Leviticus 6:13

The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.

Study Bible

The fire
In the Hebrew text, the word for "fire" is "אֵשׁ" (esh). Fire in the biblical context often symbolizes the presence of God, His holiness, and His purifying power. In the context of the altar, fire represents God's perpetual presence among His people. The fire on the altar was initially kindled by God Himself (Leviticus 9:24), signifying divine approval and the sacredness of the offerings. This fire is a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His constant readiness to receive the sacrifices of His people.

must be kept burning
The Hebrew verb "תָּמִיד" (tamid) means "continually" or "perpetually." This command underscores the importance of constant vigilance and dedication in worship. The priests were responsible for maintaining the fire, symbolizing the need for ongoing devotion and service to God. This continual burning signifies the unending nature of God's covenant with Israel and the perpetual need for atonement and reconciliation with Him.

on the altar
The altar, "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach) in Hebrew, was the central place of sacrifice and worship in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. It was where offerings were made to God, symbolizing the people's devotion, repentance, and thanksgiving. The altar represents the meeting place between God and man, where the divine and the human intersect. It is a place of transformation, where sin is atoned for, and fellowship with God is restored.

continually
The repetition of the idea of continuity emphasizes the perpetual nature of the fire. This constancy is a metaphor for the believer's life, which should be marked by continuous faithfulness and dedication to God. Just as the fire was never to go out, so too should the believer's passion for God remain ever-burning, fueled by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

it must not be extinguished
The phrase underscores the seriousness of the command. Allowing the fire to go out would symbolize neglect of duty and a break in the relationship between God and His people. In a broader sense, it serves as a warning against spiritual complacency and the dangers of allowing one's faith to wane. The unextinguished fire is a call to perseverance, urging believers to maintain their spiritual fervor and commitment to God's service.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including the instructions for the burnt offerings.

2. Aaron and His Sons
The priests who were responsible for maintaining the altar and ensuring the fire did not go out.

3. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the altar was located.

4. The Altar
A sacred place for sacrifices and offerings to God, symbolizing His presence and the people's devotion.

5. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were to follow these laws as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

Teaching Points

Perpetual Worship
Just as the fire on the altar was to be kept burning continually, our worship and devotion to God should be constant and unwavering.

Priestly Responsibility
Like the priests who maintained the altar fire, we have a responsibility to nurture our spiritual lives and keep our faith active.

Symbol of God's Presence
The continual fire symbolizes God's unending presence and faithfulness, reminding us to remain steadfast in our relationship with Him.

Living Sacrifices
We are called to be living sacrifices, offering our lives in service and devotion to God, much like the offerings on the altar.

Community and Accountability
The communal aspect of maintaining the fire highlights the importance of community and accountability in our spiritual journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to keep the fire burning on the altar relate to our daily spiritual practices and disciplines?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our "spiritual fire" does not go out in the midst of life's challenges?

3. How does the concept of a continual fire on the altar enhance our understanding of God's presence in our lives?

4. What parallels can we draw between the responsibilities of the priests in maintaining the altar fire and our roles as believers today?

5. How can we apply the principle of being a "living sacrifice" in our everyday actions and decisions, as encouraged in Romans 12:1?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 27:20-21
Discusses the command to keep the lamp burning continually, paralleling the perpetual fire on the altar.

Hebrews 13:15
Encourages believers to continually offer a sacrifice of praise, connecting the idea of ongoing worship to the perpetual fire.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Calls for continual prayer and thanksgiving, reflecting the ongoing devotion symbolized by the altar's fire.

Romans 12:1
Urges believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the continual offerings on the altar.

Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus speaks of believers as the light of the world, which can be related to the perpetual light and fire in the tabernacle.