Exodus 40:29
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 40:29
29 And 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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 40 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, salvation, covenant. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 40:29
29 And 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.
Analysis
The bronze altar's placement 'by the door of the tabernacle' ensures that sacrifice precedes all worship. The phrase 'burnt the burnt offering and the meat offering' (וַיַּעַל עָלָיו אֶת־הָעֹלָה, vaya'al alav et-haOlah, caused to ascend upon it the burnt offering) emphasizes upward motion—sacrifice ascends to God. The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah, that which ascends) symbolizes complete consecration; the meat offering (מִנְחָה, minchah, grain offering) represents thanksgiving. The 7th 'as the LORD commanded Moses' approaches covenant perfection (seven = complete). Christ's sacrifice, once offered, satisfies completely (Hebrews 10:10, 12, 14).
Historical Context
The burnt offering, entirely consumed by fire (Leviticus
- , symbolized complete dedication to God—nothing held back. The grain offering (Leviticus
- accompanied it, representing gratitude and fellowship.
The bronze altar's size (7.5 feet square, 4.5 feet high) enabled multiple simultaneous offerings during festivals.
Reflection
- How does the bronze altar's position (first/before entry) teach that atonement is worship's foundation?
- What does Christ's once-for-all sacrifice replacing continual offerings reveal about His sufficient atonement?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice
Cross-References
- Sacrifice: Exodus 40:6