Exodus 40:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Anoint the altar for burnt offerings with all its utensils - consecrate the altar; then the altar will be especially holy.

Berean Standard Bible

Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it shall be most holy.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt anoint the altar of burnt-offering, and all its vessels, and sanctify the altar: and the altar shall be most holy.

Commentary

### 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](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Blueprints")) and the meticulous account of its actual building by skilled craftsmen (chapters [Exodus 35-39](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35-39 - Tabernacle Construction")), 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](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10 - 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](/exodus/40-34-38 "Exodus 40:34-38 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle")).
* **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](/exodus/30-22-33 "Exodus 30:22-33 - The Holy Anointing Oil")). The consecration of the altar in [Exodus 40:10](/exodus/40-10 "Exodus 40:10 - Consecration of the Altar") occurred on the first day of the first month of the second year after the Exodus from Egypt ([Exodus 40:17](/exodus/40-17 "Exodus 40:17 - Tabernacle Erected")), 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](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws for a Holy People").
* **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
* **Anoint (Hebrew, _mâshach'_):** 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](/exodus/29-7 "Exodus 29:7 - Anointing of Aaron")), kings ([1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul Anointed King")), and sacred objects like the Tabernacle and its furnishings ([Exodus 30:26-29](/exodus/30-26-29 "Exodus 30:26-29 - Anointing the Tabernacle and its Furnishings")) 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.
* **Sanctify (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** 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.
* **Most Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** 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](/exodus/26-33 "Exodus 26:33 - The Holy of Holies")), 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](/exodus/27-3 "Exodus 27:3 - Altar Vessels")). 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.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness")

### 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
* **What areas of my life do I need to "anoint" and "sanctify" by dedicating them more fully to God's purposes, moving them from common use to consecrated service?**
* **How does the "most holy" status of the altar challenge my understanding of God's absolute holiness and the reverence due to Him in my daily life and worship?**
* **In what practical ways can I offer myself as a "living sacrifice" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")) in my daily walk, reflecting the principle of consecration seen in [Exodus 40:10](/exodus/40-10 "Exodus 40:10 - Consecration of the Altar")?**

### FAQ
**Why was the altar of burnt offering considered "most holy" when the Holy of Holies was generally understood as the most sacred place?**

Answer: The designation "most holy" (Hebrew: *qodesh qadashim*) for the altar of burnt offering, while also used for the Holy of Holies ([Exodus 26:33](/exodus/26-33 "Exodus 26:33 - The Holy of Holies")), 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](/hebrews/13-10 "Hebrews 13:10 - We Have an Altar")). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), uniquely consecrated by the Holy Spirit for His redemptive mission ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of consecration, making Him the perfect and eternal High Priest ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")) who entered the true, heavenly Holy of Holies ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Heavenly Sanctuary")) by His own blood, securing eternal redemption. Through Christ, believers are now able to draw near to God with confidence ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")), 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 1:35

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Exodus 29:36

And thou shalt offer every day a bullock [for] a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.

Exodus 29:37

Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.

Leviticus 8:11

And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all his vessels, both the laver and his foot, to sanctify them.

John 3:34

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him].

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.