TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 40:1–15.
The materials and furniture of the tabernacle had been viewed severally and approved, and now they must be put together. 1. God here directs Moses to set up the tabernacle and the utensils of it in their places. Though the work of the tabernacle was finished, and every thing ready for rearing, and the people, no doubt, were very desirous to see it up, yet Moses will not erect it till he has express orders for doing so. It is good to see God going before us in every step, Psa 37:23. The time for doing this is fixed to the first day of the first month (Exo 40:2), which wanted but fourteen days of a year since they came out of Egypt; and a good year's work there was done in it. Probably the work was made ready but just at the end of the year, so that the appointing of this day gave no delay, or next to none, to this good work. We must not put off any necessary duty under pretence of waiting for some remarkable day; the present season is the most convenient. But the tabernacle happening to be set up on the first day of the first month intimates that it is good to begin the year with some good work. Let him that is the first have the first; and let the things of his kingdom be first sought. In Hezekiah's time we find they began to sanctify the temple on the first day of the first month, Ch2 29:17. The new moon (which by their computation was the first day of every month) was observed by them with some solemnity; and therefore this first new moon of the year was thus made remarkable. Note, When a new year begins, we should think of serving God more and better than we did the year before. Moses is particularly ordered to set up the tabernacle itself first, in which God would dwell and would be served (Exo 40:2), then to put the ark in its place, and draw the veil before it (Exo 40:3), then to fix the table, and the candlestick, and the altar of incense, without the veil (Exo 40:4, Exo 40:5), and to fix the hanging of the door before the door. Then in the court he must place the altar of burnt offering, and the laver (Exo 40:6, Exo 40:7); and, lastly, he must set up the curtains of the court, and a hanging for a court-gate. And all this would be easily done in one day, many hands no doubt being employed in it under the direction of Moses. 2. He directs Moses, when he had set up the tabernacle and all the furniture of it, to consecrate it and them, by anointing them with the oil which was prepared for the purpose, Exo 30:25, etc. It was there ordered that this should be done; here it was ordered that it should be done now, Exo 40:9-11. Observe, Every thing was sanctified when it was put in its proper place, and not till then, for till then it was not fit for the use to which it was to be sanctified. As every thing is beautiful in its season, so is every thing in its place. 3. He directs him to consecrate Aaron and his sons. When the goods were brought into God's house, they were marked first, and then servants were hired to bear the vessels of the Lord; and those must be clean who were put into that office, Exo 40:12-15. The law which was now ordered to be put in execution we had before, ch. 29. Thus in the visible church, which is God's tabernacle among men, it is requisite that there be ministers to keep the charge of the sanctuary, and that they receive the anointing.
Continue studying Exodus 40:10 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Exodus 40:10 concludes the Tabernacle's construction by detailing the divine command for Moses to anoint and sanctify the altar of burnt offering, along with all its associated vessels, declaring it "most holy." This pivotal act of consecration signifies the altar's indispensable role as the primary locus for atonement and worship, setting it apart exclusively for God's sacred purposes and establishing it as the foundational point of access for His people to approach a holy God.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 40 serves as the climactic culmination of the entire book of Exodus, bringing to fruition the narrative arc that began with Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage and their covenant at Mount Sinai. Following detailed divine blueprints for the Tabernacle's construction (chapters Exodus 25-31) and the meticulous account of its actual building by skilled craftsmen (chapters Exodus 35-39), this final chapter describes the precise erection and consecration of the sacred dwelling. Moses faithfully executes every instruction, setting up each component from the Ark of the Covenant to the laver. Verse 10 is an integral part of this final consecration sequence, specifically focusing on the altar of burnt offering. Positioned prominently in the outer court, immediately preceding the entrance to the Holy Place, the altar's consecration underscores its foundational importance for Israel's worship and their ability to approach God. The chapter then concludes with the dramatic descent of God's glory, filling the completed Tabernacle, signifying His dwelling among His people (Exodus 40:34-38).
Historical & Cultural Context
The Tabernacle, and particularly its altar, was the tangible manifestation of God's covenant presence among His people, a portable sanctuary designed to accompany Israel throughout their wilderness wanderings. Historically, the act of anointing with oil was a widespread practice in the ancient Near East, signifying dedication, setting apart, or inauguration for a special purpose, often associated with royalty, priesthood, or sacred objects. However, Israel's practice was unique in its divine mandate and the specific, divinely prescribed holy anointing oil (as detailed in Exodus 30:22-33). The consecration of the altar in Exodus 40:10 occurred on the first day of the first month of the second year after the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 40:17), marking a new era where God officially took up residence among His redeemed people. This act transformed the altar from a mere structure into a sacred instrument, indispensable for the sacrificial system that allowed sinful humanity to approach a holy God, as extensively detailed in the subsequent book of Leviticus.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. The theme of Divine Holiness is paramount; God's absolute purity necessitates that anything used in His worship be set apart and made holy, demonstrating His transcendence and the seriousness of communion with Him. The act of anointing and sanctifying the altar reinforces the theme of Consecration and Separation, emphasizing that objects and individuals dedicated to God must be distinct from the common or profane. This separation is not merely ritualistic but reflects a deep theological truth about God's nature and His demand for purity from those who would approach Him. Furthermore, the altar's role as the place of sacrifice highlights the theme of Atonement and Access to God. It signifies God's gracious provision for sinful humanity to draw near to Him on His terms, through the shedding of blood. The Tabernacle's completion and consecration, culminating in the altar's "most holy" status, underscores the theme of God's Dwelling Among His People, establishing a tangible, divinely ordained means for fellowship and worship.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H4886) signifies the act of rubbing or smearing with oil, which in this sacred context, refers to the application of the specially prepared holy anointing oil. This act was not merely cosmetic but carried profound theological weight, denoting dedication, consecration, and setting apart for a sacred purpose. In the Old Testament, priests (Exodus 29:7), kings (1 Samuel 10:1), and sacred objects like the Tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 30:26-29) were anointed, indicating divine appointment, enablement, and separation from common use. The anointing of the altar thus imbued it with a special, divinely ordained status, making it fit for God's service.
To make holy, to declare sacred, or to set apart for God's exclusive possession and use (H6942). This term implies a separation from the common or profane and a dedication to the divine. The act of sanctifying the altar meant it was no longer an ordinary structure but a vessel consecrated solely for the worship of Yahweh, distinct and pure. It involved a process of purification and dedication, rendering the object fit for interaction with the holy God.
The word holy (H6944) in the phrase "most holy" (Hebrew: qôdesh qôdeshîm, literally "holiness of holinesses") is a superlative construction, denoting the highest degree of holiness. This same superlative term is used for the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle, the Holy of Holies (Exodus 26:33), where the Ark of the Covenant resided and God's presence was uniquely manifested. Applying this designation to the altar of burnt offering underscores its supreme sacredness and its indispensable role in facilitating atonement and communion with God. It highlights that the altar, though located in the outer court, was of paramount importance in the sacrificial system, making it profoundly sacred and essential for the people's access to God.
Verse Breakdown
"And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering"
Moses is commanded by God to apply the sacred anointing oil to the large bronze altar situated in the outer court of the Tabernacle. This physical act formally dedicates the altar, setting it apart as a sacred instrument for divine service, specifically for the offering of sacrifices that atoned for sin. The anointing signifies its transition from a mere construction to a divinely appointed tool for worship.
"and all his vessels"
This extends the consecration to all the implements associated with the altar, such as shovels, basins, flesh hooks, and firepans (Exodus 27:3). These tools, though seemingly mundane, were essential for the proper execution of sacrifices and were therefore also required to be set apart for holy use. This ensures that every aspect of the sacrificial ritual, from the largest structure to the smallest utensil, was pure, dedicated, and acceptable to God.
"and sanctify the altar"
Beyond the physical act of anointing, this command emphasizes the spiritual separation and purification of the altar. It signifies its transformation from a common object into a sacred space, declared holy and fit for God's presence and the reception of offerings. This act was crucial for the altar to function as a legitimate point of contact between God and humanity, enabling it to mediate between the holy God and sinful people.
"and it shall be an altar most holy"
This declarative statement confirms the ultimate status of the altar after its anointing and sanctification. It is not merely holy, but "most holy," indicating its supreme sacredness within the Tabernacle complex. This designation underscores its absolute purity and its critical, irreplaceable role as the divinely appointed means through which Israel could approach God with their offerings and receive atonement, making it functionally as vital as the Holy of Holies for the people's relationship with God.
Literary Devices
Exodus 40:10 employs several significant literary devices to emphasize the profound sacredness and importance of the altar. Repetition of the concept of holiness is evident in the commands to "anoint," "sanctify," and the concluding declaration that it shall be "most holy." This reiteration serves to underscore the divine imperative behind its consecration and its supreme importance in the Tabernacle system. Symbolism is paramount, as the altar itself symbolizes the divinely appointed means of atonement and access to God. The anointing oil is a powerful symbol of consecration, divine presence, and enablement, signifying a setting apart for God's exclusive use. The very act of setting apart common objects for sacred use through anointing and sanctification is a form of ritualistic symbolism, where physical actions convey profound spiritual truths about separation, purity, and divine ownership. The phrase "most holy" is a superlative, using a common Hebrew idiom (qôdesh qôdeshîm) to express the highest degree of holiness, elevating the altar to a status akin to the Holy of Holies in terms of its sacred function and importance for the people's interaction with God.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 40:10 powerfully conveys the theological principles of divine holiness, the necessity of consecration for approaching God, and the centrality of atonement. God's absolute purity demands that anything used in His worship be set apart and made holy, demonstrating His transcendence and the seriousness of communion with Him. The altar, being "most holy," signifies that the means of approaching God—through sacrifice—must also be supremely sacred. This foreshadows the ultimate, perfect sacrifice required for true and lasting atonement, highlighting God's provision for sinful humanity to draw near to Him on His terms, emphasizing that access to God is always on His terms, through a divinely appointed and consecrated means.
Reflection and Application
The consecration of the altar of burnt offering in Exodus 40:10 serves as a profound spiritual paradigm for believers today. Just as every aspect of the Tabernacle and its furnishings was meticulously set apart for God's exclusive use, so too are believers called to a life of complete dedication and holiness. Our lives, our bodies, our talents, and our resources are to be consecrated to God, transformed from common to sacred, reflecting His ownership and purpose for us. This does not imply a physical anointing with oil, but a spiritual setting apart, a daily commitment to live in purity and obedience, recognizing that we are temples of the Holy Spirit. The "most holy" status of the altar reminds us of the profound reverence and seriousness with which we should approach God, not through ritualistic sacrifice, but through the perfect sacrifice of Christ, which enables us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. Our worship, our service, and our very being should echo the "most holy" dedication seen in the Tabernacle, striving for a life that honors God in every sphere, acknowledging His supreme holiness and our call to reflect it in our consecrated lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the altar of burnt offering considered "most holy" when the Holy of Holies was generally understood as the most sacred place?
The designation "most holy" (Hebrew: qodesh qadashim) for the altar of burnt offering, while also used for the Holy of Holies (Exodus 26:33), highlights its supreme importance in the sacrificial system and its unique role in facilitating atonement. While the Holy of Holies was the dwelling place of God's immediate presence—the very throne room of God on earth—the altar was the primary point of contact for sinful humanity to approach a holy God through blood sacrifice. Without the altar and its consecrated function, access to the Holy Place and ultimately to God's presence would be impossible for the people. Therefore, its "most holy" status signifies its absolute necessity and sacredness as the divinely ordained means of purification and reconciliation, making it functionally as critical as the innermost sanctuary for the people's relationship with God. It was the threshold of atonement, where the life of the sacrifice was offered to cover sin, allowing for fellowship with a holy God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 40:10, with its emphasis on the anointing and sanctification of the altar of burnt offering as "most holy," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament altar, where countless animal sacrifices were offered for the temporary atonement of sins, was a profound shadow pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. He is not merely the sacrifice, but also the altar itself, the consecrated means by which humanity gains access to God (Hebrews 13:10). Just as the altar was set apart as "most holy" for the offering of blood, so too was Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, uniquely consecrated by the Holy Spirit for His redemptive mission (Luke 4:18-19). His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of consecration, making Him the perfect and eternal High Priest (Hebrews 7:27) who entered the true, heavenly Holy of Holies (Hebrews 9:11-12) by His own blood, securing eternal redemption. Through Christ, believers are now able to draw near to God with confidence (Hebrews 10:19-22), no longer needing an earthly altar, but having direct access through the consecrated and "most holy" sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. His finished work on the cross is the true "altar most holy," providing the perfect and everlasting atonement for all who believe.