Inside the courtyard of the Tabernacle was the altar. God had shown Moses exactly what it looked like and exactly how to make it when he was on Mount Sinai. Moses was to exactly follow the instructions (Exodus 27:8). The altar also represents Christ.
The altar was to be made of (acacia) wood. The wood was to be covered in brass. It is possible that the wood represents Christ’s humanity while he was on earth. The acacia wood was a very durable wood. And the brass represents his divine nature. Brass also represents victory through suffering and sacrifice.
It was to be built hollow. This may represent the fact that Christ emptied himself when he came to earth to live as a man (Philippians 2:7). He made himself of no reputation to come to earth. Yet, he was still God in the flesh.
The altar had four horns, one on each corner. The horns represent strength, honor and victory. They also represent authority. When the sacrifice was brought into the court, it was tied up and then tied to one of the horns. We are to present our bodies living sacrifices when we come to worship God. We must be tied to Christ through our obedience to his word. If we make sure we are always tied to him, then we will live with him one day in heaven.
There was a grate that sat upon the altar. This grate was one and a half cubits high. This is the same height as the mercy seat. This may show that God’s mercy is as great as his justice.
I am glad that God is both merciful and just. I know you are too. Keep reading your Bible. Learn all you can about what God wants you to do. Make sure you live the way that Christ lived.
