Altar Exodus 30

Exodus 30:10 "And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements; once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the Lord."

The Lord repeated himself that the blood was to be applied to the altar once a year. It is noteworthy that when the Lord repeats something it is very important. Of course, the whole Bible is important but we should pay attention when it is repeated.

In this chapter the elaborate making of the altar is described. It sits before the ark where the Lord comes to meet with the high priest in the most holy place. There is a great process of cleansing as one enters the front gate and approaches the veil. Inside is where the atonement is made by blood for the sins of the people.

In the new testament and speaking of Christ things are different "Hebrews 7:22-25 "By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."

In our chapter the blood was applied once a year. Christ blood was applied for all eternity.

Location of the altar: v6 "And thou shall put it before the veil that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee."

Note that the ark is called the ark of the testimony.

The chapter also discusses how the tabernacle is to be supported financially. An offering of 1/2 shekel was to be given by everyone 20 years old and above. v14, 15, 16

v23-38 deals with making of oil and a perfume and how to make it to be used to anoit the priest and no one else. The formula was not to be copied.

v38 "Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people."

Proverbs 25:19 "Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint."