Exodus 40:29
He placed the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, just as the LORD had commanded him.
He placed the altar of burnt offering
The altar of burnt offering was central to the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, signifying its durability and the importance of the sacrifices made upon it. This altar was a place where offerings were made to atone for sin and to express devotion to God. It prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect and final atonement for sin.

near the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting
Positioning the altar near the entrance underscores the necessity of atonement before entering into God's presence. The tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was the dwelling place of God among His people. This arrangement highlights the principle that reconciliation with God is required before fellowship with Him, a theme echoed in the New Testament where Christ is the way to the Father (John 14:6).

and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering
The burnt offering was a voluntary act of worship, symbolizing the complete surrender to God. The grain offering, often accompanying the burnt offering, represented thanksgiving and dedication of one's labor to God. These offerings were a foreshadowing of Christ's complete dedication and sacrifice, fulfilling the law and offering Himself as the bread of life (John 6:35).

just as the LORD had commanded him
This phrase emphasizes obedience to God's instructions, a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Moses' adherence to God's commands in setting up the tabernacle and its furnishings reflects the importance of following divine guidance. This obedience is mirrored in the life of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father (John 5:30), serving as a model for believers to live in accordance with God's Word.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who was responsible for setting up the tabernacle and ensuring that the offerings were made according to God's commands.

2. Altar of Burnt Offering
A key element in the tabernacle, located near the entrance, where sacrifices were made to God. It symbolizes atonement and dedication to God.

3. Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting)
The portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where His presence was manifested.

4. Burnt Offerings and Grain Offerings
Sacrifices commanded by God, representing atonement for sin and thanksgiving, respectively.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, who gave specific instructions for worship and offerings.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
Moses' actions demonstrate the importance of following God's instructions precisely. As believers, we are called to obey God's Word in our daily lives.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The altar and offerings symbolize atonement and dedication. In Christ, we find the ultimate sacrifice, and we are called to live sacrificially for Him.

God's Presence
The tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we should live in a way that honors His presence within us.

Worship as a Lifestyle
The offerings were a form of worship. Our lives should be a continuous act of worship, reflecting gratitude and devotion to God.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
The sacrificial system points to Christ, who fulfilled the law and offers us a new covenant through His blood.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the placement of the altar of burnt offering near the entrance of the tabernacle reflect the importance of sacrifice in approaching God?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of obedience seen in Moses' actions to our own lives today?

3. How do the burnt offerings and grain offerings in the Old Testament foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

4. What does it mean for us to be a "living sacrifice" as described in Romans 12:1, and how can we live this out practically?

5. How does understanding the role of the tabernacle enhance our appreciation of being the temple of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament context?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 1
Provides detailed instructions on how burnt offerings were to be conducted, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands precisely.

Hebrews 9:11-14
Discusses how Christ's sacrifice surpasses the old sacrificial system, offering eternal redemption and cleansing our conscience from dead works.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is a spiritual act of worship.
The Erection of the TabernacleJ. Urquhart Exodus 40:1-33
The Tabernacle Set UpJ. Orr Exodus 40:1-33
Tabernacle ForeshadowingsW. M. Taylor, D. D.Exodus 40:1-38
The Primary and Universal Obligation to the Worship of JehovahJ. Allport.Exodus 40:1-38
The Setting Up of the Tabernacle on New Year's DayC. P. Eyre, M. A.Exodus 40:1-38
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Altar, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Causeth, Cereal, Commanded, Congregation, Door, Doorway, Entrance, Grain, Meal, Meal-offering, Meat, Meat-offering, Meeting, Oblation, Offered, Offering, Offerings, Opening, Orders, Present, Tabernacle, Tent
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 40:29-30

     7474   Tent of Meeting

Library
July 7. "And the Glory of the Lord Filled the Tabernacle" (Ex. Xl. 35).
"And the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle" (Ex. xl. 35). In the last chapter of Exodus we read all the Lord commanded Moses to do, and that as he fulfilled these commands the glory of the Lord descended and filled the tabernacle till there was no room for Moses, and from that time the pillar of cloud overshadowed them, their guide, their protection. And so we have been building as the Lord Himself commanded, and now the temple is to be handed over to Him to be possessed and filled. He will
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 4. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah
To complete the evidence, presented in the text, as to the essential difference between the teaching of the ancient Synagogue about the Forerunner of the Messiah' and the history and mission of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testaments, we subjoin a full, though condensed, account of the earlier Rabbinic traditions about Elijah. Opinions differ as to the descent and birthplace of Elijah. According to some, he was from the land of Gilead (Bemid. R. 14), and of the tribe of Gad (Tanch. on
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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