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Listen "#84 | Exodus and the Atonement: The Tabernacle of Meeting - Table of Showbread, Golden Lampstand, Bronze Altar of Burnt Offering, Court, Golden Altar of Incense, Bronze Laver (Basin) "
Episode Synopsis
In this episode we keep exploring the furniture of the Tabernacle of Meeting, but the primary focus is on the Altar of Burnt Offering. This altar was a box like object that had horns on the top four corners of the box. Those four corners of the altar can symbolize the totality of any territory or domain. For example, the phrase "four corners of the earth" imply not only the outer limits of the earth, but also the totality of the earth. The domain or territory inferred by the altar was likely the land of Israel. But it could also point to the totality of whatever the function of the altar was carrying out.
The horns on the altar can symbolize strength or victory in battle. The bronze material can also symbolize strength, or resistance, or both, depending on the context in which it is used. We will explore the significance of all this in a later episode, but in this episode, we touch briefly on the significance of the four corners on the four horns of the altar.
The connection of the Tabernacle with Jesus in the New Testament is found in Revelation 22 where it says God Tabernacles with human beings. The result of his dwelling among us is a new creation, free from death, sorrow, pain, and anything that corrupts or contaminates. This is really the end goal of God dwelling with us - to fulfill the purpose for which we were created. He initiates an abiding, transforming presence among Israel first, and then by Israel carrying the presence among them, they will partner with God in advancing human nature towards its created purpose, and in turn mediating God's purposes among the nations - or at least that was the goal...
Key Passages:
Exodus 25:23-27:19; 30:1-10, 17-21
Revelation 22:1-6
Verses that associate horns with strength, leadership, or victory in battle: Leviticus 4:1-21; 1 Samuel 2:1,10; Psalm 89:24, 92:10; 112:9; 148:14; Zech. 1:21.
Resources:
An article that explores the symbolic meaning of bronze in the Bible.
A website visually depicting the Tabernacle and its furniture
Explainer Video on how to use www.biblehub.com and www.blueletterbible.org
Leave us a question or comment at our website podcast page.
* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music
The horns on the altar can symbolize strength or victory in battle. The bronze material can also symbolize strength, or resistance, or both, depending on the context in which it is used. We will explore the significance of all this in a later episode, but in this episode, we touch briefly on the significance of the four corners on the four horns of the altar.
The connection of the Tabernacle with Jesus in the New Testament is found in Revelation 22 where it says God Tabernacles with human beings. The result of his dwelling among us is a new creation, free from death, sorrow, pain, and anything that corrupts or contaminates. This is really the end goal of God dwelling with us - to fulfill the purpose for which we were created. He initiates an abiding, transforming presence among Israel first, and then by Israel carrying the presence among them, they will partner with God in advancing human nature towards its created purpose, and in turn mediating God's purposes among the nations - or at least that was the goal...
Key Passages:
Exodus 25:23-27:19; 30:1-10, 17-21
Revelation 22:1-6
Verses that associate horns with strength, leadership, or victory in battle: Leviticus 4:1-21; 1 Samuel 2:1,10; Psalm 89:24, 92:10; 112:9; 148:14; Zech. 1:21.
Resources:
An article that explores the symbolic meaning of bronze in the Bible.
A website visually depicting the Tabernacle and its furniture
Explainer Video on how to use www.biblehub.com and www.blueletterbible.org
Leave us a question or comment at our website podcast page.
* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music
In God we trust