(The Lord speaking is red text)
And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy.
Anoint the altar for burnt offerings with all its utensils - consecrate the altar; then the altar will be especially holy.
Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it shall be most holy.
And thou shalt anoint the altar of burnt-offering, and all its vessels, and sanctify the altar: and the altar shall be most holy.
And thou shalt anoint{H4886} the altar{H4196} of the burnt offering{H5930}, and all his vessels{H3627}, and sanctify{H6942} the altar{H4196}: and it shall be an altar{H4196} most{H6944} holy{H6944}.
**Exodus 40:10 Summary:**
**Themes:**
1. **Purification and Consecration:** The act of anointing the altar with oil symbolizes its dedication to God and sets it apart for sacred use. This theme of sanctification is central to the religious practices of the Israelites, emphasizing the holiness required for worship.
2. **Divine Presence:** The sanctification of the altar is part of a larger process of preparing the Tabernacle for God's presence. The emphasis on holiness reflects the belief that God is holy and that His dwelling place must be equally sacred.
3. **Covenant Relationship:** The detailed instructions for anointing the altar underscore the importance of following God's commands, which is integral to the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
**Historical Context:**
- **Setting:** Exodus 40:10 is set at the end of the book of Exodus, after the Israelites have fled Egypt and are in the wilderness. God has given Moses detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, which is to serve as the center of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among the people.
- **Purpose:** The Tabernacle and its altars are being prepared for the first time, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's history where they transition from a loosely organized group of former slaves to a nation with a formal, God-ordained structure for worship and community life.
- **Cultic Practice:** Anointing with oil was a common ritual in the ancient Near East, signifying the dedication of objects and people to divine service. This practice is here applied to the altar of burnt offering, which is central to the sacrificial system that God prescribes for the Israelites.
In summary, Exodus 40:10 reflects the themes of sanctification and divine presence within the historical context of the Israelites' establishment of formal worship practices following their exodus from Egypt. It represents a key moment in the institution of the Tabernacle, which is foundational to the religious identity and covenantal obligations of the Israelite nation.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)