Exodus 20:26
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 20:26
26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
Chapter Context
Exodus 20 is a legal covenant chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, sacrifice, fellowship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it presents the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) as the cornerstone of biblical law. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 20:26
26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
Analysis
Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
Stairs are prohibited lest 'nakedness be discovered' (לֹא־תַעֲלֶה בְמַעֲלֹת עַל־מִזְבְּחִי אֲשֶׁר לֹא־תִגָּלֶה עֶרְוָתְךָ עָלָיו, lo-ta'aleh vema'alot al-mizbechi asher lo-tigaleh ervatekha alav). Ancient Near Eastern garments (robes without undergarments) would expose priests climbing steps. Nakedness symbolizes shame (Genesis 3:7); God's presence requires modesty. The altar must preserve dignity—worship isn't exhibitionist. Later, priestly garments include linen undergarments (Exodus 28:42-43) to cover nakedness. The principle is reverence: casual exposure before holy God is inappropriate. Hebrews 4:13 says 'all is naked and exposed before Him'—God sees all, but we approach reverently, not presumptuously.
Historical Context
Pagan worship sometimes involved ritual nakedness and sexual acts. God's command protects worship's dignity and purity. The later bronze altar had a ramp, not steps (Exodus 27:1-8), implementing this command.
Reflection
- What does the prohibition on exposing nakedness at the altar teach about reverence in worship?
- How might modern worship violate the principle of modesty and reverence before God?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice
Cross-References
- Sacrifice: Ecclesiastes 5:1
- Parallel theme: Psalms 89:7, 1 Peter 1:16