And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.
Moses waited for express command before setting up the tabernacle, though everything was ready and the people eager. The timing, the first day of the first month, teaches us to begin each year with intentional service to God, and not to delay necessary work under pretence of waiting for some special season. Let the things of His kingdom be sought first.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 40:1-15
The altar of burnt offering stood in the open court where the people brought their sacrifices for the priests to offer up. It had to be placed there, before the entrance to the holy place itself, both for the practical reason of the smoke and smell and because such work belongs in the open, not hidden within.
AI summary
The altar of burnt-offering is called most holy not because it surpasses the dwelling in holiness, but because it stood in the court exposed to the people's touch, while the tabernacle's vessels admitted no layman. The distinction rests on exposure and access, not on degree of consecration itself.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 40:1-16