“the altar that sanctifies the gift” (Matt 23:19)
The bronze altar was characterised by three elements – there was always a fire burning upon it (Lev 6:13), it was always stained with blood, but it was also the space where one could be assured of God’s presence (Ex 29:11; 33:9; Lev 15:14). Sacrifices provide access to the presence of God!
The altar was made from acacia wood, a square of five cubits in length and breadth, and three cubits in height (Ex 27:1), and overlayed in bronze (verse 2). Like gold speaks of glory, and silver of salvation, bronze is always an indication of judgement, as is seen in the bronze snake of Num 21, the bronze heavens of Deut 28:23 and the bronze feet of Christ as He returns to judge the nations in Rev 1:15. Scripture’s first reference to bronze is related to the judgement upon the descendants of Cain (Gen 4:22). Samson was bound by bronze chains (Judges 16:21) and Saul’s armour was made from bronze (1 Sam 17:38). In Isa 48:4 the outer courts of the rebellious folk are also connoted with bronze.
The task of interpreting this piece of the outer court is thus a simple one. Remember that every part of the tabernacle points to Christ. The acacia wood is a clear sign of God’s humanity, and this is overlaid with bronze, which signifies judgement. Not only is it clear that the bronze altar points to Christ’s act of sacrifice made on the cross, but Christ himself is the offering. In this way Christ is both Altar and Sacrifice. Bronze is the hardest known metal, offering the strongest resistance to fire. It is, above all others, the metal known for its qualities of resistance (Deut 33:25; Jer 1:18). When God’s consuming fire (Heb 12:29) brings judgement, this Being, both Altar and Sacrifice, is the only hope in enduring His wrath and punishment. He is the only One that cannot be consumed. Thus God demonstrates both His judgement and his grace.
The surface of the altar was grace (=5), multiplied grace, and in calculating the volume of God’s redemptive gifts in Christ, it is multiplied by 3, the number of manifestation. Also – the number five squared means a work completed.
Ex 29:37 makes this important statement – “Whatever touches the altar must be holy”. All who call on Christ shall be saved (Acts 2:21). Access to the Presence of God is only possible through “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) sublimely manifested in the bronze altar.
- Sela: Try and establish the meaning of the horns placed on the sides of the bronze altar.
- Read: 2 Sam 5; Prov 9; Heb 3
- Memorise: Heb 3:7-8
For a deeper understanding: http://www.bigmweb.com/home/pattern/05brazen-altar.html
