Daily Devotions
Exodus
"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and Your glory above all the earth." Psalm 108:5
Text: Exodus 27 : 1
TEMPORARY MAKE-SHIFT ALTARS
God gave specific instructions concerning the making of an altar, before the setting up of Tabernacle worship. There were two ways in which temporary makeshift altars could be erected.
“An altar of earth you shall make for Me,
and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings
and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen…And if you make Me an altar of stone, you shall not build it
of hewn stone; for if you use your tool on it, you have profaned it”
EXODUS 20:24-25
A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN TABERNACLE WORSHIP
There was a most remarkable change noted when Tabernacle Worship was introduced. The concept of a permanent altar was established.
“You shall make an altar of acacia wood,
five cubits long and five cubits wide –
the altar shall be square – and its height shall be three cubits.”
EXODUS 27:1
How should we understand the change made? Let us ponder the following thoughts!
1. God’s prerogative
It was God’s prerogative to make any kind of changes He deemed fit!
2. Distinction between Temporary and Permanent Altars
Temporary and Permanent altars were distinguished. God gave instructions concerning temporary altars, and He also gave specific instructions concerning the setting up of a permanent altar!
3. Tabernacle worship
God introduced the concept of tabernacle worship. Of course this was far more elaborate than patriarchal worship. It is normal to expect this new change concerning the erecting of an elaborate altar for burnt offerings!
4. No inconsistency at all
The Lord was not inconsistent! There was a time when temporary and make-shift altars were permitted. A different set of rules governed patriarchal worship. Now that Israel was already a nation, it was taught Tabernacle worship. Of necessity, worship took on deeper symbolism, which were well expressed.