1. The bronze altar (1-19)

The bronze altar was for burnt offerings. It was placed outside the tabernacle in the courtyard, which enclosed the whole sanctuary. Blood sacrifices were offered there to atone for sin (Lev 17:11). Thank offerings of grain were also offered there. This bronze altar was hollow, for it too must accompany the people to the promised land.

2. Keep the lamps burning (20-21)

The oil for the lamps was pure olive oil. The high priest should light the lamps each evening, and he and his sons should keep the lamps burning until morning. God does not sleep (Ps 121:4); he watches over his people day and night. As long as the lamp of God is burning, there is light and hope in the world.

Application: Lord, thank you for Jesus, whose blood shed on the cross for the sins of the world makes the altar obsolete--and enables us to understand its meaning. Let the oil of the Holy Spirit burn continually in my heart.
One Word: God forgives sin and gives light