Hello Darryl. As you know, in Exodus chapter 20, God delivered the Ten Commandments to Moses, to give to the people. Then in verse 23, God reiterates the command given in verses 3 to 5, that the people must not make idols, as representative of God (which the heathen do), rather that an altar be made so that sacrifices can be made to the LORD of Heaven - the Almighty unseen God - not prefigured in idols of stone & precious materials.
And when this altar is built, it must be built from naturally found stone & not shaped or cut in any way (v25). God has deemed that if any tool is used on the stones of the altar, it will be considered polluted & hence rejected. I think these observances show that man must do nothing of himself in coming to worship God & be acceptable to Him - but to obey God & use those materials & animals that God alone has produced to be used.
In verse 26, we read that there should not be steps, or a stairway, to the top of the altar. It is understood that because of the nature of the clothing, before breeches were introduced, the priest might subject himself to exposure & immodesty. And it is possible that the construction of the steps, by virtue of the altar position, may have subjected him to such view, whereas in later constructions of the altar, the climb was more gradual, even though it was much higher at ten cubits. Maybe others may you give different views on these verses.
And when this altar is built, it must be built from naturally found stone & not shaped or cut in any way (v25). God has deemed that if any tool is used on the stones of the altar, it will be considered polluted & hence rejected. I think these observances show that man must do nothing of himself in coming to worship God & be acceptable to Him - but to obey God & use those materials & animals that God alone has produced to be used.
In verse 26, we read that there should not be steps, or a stairway, to the top of the altar. It is understood that because of the nature of the clothing, before breeches were introduced, the priest might subject himself to exposure & immodesty. And it is possible that the construction of the steps, by virtue of the altar position, may have subjected him to such view, whereas in later constructions of the altar, the climb was more gradual, even though it was much higher at ten cubits. Maybe others may you give different views on these verses.
This comment thread is locked. Please enter a new comment below to start a new comment thread.
Note: Comment threads older than 2 months are automatically locked.
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Please Sign In or Register to post comments...
Report Comment
Which best represents the problem with the comment?