Week 43, Day 3: The altar

Today’s Reading:  Exodus 27:1-21

Some thoughts from the reading…

The instructions for constructing the tent of meeting is finished in chapter 27.  I am impressed with the dimensions of the bronze altar.  It is 5 cubits square (7.5 feet x 7.5 feet).  That is a huge altar.  It is 4.5 feet tall.  The altar was designd to handle the sacrifices of a nation.  If Israel sacrificed to God as commanded they would need a BIG altar to complete the required sacrifices.  When you read of some of the festivals or special occations you get an impression of how many animals could be sacrificed in one day on this altar. 

The altar was to be made with horns on the corners.  Horns are often a symbol of power.  Later we will see people take hold of the horns of the altar when seeking mercy (1 Kings 1:50-51 & 1 Kings 2:28).  We are not given a stated reason for why the horns were to be a part of the altar. 

As we consider the articles of the tent of meeting, keep in mind that all of these things were “shown to you in the mountain”.  Moses had been shown what all he was to build (26:30, 27:8).  I think it is important for us to remember that as we try to invision how some of these things looked, whatever their final appearance was, Moses had been shown exactly what he needed to do in order to construct the place and items of worship to God. 

Question:  What do you think would have happened if Moses had decided not to follow all the instructions shown to him on the mountain?  How do you think Moses would be remembered?