The Alter of the Tabernacle (Bible Study by Beth Moore)

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 The Alter of the Tabernacle

Today, in our Beth Moore Bible study, A Woman’s Heart:  God’s Dwelling Place, we are studying the Altar of Sacrifice.  If we were entering the tabernacle court through the eastern gate, the first thing we would see is the altar of sacrifice.  It was made of acacia wood.  Acacia wood was well know for its resistance to decay.  It is also said to have born heavy, sharp thorns.  Sound familiar?  Jesus, our supreme sacrifice also bore heavy, sharp thorns as He was beaten and traveled the road to Golgotha.

To understand the significance of the altar, Beth directs us to the book of Matthew.

You blind men, which is more important, the offering, or the altar that sanctifies the offering? – Matthew 23:19

I never thought of the altar as being more important that the offering, but we learn in the scriptures that the altar is more important than the offering itself because the altar sanctifies the offering.  Thus the altar had to be built as God commanded.  We learn in Leviticus that God was pleased with the altar.

So they took what Moses had commanded to the front of the tent of meeting, and the whole congregation came near and stood before the Lord. Moses said, “This is the thing which the Lord has commanded you to do, that the glory of the Lord may appear to you.” – Leviticus 9:5-6

Beth then directs us to the importance of obedience.

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. – John 15:10-11

“Our obedience does not make God bigger or better than He already is.  His essence is unchanged by our obedience or lack of it.  Anything God commands of us is so that our joy may be full – the joy of seeing His glory revealed to us and in us!  Two major reasons for obedience are that we may become targets of blessing and that He may have the pleasure of bestowing it.” – Beth Moore

A Woman’s Heart:  God’s Dwelling Place by Beth Moore is overflowing with knowledge and wisdom.  What I share with you here is just a brief summary of the things I learn and the things that stand out to me.  If you would like to complete this study on your own or with a group, you can get your copy here.

Read all posts in this series here.

The leader's kit which contains materials for a group Bible Study including the videos is available here.

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