THE TABERNACLE: THE BRAZEN ALTAR
THE TABERNACLE: THE BRAZEN ALTAR
Read exdous 27:1-8; 38:1-7; As all the sacrifices were offered on the Brazon Alter (Leviticus 17:8-9), it is thus typifies the cross of death of Christ. Leviticus 1:9; and Ephesians 5:2.
1. THE LOCATION OF THE ALTAR; THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRIST'S DEATH
Exodus 40:16 “set the altar…before the door.” Upon entering the gate, the altar was the FIRST object seen. I Corinthians 15:3 “first of all…..Christ dies for our sns” Hebrews 9:22 “without shedding the blood…no remission.”
2. THE MATERIALS OF THE ALTAR: THE NATURE OF CHRIST'S DEATH
Exodus 27: 1,8 “an altar of shittim wood…with boards.” Wood, a fit symbol of Christ’s humanity. Psalm 1:3 “a tree” Isaiah 53:2,8 “a tender plant…cut off.” Brass (copper) symbolizes judgment. Christ bore the judgment of God against sin. I Timothy 2:5-6 “the man Christ Jesus…a ramson. Zechariah 13:7 “awake, O sword, against the man.” Isaiah 53:4, 10 “smitten of God, and afflicted.
3. THE SIZE OF THE ALTAR: THE SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST DEATH
Exodus 27:1 five cubits long, five wide, and three high. The brazen altar was larger than all the rest of the furniture of the tabernacle combined (7 1/2 by 7 1/2 by 4 1/2. Romans 8:32 “delivered Him up…with Him..all things.” Ephesians 1:3 :AI scriptural blessing…in Christ.”
4. THE SHAPE OF THE ALTAR: THE UNIVERSALITY OF CHRIST'S DEATH
Exodus 27:1 “the altar shall be foursquare, ” i.e., equally displayed to the four corners of the earth. John 3:16 “for God so loved the world that he gave…” I John 2:2 “the propitiation…for the whole world,: Matthew 28:19 “go ye therefore, and teach all nations.”
5. THE HORNS OF THE ALTAR: THE POWER OF CHRIST'S DEATH
Exodus 27:2 “make the horns of it upon the four corners.” Horns are a symbol of power. I Samuel 2:10; Daniel 8:3-4. Romans 1:16 “gospel (cross etc) is the power of God.” I Corinthians 1:18 “preaching of the cross…is the power of God.”
6. THE FIRE OF THE ALTAR: THE ETERNAL VALUE OF CHRIST'S DEATH
Levitious 9:23-24 “there came fire out from before the Lord.” Levitious 6:13 “the fire shall ever be burning….never go out.” This signifies, not that Christ must be sacrificed forever, but that His one offering is eternally efficacious. Hebrews 10:11-14 “one sacrifice for sin forever.”
