Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 38:2 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 38:2 in the King James Version (KJV) reads: “And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: the length of it was five cubits, and the breadth of it five cubits; it was four square; and the height of it was three cubits.” (Exodus 38:2, KJV)
This seemingly simple verse details part of the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred components, but its significance reaches far beyond just the dimensions of a physical structure. Exodus 38:2 plays a vital role in understanding the broader themes of worship, holiness, and God’s covenant with Israel. In this article, we will break down this verse, examine its context, delve into its meaning, and explore how it can be applied to our lives today.
The Context of Exodus 38:2 KJV
To fully understand Exodus 38:2, we must consider the broader context of the book of Exodus, especially the chapters leading up to and following this verse. Exodus is a foundational book of the Bible that tells the story of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, their journey through the wilderness, and their establishment as a nation under God’s covenant.
Exodus 38 falls within the section of the book where God instructs Moses and the Israelites to construct the Tabernacle—a portable sanctuary meant for God to dwell among His people. These chapters (Exodus 35-40) provide detailed instructions on how to build the Tabernacle, the furniture within it, and the altar of burnt offering, which is discussed in Exodus 38:2.
Before Exodus 38:2, we find a description of the materials and craftsmanship that went into making the Tabernacle. The building of the altar itself is described as being made of “shittim wood” (also known as acacia wood), with specific measurements given in cubits. A cubit is generally understood to be the length of the forearm, approximately 18 inches, though there may have been slight variations.
In the preceding chapters, God gave Moses specific instructions for the design of the altar, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice in the relationship between Israel and God. The altar of burnt offering was placed in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, where sacrifices were to be made for atonement and worship.
The Exodus 38:2 Meaning
The Altar of Burnt Offering
Exodus 38:2 provides the dimensions and materials for the construction of the altar of burnt offering. This altar was central to the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. Burnt offerings were sacrifices that were completely consumed by fire on the altar as a sign of the worshipper’s complete surrender to God. The altar itself, as described in Exodus 38:2, was a square structure—five cubits in length, five cubits in breadth, and three cubits in height.
Significance of Shittim (Acacia) Wood
The use of shittim wood (acacia wood) in the construction of the altar is noteworthy. Acacia wood was known for its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizing the lasting nature of God’s covenant with His people. The choice of this material also speaks to the Israelites’ faithfulness in following God’s specific commands, no matter how seemingly minor.
Acacia wood was also used in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant and the poles for carrying the Tabernacle. Its use in the altar of burnt offering emphasizes the sacredness and holiness of the space in which sacrifices were to take place.
The Shape and Size of the Altar
The dimensions of the altar, a square of five cubits on each side with a height of three cubits, emphasize its importance. The altar was not only large enough to accommodate various types of sacrificial offerings but also had a specific design that pointed to its sacred function. Its square shape suggests stability and permanence, echoing the constancy of God’s presence and the centrality of sacrifice in Israel’s relationship with Him.
Exodus 38:2 Application in Life
The Principle of Sacrifice
One of the key applications of Exodus 38:2 in modern life is the principle of sacrifice. The altar of burnt offering was a place where Israel’s sins were atoned for through the shedding of blood. While the physical altar no longer exists, the spiritual significance remains. The Bible teaches that the ultimate sacrifice for sin was made through Jesus Christ, whose death on the cross fulfilled the need for animal sacrifices.
For Christians today, Exodus 38:2 reminds us that sacrifice is central to our worship and relationship with God. While the nature of sacrifice has changed, we are still called to offer our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). The altar’s centrality in the Tabernacle underscores the importance of making God the focus of our lives, offering our time, talents, and resources in worship and service to Him.
Holiness and Worship
The altar’s design and the instructions given for its construction remind us of the importance of approaching God with reverence and holiness. The Israelites were to be careful in following the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the altar of burnt offering. This teaches us the importance of worshiping God according to His will and not on our own terms. The Tabernacle’s design symbolizes the order and holiness that should characterize our worship and daily lives.
In our lives today, we must also consider the “altars” in our own hearts. Do we dedicate our lives to God with the same focus and intention as the Israelites did in the wilderness? Are we offering sacrifices of praise, gratitude, and service that reflect our faith in a holy God?
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Leviticus 1:9
Leviticus 1:9 provides further insight into the role of the altar of burnt offering:
“But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord.”
This verse clarifies that the burnt offering was meant to be a pleasing aroma to God. The sacrifice on the altar of burnt offering in Exodus 38:2 was not just a ritual; it represented a heart of obedience and submission to God’s will. This echoes the New Testament teaching that God desires our hearts more than mere outward acts (Matthew 15:8, Romans 12:1).
John 1:29
The Apostle John, in John 1:29, identifies Jesus as the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” This verse ties into the themes established in Exodus 38:2 by showing that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrifices made on the altar of burnt offering. Just as the Israelites used the altar to make offerings for sin, Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross is the once-and-for-all offering for sin, making the old sacrificial system obsolete.
Romans 12:1
Paul writes in Romans 12:1:“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Here, the apostle connects the idea of sacrifice to the Christian life, urging believers to offer themselves entirely to God, much as the Israelites offered their sacrifices on the altar. This reflects the deeper meaning of the altar in Exodus 38:2, as a place of total surrender and dedication to God.
Modern-Day Relevance
Spiritual Sacrifice in the Christian Life
While the physical altar of burnt offering no longer exists, the concept of spiritual sacrifice is highly relevant in today’s Christian life. Exodus 38:2 encourages us to consider the significance of offering our own lives to God. In a culture where self-centeredness and materialism often take precedence, the call to offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) is countercultural. It requires intentionality and a willingness to sacrifice personal desires for God’s greater purposes.
Sacrificial Love and Service
Exodus 38:2 also speaks to the ongoing need for sacrificial love and service. The altar in Exodus was where the people would bring their offerings as an act of obedience. In modern times, Christians are called to bring offerings of service, kindness, and generosity, both to God and to others. The act of sacrifice may not involve the shedding of blood, but it involves the giving of one’s time, energy, and resources for the good of others and the glory of God.
Conclusion
Exodus 38:2, though seemingly a simple description of the altar’s construction, carries profound theological and practical significance. It speaks to the centrality of sacrifice in God’s plan for His people, the importance of holiness in worship, and the ultimate fulfillment of these sacrifices in the person of Jesus Christ. The altar of burnt offering is not merely an ancient relic but a symbol of God’s desire for total surrender and obedience from His people. Through the lens of this verse, we are reminded of the ongoing call to offer our lives as living sacrifices to God, just as the Israelites were called to offer their sacrifices in the Tabernacle.
Exodus 38:2 Commentary
Exodus 38:2 highlights God’s meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle, underscoring the sacredness of worship. The altar of burnt offering represents more than just a place for sacrifice; it symbolizes the seriousness of sin and the costly nature of atonement. The Israelites were to approach the altar with reverence, knowing that it was a sacred space for offering atonement for their sins.
The specific measurements and materials used in the construction of the altar are significant. They reveal that God values order, precision, and reverence in worship. The altar itself serves as a reminder that all of creation is to be consecrated to God and used for His purposes.
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