Introduction
We are given a description of the Brazen Altar in Exodus 27:1-8. In Exodus 30:28 it is referred to as the altar of burnt offering.1. The Altar Described
A. The Brazen Altar stood in the court between the outer opening and the entrance to the Holy Place. It was the first object one saw as they entered the court. Between this altar and the Tabernacle sat the Laver.
B. The altar was a square box of shittim overlaid with brass. It was five cubits long by five broad by three cubits high. At each corner was a horn of brass. The Altar was hollow with a grate inside. A pan caught the ashes. The altar was carried by brass-covered staves ran through four rings. As with other pieces of furniture there are differences of opinion over some details of its construction.
C. On this altar burned a fire of divine origin (Leviticus 9:24). This was always burning (Leviticus 6:13). Here the burnt and meat offerings were consumed by fire. The altar was in daily use.2. The Symbolism Of The Brazen Altar
A.The Brazen Altar stood before the gate of the tabernacle court. It typified the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary. The location of the altar reminds us that we can only enter God's presence by way of the cross (John 14:6). We enter into a position of spiritual fellowship and blessedness through Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Notice now several uses of the Brazen altar that typify Christ's saving work:
B. The altar was the place of burnt offering (Exodus 30:28). This offering displayed Christ as our substitute suffering the penalty due our sin. Brass signified "judgment" and foreshadowed Christ as judged in our place (II Corinthians 5:21). The fire consuming the sacrifice pictured judgment falling on the Saviour as He suffered God's wrath on our behalf.
C. All this is made plain in Leviticus 1:1-17 where instructions for the burnt offering were given. In verse 4 we are told that the offering was an atonement for sin. In verse 13 and verse 17 the offering is said to be a sweet savour unto the Lord. Ephesians 5:2 makes it clear what is typified in this. The death of God’s son was a pleasing sacrifice to God which satisfied His just law and enabled Him to accept us in Christ (Ephesians 1:6). These sacrifices were to be offered as public confession of a person’s faith in God’s promised Saviour (Psalm 50:5).
D. The Brazen Altar was the place where the meat offering was made (Leviticus 2:1-3). Again this pointed to Christ. The fine flour represented His perfect human nature. The oil revealed Christ as anointed by the Spirit. Part of this offering was burnt on the Brazen Altar as a picture of Christ's obedience unto death. The rest became food for the priests (Leviticus 2:1-3), even as Christ is our spiritual food (John 6:35).
E. The Brazen Altar also had significance in other areas of the Tabernacle where Christ was typified. The coals used to burn incense on the Golden altar came from the Brazen Altar. This revealed that Christ’s death was the key that opened the door of prayer to the Father. The blood sprinkled on the Mercy Seat came from a sacrifice offered on the Brazen altar. Again we see that Christ’s death was the key to His coming into the Father’s presence on our behalf.
F. Finally, the Brazen altar was a place of refuge. Men in trouble would flee to take hold of the horns of the altar (I Kings 1:50-51). The horn was a symbol of strength. Christ is the horn of salvation (Luke 1:68-69). He is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). By faith in Christ we lay hold of the Lord’s saving strength (Isaiah 27:5).==================
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