Exodus 40:29

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Exodus 40 concludes the book of Exodus, detailing the final assembly and consecration of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people. This verse specifically describes Moses placing the altar of burnt offering in its designated place in the outer court, just outside the entrance to the holy tent. The entire chapter emphasizes Moses' meticulous obedience to God's instructions, culminating in the glory of the LORD filling the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34). The setting up of the altar and the initial sacrifices signify the commencement of the sacrificial system, central to Israel's worship and relationship with God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Obedience: The repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" (also seen in Exodus 40:16 and throughout the chapter) underscores the importance of precise adherence to God's instructions for worship and service. Every detail of the Tabernacle and its rituals was divinely ordained.
  • Atonement and Access: The altar of burnt offering was the first piece of furniture encountered upon entering the Tabernacle courtyard. Its prominent position signified that atonement for sin, through sacrifice, was the indispensable prerequisite for approaching a holy God. The "burnt offering" (Hebrew: 'olah, "that which goes up") symbolized complete dedication and atonement, while the "meat offering" (Hebrew: minchah, often translated as "grain offering") was a gift or tribute, often accompanying other sacrifices or offered independently as an act of devotion.
  • Commencement of Worship: With the altar in place and the first sacrifices offered, the Tabernacle became fully functional as the center of Israel's corporate worship. This marked a new phase in their covenant relationship, providing a tangible means for the people to seek forgiveness and express devotion.

Linguistic Insights

The term "burnt offering" in Hebrew is 'olah (ืขึนืœึธื”), derived from a root meaning "to ascend" or "to go up," referring to the smoke of the sacrifice ascending to God. This highlights the idea of a sacrifice wholly consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication and acceptance by God. The "meat offering" (KJV) is minchah (ืžึดื ึฐื—ึธื”) in Hebrew, which more accurately translates to "grain offering" or "tribute." Unlike the blood sacrifices, the minchah was typically made of flour, oil, and frankincense, often representing thanksgiving, devotion, or a recognition of God's provision.

Practical Application

Exodus 40:29 reminds us that approaching God has always required a divinely appointed means. For ancient Israel, it was through the sacrificial system centered at the Tabernacle. For believers today, the ultimate means of access is through the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the altar was strategically placed at the entrance, so Christ is the "door" (John 10:9) through whom we must enter to have fellowship with God. This verse also teaches us about the importance of obedience in worship; God desires worship that is offered according to His revealed will, not merely our own preferences. Our worship should be intentional, recognizing the need for atonement and expressing both dedication (like the burnt offering) and grateful devotion (like the grain offering).
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 40:6 (5 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Exodus 27:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • Romans 3:24 (2 votes)

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

  • Romans 3:26 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    [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.