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.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔ה
And thou shalt set
H5414
וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔ה
And thou shalt set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽעֹלָ֑ה
of the burnt offering
H5930
הָֽעֹלָ֑ה
of the burnt offering
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
4 of 9
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
לִפְנֵ֕י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֕י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 9
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
פֶּ֖תַח
the door
H6607
פֶּ֖תַח
the door
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
6 of 9
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
מִשְׁכַּ֥ן
of the tabernacle
H4908
מִשְׁכַּ֥ן
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
7 of 9
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
Cross References
Exodus 40:29And 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.Hebrews 13:10We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.1 John 2:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
Historical Context
The bronze altar dominated the courtyard, its size (7.5 feet square, 4.5 feet high) and central position ensuring no one could ignore it. The continual burnt offering (morning and evening) meant smoke and aroma constantly ascended, visually teaching that atonement was Israel's perpetual need.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the bronze altar's position (first/before entry) teach that atonement precedes all other worship?
- What does Christ's once-for-all sacrifice replacing daily offerings reveal about His sufficient atonement?
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Analysis & Commentary
The bronze altar of burnt offering 'before the door' (לִפְנֵי פֶּתַח, lifnei petach) establishes sacrifice as prerequisite for entry. Before accessing the Holy Place (prayer, fellowship, service), worshippers must pass the bronze altar (atonement). This sequence teaches the gospel order: justification precedes sanctification, forgiveness precedes fellowship, blood before blessing. The altar's bronze material, enduring fire's heat, symbolizes judgment borne. Christ, our sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26; 10:10), satisfied divine wrath, enabling access.