entrance to the tabernacle" indicates the specific location where the altar was placed, emphasizing accessibility for the Israelites to bring their offerings. The "Tent of Meeting" is another name for the tabernacle, highlighting its role as the place where God met with His people. This phrase reminds us of the significance of having a designated, holy space for encountering God, a concept that resonates with the Christian understanding of the church as a place of worship and communion with the divine.

and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering
The "burnt offering" (Hebrew: "olah") was a sacrifice that was completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total surrender to God. The "grain offering" (Hebrew: "minchah") was a tribute of flour, oil, and frankincense, representing the fruits of human labor dedicated to God. These offerings illustrate the comprehensive nature of worship, involving both the surrender of self and the dedication of one's work to the Lord. They foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who offered Himself wholly for humanity's redemption.

as the LORD had commanded Moses
This phrase underscores the theme of obedience to God's commands, which is a recurring motif throughout the book of Exodus. Moses' adherence to God's instructions serves as a model for faithful living, demonstrating the blessings that come from aligning one's actions with divine will. In a broader theological context, this obedience prefigures the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and the prophets, providing a pathway for believers to follow.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who was responsible for setting up the tabernacle and ensuring that the offerings were made according to God's commands.

2. Altar of Burnt Offering
A key element in the tabernacle, located near the entrance, where sacrifices were made to God. It symbolizes atonement and dedication to God.

3. Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting)
The portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where His presence was manifested.

4. Burnt Offerings and Grain Offerings
Sacrifices commanded by God, representing atonement for sin and thanksgiving, respectively.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, who gave specific instructions for worship and offerings.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
Moses' actions demonstrate the importance of following God's instructions precisely. As believers, we are called to obey God's Word in our daily lives.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The altar and offerings symbolize atonement and dedication. In Christ, we find the ultimate sacrifice, and we are called to live sacrificially for Him.

God's Presence
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.

Worship as a Lifestyle
The offerings were a form of worship. Our lives should be a continuous act of worship, reflecting gratitude and devotion to God.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
The sacrificial system points to Christ, who fulfilled the law and offers us a new covenant through His blood.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the placement of the altar of burnt offering near the entrance of the tabernacle reflect the importance of sacrifice in approaching God?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of obedience seen in Moses' actions to our own lives today?

3. How do the burnt offerings and grain offerings in the Old Testament foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

4. What does it mean for us to be a "living sacrifice" as described in Romans 12:1, and how can we live this out practically?

5. How does understanding the role of the tabernacle enhance our appreciation of being the temple of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1
Provides detailed instructions on how burnt offerings were to be conducted, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands precisely.

Hebrews 9:11-14
Discusses how Christ's sacrifice surpasses the old sacrificial system, offering eternal redemption and cleansing our conscience from dead works.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is a spiritual act of worship.