Exodus 40:10
And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy.
Original Language Analysis
וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֛
And thou shalt anoint
H4886
וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֛
And thou shalt anoint
Strong's:
H4886
Word #:
1 of 14
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽעֹלָ֖ה
of the burnt offering
H5930
הָֽעֹלָ֖ה
of the burnt offering
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
4 of 14
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כֵּלָ֑יו
and all his vessels
H3627
כֵּלָ֑יו
and all his vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
7 of 14
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֙
and sanctify
H6942
וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֙
and sanctify
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
8 of 14
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְהָיָ֥ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
11 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Hebrews 7:26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;Isaiah 11:2And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;1 Corinthians 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:John 3:34For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.John 17:19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.2 Corinthians 5:21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.Luke 1:35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.Leviticus 8:11And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all his vessels, both the laver and his foot, to sanctify them.
Historical Context
The bronze altar's 'most holy' status meant that anything touching it was consecrated to God and couldn't be used for common purposes. This principle protected the altar's sanctity and taught Israel that approaching God through sacrifice was their holiest privilege.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the bronze altar's supreme holiness despite its 'outer' location teach about sacrifice's centrality?
- How does Christ sanctifying those who touch Him by faith illustrate the altar's consecrating power?
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Analysis & Commentary
Anointing the bronze altar and vessels 'sanctifies' (וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ, vekidashta) them, making them 'most holy' (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים, qodesh qodashim, holy of holies). The bronze altar, though located in the outer courtyard, receives the highest consecration because it bore atoning sacrifice. This teaches that sacrifice's place is supremely holy—Christ's cross, though outside Jerusalem (Hebrews 13:12), is salvation's most sacred site. Whatever touches the altar becomes holy (Exodus 29:37), prefiguring Christ sanctifying those who approach through Him (Hebrews 10:10, 14).