1. A bronze altar and large courtyard (1-19)

The sacrificial system would become instrumental in the worship of the LORD. God instructed the altar made of bronze to be functional and still portable. This altar provided a way for sinful people to be consecrated and to approach a holy God. The altar would be in a large courtyard, a boundary between what was holy and what was mundane. God wants to dwell with his people, but we come to him only in the way he has made.

2. The lamps burning before the LORD (20-21)

The lampstand (Ex 25:31) was placed in the Holy Place, before the curtain. The priests, supplied with oil from all the people, were to keep vigil every night, all night long, to keep the lamps burning brightly. This was to be a 'lasting ordinance,' just like Passover (12:14). This symbolizes God who never sleeps and never closes his doors to his people. As we follow Jesus, the light of the world, we will never walk in darkness (Jn 8:12).


Application: Father, thank you for diligently watching over us daily. Help me follow Jesus.
One Word: Keep our lamps burning