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.

And thou shalt set {H5414} the altar {H4196} of the burnt offering {H5930} before {H6440} the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H4908} of the tent {H168} of the congregation {H4150}.

Place the altar for burnt offerings in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the tent of meeting.

Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting.

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

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 40:6 (KJV)

The verse Exodus 40:6 is a crucial instruction in the final stages of setting up the Tabernacle, God's dwelling place among the Israelites. It specifies the placement of the altar of burnt offering, highlighting its central role in ancient Israelite worship and the sacrificial system.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of the detailed divine instructions given to Moses for the construction and arrangement of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. The entire chapter of Exodus 40 describes the meticulous assembly of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, exactly as God had commanded. The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, served as the primary place of worship and the focal point of God's presence among His people during their wilderness journey. The "tent of the congregation" (also known as the "tent of meeting") was where God would meet with Moses and the people. The placement of the altar "before the door" meant it was the very first piece of sacred furniture encountered upon entering the Tabernacle courtyard, signifying its foundational importance for approaching a holy God. This precise ordering underscores God's emphasis on proper worship and access.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Access to God: The altar of burnt offering was the initial point of interaction for anyone seeking to draw near to God in the Tabernacle. Its prominent position "before the door" symbolized that atonement and sacrifice were the necessary prerequisites for communion with a holy God.
  • Sacrifice and Atonement: This verse underscores the centrality of the sacrificial system in Old Testament worship. The altar (Hebrew: mizbeach ha'olah, "altar of the ascent offering") was where animals were offered to make atonement for sin, reflecting the principle that "without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22).
  • Divine Order and Precision: God's explicit and detailed instructions for every aspect of the Tabernacle's construction and placement, from its materials to the exact location of each item, reveal His demand for order, obedience, and reverence in worship. This divine blueprint ensured that everything was done "according to the pattern" (Exodus 25:9).
  • Holiness and Purification: The Tabernacle was a holy space, and the altar facilitated the necessary purification and consecration for individuals to enter further into God's presence.

Linguistic Insights

The term "tabernacle" (Hebrew: mishkan) literally means "dwelling place," emphasizing that it was where God chose to dwell among His people. "Tent of the congregation" (Hebrew: ohel mo'ed) translates to "tent of meeting," signifying the place where God would meet with Moses and the people. The "altar of the burnt offering" was specifically for the 'olah, an offering that was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement for sin.

Practical Application

For believers today, the altar of burnt offering and the entire sacrificial system point forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is our true altar and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Just as the altar was the necessary first step to approach God in the Old Testament, so too is faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice the only way to draw near to God today. This verse reminds us that access to God is not automatic but is provided through a divinely ordained means, culminating in Christ's once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10). It also highlights the importance of obedience to God's revealed will in our worship and daily lives.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 40:29 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Exodus 38:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And he made the altar of burnt offering [of] shittim wood: five cubits [was] the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; [it was] foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.

  • Exodus 38:7 (3 votes)

    And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.

  • Ephesians 1:6 (3 votes)

    To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

  • Ephesians 1:7 (3 votes)

    In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

  • Exodus 27:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

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