Exodus 40:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 40:6
6 And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.
Chapter Context
Exodus 40 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, truth, 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 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 40:6
6 And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice
Cross-References
- Sacrifice: Exodus 40:29, Hebrews 13:10
- Parallel theme: 1 John 2:2