Exodus 40:29

KJV

And he put the altar of burnt offering [by] the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered upon it the burnt offering and the meat offering; as the LORD commanded Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he put {H7760} the altar {H4196} of burnt offering {H5930} by the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H4908} of the tent {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and offered {H5927} upon it the burnt offering {H5930} and the meat offering {H4503}; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The altar for burnt offerings he placed at the entrance to the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

He placed the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, just as the LORD had commanded him.

American Standard Version

And he set the altar of burnt-offering at the door of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and offered upon it the burnt-offering and the meal-offering; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 40:29 meticulously records Moses' faithful execution of God's precise instructions for the Tabernacle's setup, specifically detailing the placement of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance of the newly erected tent of meeting and the subsequent inauguration of its sacrificial system with the first burnt and grain offerings. This pivotal act marked the completion of the Tabernacle's construction and the commencement of Israel's divinely ordained worship, establishing the foundational means by which a holy God would dwell among and be approached by His people in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 40 serves as the grand culmination of the book of Exodus, bringing to fruition the extensive and detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and its furnishings, which were meticulously outlined in earlier chapters, particularly [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and its Furnishings"). The entire chapter is characterized by a powerful emphasis on Moses' unwavering and meticulous obedience to every divine command, a theme underscored by the recurring refrain, "as the LORD commanded Moses." This phrase appears numerous times (e.g., [Exodus 40:16](/exodus/40-16 "Exodus 40:16 - Moses' Obedience in Setting Up the Tabernacle"), [Exodus 40:32](/exodus/40-32 "Exodus 40:32 - Moses' Obedience in Washing")), highlighting the divine authority behind every detail and Moses' faithful adherence. The placement of the altar and the initial sacrifices, as described in this verse, are critical final steps in the Tabernacle's assembly and consecration, immediately preceding the glorious moment when the cloud of the LORD's presence descends and fills the Tabernacle, signifying His tangible indwelling among His people ([Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")). Thus, Exodus 40:29 marks the crucial transition from the phase of construction to that of divine indwelling and functional, ongoing worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this significant juncture in Israel's history, the nation was encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai, having recently received the Mosaic Law and formally entered into a covenant relationship with Yahweh. The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, was designed as God's earthly dwelling place, a visible and tangible symbol of His covenant presence in the midst of a nomadic people. Its establishment and the formal commencement of the sacrificial system were absolutely paramount for Israel's ongoing relationship with a holy God. The altar of burnt offering, as detailed here, was strategically placed in the outer court, directly in front of the entrance to the holy tent. This placement visually and ritually communicated a profound theological truth: atonement for sin was the indispensable prerequisite for approaching God. The initiation of these sacrifices established the fundamental ritual framework for Israel's worship, providing the divinely appointed means for expiation of sin, expression of devotion, and the maintenance of covenant fellowship throughout their wilderness journey and into the Promised Land.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence and Dwelling**, as the Tabernacle, now fully assembled and consecrated, becomes the locus of God's presence among His people, fulfilling the promise of [Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45-46 "Exodus 29:45-46 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel"). Closely related is the theme of **Holiness and Access to God**, emphasizing that a holy God can only be approached through a divinely appointed system of atonement and purification, symbolized by the altar and its offerings. The verse also reinforces the critical theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**, with Moses' meticulous adherence to God's instructions serving as a paradigm for Israel's covenant faithfulness. Finally, it inaugurates the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, establishing the sacrificial system as the primary means by which the sin of the people could be addressed, and their fellowship with God restored and maintained, a theme that will be extensively developed in the book of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** From the root meaning "to sacrifice," this term (H4196) refers to a raised structure upon which sacrifices were offered to God. In this context, it is the altar of burnt offering, signifying the primary place for expiation and dedication, where the life of the offering was given in place of the worshiper, making atonement possible. Its presence and function were central to Israel's worship and access to God.
* **Burnt offering (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** This feminine active participle (H5930), derived from a root meaning "to ascend" or "to go up," refers to a sacrifice that was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, with its smoke "ascending" to God. It symbolized complete dedication, total surrender, and served as a primary means of atonement for sin, signifying expiation and acceptance by God. Unlike other offerings, no part of the burnt offering was eaten by the priests or the worshiper; it was wholly given to the LORD.
* **Meat offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** This term (H4503), more accurately translated as "grain offering" or "tribute," refers to a bloodless donation, typically made of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. While sometimes offered independently, it often accompanied burnt offerings and peace offerings. It served various purposes, including an act of thanksgiving, devotion, recognition of God's provision, or as a complement to other sacrifices, symbolizing the worshiper's gratitude and commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he put the altar of burnt offering":** Moses, acting as the divinely appointed leader and executor, meticulously followed God's precise instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and arrangement, as detailed in [Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - Instructions for the Altar of Burnt Offering"). This act signifies the physical establishment of the primary means of atonement and worship for the Israelite community, a tangible representation of God's provision for dealing with sin.
* **"[by] the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation":** This strategic placement of the altar in the outer court, immediately accessible upon entering the sacred precinct, profoundly underscores the centrality and necessity of atonement. It visually communicated that reconciliation with God, achieved through sacrifice, was the essential first step for any individual or the community to approach God's holy presence within the Tabernacle, emphasizing that sin must be addressed before fellowship can occur.
* **"and offered upon it the burnt offering and the meat offering":** This clause marks the momentous inauguration of the sacrificial system, bringing the Tabernacle to its intended functional purpose. The burnt offering, wholly consumed by fire, symbolized complete dedication and expiation for sin, demonstrating a total surrender to God. The meat (grain) offering, often accompanying the burnt offering (e.g., [Numbers 15:3-5](/numbers/15-3-5 "Numbers 15:3-5 - Grain Offerings with Burnt Offerings")), represented devotion, thanksgiving, and a recognition of God's provision, completing the spectrum of worship from atonement to grateful adoration.
* **"as the LORD commanded Moses":** This recurring phrase throughout [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with Glory") is a powerful theological statement. It emphasizes the absolute importance of divine revelation and meticulous obedience in all matters of worship and service. Every detail of the Tabernacle's construction, its furnishings, and its rituals was divinely ordained, not humanly devised, highlighting God's sovereignty and the necessity of worship offered according to His revealed will and not according to human preference.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, within the broader context of Exodus 40, employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological weight. **Repetition** is a prominent feature, particularly the insistent phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses," which appears numerous times throughout the chapter (e.g., [Exodus 40:16](/exodus/40-16 "Exodus 40:16 - Moses' Obedience"), [Exodus 40:19](/exodus/40-19 "Exodus 40:19 - Moses' Obedience"), [Exodus 40:21](/exodus/40-21 "Exodus 40:21 - Moses' Obedience"), [Exodus 40:23](/exodus/40-23 "Exodus 40:23 - Moses' Obedience"), [Exodus 40:25](/exodus/40-25 "Exodus 40:25 - Moses' Obedience"), [Exodus 40:27](/exodus/40-27 "Exodus 40:27 - Moses' Obedience"), [Exodus 40:32](/exodus/40-32 "Exodus 40:32 - Moses' Obedience")). This **repetition** powerfully reinforces the central theme of Moses' unwavering obedience and, by extension, the divine authority and sacredness behind every aspect of the Tabernacle and its prescribed rituals. **Symbolism** is also central to the verse's meaning. The altar itself is a potent symbol of atonement, reconciliation, and the necessary means of approaching a holy God. Its strategic placement "by the door" is a profound symbolic act, signifying that dealing with sin is the indispensable prerequisite for entering God's presence and experiencing fellowship. Furthermore, the offerings themselves are rich in **symbolism**, with the burnt offering representing complete dedication and expiation for sin, and the grain offering signifying devotion, gratitude, and recognition of God's provision. The verse also contributes to the overall sense of **culmination** and **fulfillment** that pervades Exodus 40, bringing to fruition the detailed divine instructions for the Tabernacle and initiating its sacred, life-sustaining function for the Israelite community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:29 encapsulates the foundational theological truth that a holy God can only be approached through a divinely appointed means of atonement and purification. The strategic placement of the altar of burnt offering, the very first piece of furniture encountered upon entering the Tabernacle courtyard, underscored that sin must be dealt with before fellowship with God could be established or maintained. This system, inaugurated at the Tabernacle's completion, highlighted both the seriousness of human sin and God's gracious provision for reconciliation, while also emphasizing the absolute necessity of obedience to God's revealed will in worship. It established a pattern of worship centered on sacrifice, complete dedication, and thanksgiving, laying the groundwork for understanding the nature of sin, God's holiness, and the divinely ordained pathway for humanity to access His presence.

* [Leviticus 1:1-9](/leviticus/1-1-9 "Leviticus 1:1-9 - Regulations for the Burnt Offering")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 40:29 offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers, transcending its ancient context to speak to the heart of our relationship with God. Just as the altar was the necessary first step for ancient Israel to approach God, this verse powerfully reminds us that access to God has always been, and continues to be, through a divinely appointed means of atonement. It challenges us to deeply consider our own approach to God: do we recognize the gravity of sin and the indispensable necessity of God's provision for it? Furthermore, Moses' meticulous obedience in setting up the Tabernacle and offering the sacrifices "as the LORD commanded" serves as a powerful and timeless model for our worship today. God desires worship that is offered according to His revealed will, not merely our own preferences, convenience, or human innovations. While the specific rituals of the Old Covenant are fulfilled and superseded in Christ, the underlying principles of complete dedication (symbolized by the burnt offering) and grateful devotion (symbolized by the grain offering) remain eternally relevant. We are called to offer our entire lives as "living sacrifices," holy and pleasing to God, recognizing that true access to Him and meaningful fellowship are always predicated on His grace and our obedient, Spirit-empowered response.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the strategic placement of the altar of burnt offering at the Tabernacle's entrance inform our understanding of the necessary prerequisite for approaching God today?**
* **In what practical ways can we offer "burnt offerings" of complete dedication and "grain offerings" of grateful devotion in our daily lives, recognizing Christ's ultimate sacrifice?**
* **What does Moses' meticulous obedience in setting up the Tabernacle teach us about the importance of following God's commands in our worship and service, even in seemingly small details?**

### FAQ
**Why were both a "burnt offering" and a "meat offering" (grain offering) mentioned together?**

Answer: The mention of both the burnt offering (`ʻôlâh`) and the grain offering (`minchâh`) signifies the comprehensive nature of the worship and atonement being inaugurated at the Tabernacle. The burnt offering was primarily for atonement, symbolizing expiation for sin and complete dedication to God, as it was entirely consumed by fire, ascending to Him. The grain offering, while sometimes offered independently as a tribute or thanksgiving, very often accompanied the burnt offering (as seen in [Numbers 15:3-5](/numbers/15-3-5 "Numbers 15:3-5 - Offerings with Burnt Offerings")), symbolizing devotion, gratitude, and recognition of God's provision. Together, they represent the full spectrum of Israel's approach to God – addressing the need for forgiveness and expressing heartfelt devotion and thanksgiving for His blessings.

**What is the significance of the altar being "by the door of the tabernacle"?**

Answer: The altar's placement "by the door" in the outer court of the Tabernacle was profoundly symbolic and supremely practical. Symbolically, it emphasized that atonement for sin was the indispensable prerequisite for anyone to enter further into God's holy presence within the Tabernacle. No one could bypass the altar and its sacrificial work; it was the essential first step towards fellowship with a holy God. This visual and ritual arrangement highlighted the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice for its expiation. Practically, it was the first piece of sacred furniture encountered by the worshiper, making it the immediate point of interaction. This strategic placement underscores the timeless biblical principle that access to God is always predicated on the shedding of blood for sin, a truth powerfully affirmed in [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 40:29, with its focus on the altar of burnt offering and the inauguration of the sacrificial system, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, perfect, and once-for-all work of Jesus Christ. The altar, strategically positioned at the very entrance of the Tabernacle, served as a potent symbol that access to a holy God was only possible through a divinely appointed sacrifice for sin. This entire Old Covenant system, though divinely ordained and effective for its time, was inherently temporary, designed by God to be a shadow pointing to the perfect reality to come in Jesus Christ. He is the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who takes away the sin of the world, serving as both the perfect High Priest and the spotless, sufficient offering. Just as the burnt offering was wholly consumed, signifying complete dedication and atonement, Christ's sacrifice on the cross was a complete and sufficient payment for sin, enabling direct, unhindered, and eternal access to God for all who believe. He is the [new and living way](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - The New and Living Way") through the veil, making the old sacrificial system obsolete and fulfilling its every type and shadow (as extensively and profoundly explained in [Hebrews 10:1-18](/hebrews/10 "Hebrews 10 - Christ's Sacrifice Superior to the Old Covenant")). The altar at the door of the Tabernacle finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who declared, "[I am the door](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door"); if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved."

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

Exodus 40:6

And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.

Hebrews 13:10

We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

Exodus 27:1

¶ And thou shalt make an altar [of] shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof [shall be] three cubits.

Exodus 27:8

Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make [it].

Romans 3:24

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Romans 3:26

To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Hebrews 13:5

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.