What does Exodus 20:24-26 teach about building altars?

Exodus 20:24-26 is a fascinating passage that provides specific instructions from God regarding the construction of altars. This passage comes immediately after the giving of the Ten Commandments, and it is part of the broader covenantal instructions given to the people of Israel. Let's take a closer look at the verses and explore their significance:

"Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you. If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it. And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts may be exposed." (Exodus 20:24-26, NIV)

These verses contain several key instructions and principles about building altars, each of which has theological and practical implications for the Israelites and, by extension, for us today.

Simplicity and Humility

The first instruction is to build an altar of earth. This command emphasizes simplicity and humility in worship. An altar made of earth or unhewn stones would be rudimentary and unadorned, reflecting an approach to worship that is not focused on human craftsmanship or grandeur but on the act of worship itself. This simplicity underscores the idea that God values the heart and intention behind the worship more than the physical structure.

This principle is echoed in other parts of Scripture. For instance, in Micah 6:8, we read, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." The emphasis is on humility and righteousness rather than elaborate rituals or structures.

God's Presence and Blessing

God promises that wherever He causes His name to be honored, He will come and bless the people. This promise highlights the relational aspect of worship. The altar is not just a place of sacrifice but a meeting place between God and His people. It is a tangible reminder of God's presence and His desire to bless those who honor Him.

This concept is further developed in the New Testament, where Jesus speaks of worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). The physical location becomes less significant than the sincerity and authenticity of the worshiper. However, the principle remains that God meets His people where they genuinely seek Him.

Purity and Reverence

The instruction not to use dressed stones for the altar is significant. Using tools to shape the stones would defile the altar. This command can be understood in several ways. First, it emphasizes the purity of worship. The altar should not be tainted by human effort or pride. It is a place set apart for God, and it should remain pure and unadulterated.

Second, this command can be seen as a safeguard against idolatry. In the ancient Near East, altars and temples often featured elaborate carvings and decorations that could become objects of worship themselves. By insisting on unhewn stones, God ensures that the focus remains on Him and not on the altar.

This principle of purity and reverence is echoed in the New Testament as well. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Paul writes, "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for God's temple is sacred, and you together are that temple." The emphasis is on maintaining the purity of the place where God dwells, whether it is a physical altar or the community of believers.

Modesty and Respect

The final instruction is not to go up to the altar on steps, to prevent the exposure of one's private parts. This command underscores the importance of modesty and respect in worship. In the cultural context of the time, this instruction would prevent any accidental immodesty that might occur due to the clothing worn by the priests or worshipers.

This principle of modesty and respect is still relevant today. Worship should be conducted in a manner that honors God and respects the dignity of all participants. This includes not only physical modesty but also an attitude of reverence and humility.

The Broader Theological Context

These instructions about building altars are part of a broader theological context that includes the nature of God, the covenant relationship between God and His people, and the purpose of worship. God is holy, and His instructions for worship reflect His holiness. The altars are a means for the people to approach God, to seek forgiveness, and to express their devotion. They are also a reminder of God's provision and blessing.

In the New Testament, the concept of altars is transformed by the work of Christ. Jesus becomes the ultimate sacrifice, and the cross becomes the ultimate altar. Hebrews 13:10-12 states, "We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat. The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood." Jesus' sacrifice fulfills and transcends the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the instructions for building altars.

Practical Implications for Today

While we no longer build physical altars for sacrifices, the principles behind these instructions are still relevant. Our worship should be characterized by simplicity, humility, purity, reverence, modesty, and respect. We should focus on the heart of worship rather than the external trappings. We should seek to honor God's presence and to live in a way that reflects His holiness.

Moreover, the idea that God meets us where we honor His name is a powerful reminder of His desire for a relationship with us. Whether in a grand cathedral or a simple home, God is present where He is genuinely sought and honored.

In conclusion, Exodus 20:24-26 teaches us important lessons about the nature of worship and our relationship with God. It calls us to approach God with humility and reverence, to maintain the purity of our worship, and to honor God's presence in our lives. These principles are timeless and continue to shape our understanding and practice of worship today.