Exodus 40:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 40:10
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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 40 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, creation, redemption. 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 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 40:10
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.
Analysis
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).
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice
Cross-References
- Holy: Luke 1:35, John 17:19, Hebrews 7:26
- Sacrifice: Leviticus 8:11
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 11:2, 61:1, John 3:34, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:21