Explore the meaning of the bronze altar in ancient Israel’s Tabernacle. Discover how its design, horns and blood rituals highlight public atonement, repentance and community accountability. Learn the symbolism of “Ariel” (Lion of God) and how the altar foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Yeshua (Jesus). Drawing from Exodus, Ezekiel, Hebrews and more, this study reveals how praise, good deeds and partnership with God transform ritual into spiritual growth and a foundation for modern life.
Why is there so much ink in the Torah devoted to the design of Israel’s Tabernacle? As we see in this study of Torah reading תְּצַוֶּה Tetzaveh (“you shall command,” Exodus 27:20–30:10) and parallel passages on Ezekiel’s temple and Hebrews 13, the emphasis is God’s dwelling among His people, who are to be a lifeline for humanity. The architecture, offerings and rituals of the Tabernacle (and later temples) are essential, enduring blueprints for the atoning work of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) and believers’ personal transformation through God’s Spirit to be continual “living sacrifices” (Rom. 12:1–2) in how they behave.
Ancient Israel’s path from bondage in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land was a decades-long, multigenerational journey. Our journey from our “house of bondage” (what held us captive to a life apart from the Creator) to freedom in Heaven’s Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus) also spans a lifetime. A key passage in Torah reading וָאֶתְחַנַּן Va’etchanan (“and I pleaded,” Deut. 3:23–7:11) gives us hope that Heaven won’t let go of us when we’re holding up our arms for help from the only true Source.
Also addressed in detail in this Bible study is the point of the Law, as expressed by apostle Paul in Rom. 10:4 (NASB): “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”