I. Dimensions & Design
A. 7.5 feet square; 4.5 feet high
B. Acacia wood covered with bronze
C. Horns at each corner
D. Rings & poles along sides for carrying
E. First article of furniture when entering the Tabernacle court
II. Sacrifice & Symbolism
A. Called “mizbeach’ ” – “slaughter place”
B. Stood at the entrance of the courtyard doorway
C. God lit the fire underneath (Leviticus 9:24)
1. Fire was always kept burning
2. Reminder of the continual judgment of God upon sin
D. Sacrifices were consumed whole; nothing was spared
1. No part of man is good
2. Romans 7:18, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing”
3. Man can approach God only by way of a sacrifice
4. Hebrews 9:22
III. Attention & Application
A. When we approach God we are faced with our sin
1. Bloody sacrifices are repulsive
2. Our sin is repulsive to God
B. The continually smoking sacrifices and altar were a constant daily reminder of how bad our sins are in the sight of God
1. Romans 6:23
2. Ezekiel 18:4, “The soul that sins shall surely die”
C. Each time we approach God for worship we should be reminded how repulsive our sin is – WHY?
1. It makes us eager to be cleansed
2. It makes us more apt to avoid sin
3. It makes us more thankful for the sacrifice of Jesus
4. It then helps to make our worship more of a heart-felt experience
