Exodus 20:26

Context

Exodus 20:26 is part of God's instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai, delivered immediately following the Ten Commandments. After laying down the fundamental moral and ethical laws for His people, God provides specific guidelines for worship, particularly concerning the construction and use of altars. Verses Exodus 20:24 and Exodus 20:25 instruct Israel to build altars of earth or unhewn stone, emphasizing simplicity and the avoidance of human craftsmanship that might defile the sacred space. This verse continues that theme by addressing the proper approach to the altar, ensuring reverence and modesty in the act of worship.

Key Themes

• Reverence and Holiness: God demands absolute reverence in His presence and in acts of worship. The altar was a sacred place where God met His people, and every detail of its construction and use was to reflect His holiness.
• Modesty and Decorum: The command against using steps to prevent the "discovery of nakedness" highlights God's concern for modesty and proper decorum, even for the priests officiating at the altar. This wasn't about sin, but about preventing accidental exposure that would diminish the dignity and sanctity of the worship service.
• Divine Design and Precision: This verse demonstrates God's meticulous attention to detail in His commands. He cares not only about the heart of the worshiper but also about the outward expressions of worship, ensuring that everything is done in an orderly and respectful manner.
• Protection of Priestly Dignity: The priests served as mediators between God and the people. Their appearance and conduct needed to uphold the solemnity of their office. This concern later led to specific instructions for priestly garments, including linen breeches, which were designed to cover their "nakedness" (private parts) during their ministry in the Tabernacle.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "nakedness" is 'ervah (עֶרְוָה), which refers to the private parts of the body. The concern here is not moral nakedness in the sense of sin, but rather the accidental or inappropriate exposure of the body during the ascent to the altar. The implication is that if priests wore only tunics, climbing steps would cause their garments to lift, revealing their legs or undergarments. The alternative to steps, though not explicitly commanded here but implied by later practice, would be a gentle ramp or incline, allowing for a more dignified ascent.

Practical Application

Though we no longer offer animal sacrifices on physical altars, the principles embedded in Exodus 20:26 remain highly relevant for believers today. As a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), we are called to approach God with reverence and respect. This verse reminds us:

• Our Approach to God Matters: We should always approach God with humility, sincerity, and a conscious awareness of His holiness. Our outward conduct, including our attire and demeanor during worship, should reflect our inward reverence.
• Modesty in God's Presence: The principle of modesty extends beyond physical covering to spiritual decorum. It encourages us to conduct ourselves in a way that honors God and does not draw undue attention to ourselves, especially in sacred settings.
• God's Attention to Detail: God cares about the seemingly small details of our lives and our worship. This teaches us the importance of diligence and obedience in all areas, recognizing that true worship involves our whole being.

Reflection

Exodus 20:26, while seemingly a minor command, profoundly illustrates God's character and His expectations for His people. It underscores that true worship is not merely a ritual but a sacred encounter, demanding purity, dignity, and a deep respect for the divine. It's a testament to God's desire for His people to be set apart, reflecting His holiness in every aspect of their lives, particularly in their approach to Him.