The altar for burning incense was the fourth piece of furniture inside the Tent of Meeting. The smoke from the incense represents prayers coming before God (reference Revelation 5:8). Prayer is so simple, and yet a great mystery. Do we appreciate what a privilege it is to be heard by God? Do we make use of prayer as God wants us to? Consider what the requirements for the altar and the incense teach about prayer.
The laver was a basin for the priests to wash in. (If you know a little French, the word “laver” makes sense!) This served both a practical and ceremonial function. God required them to be clean as a condition for their ministering before Him. The connection to our worship is obvious.
All of the items associated with worship were to be anointed, setting them apart exclusively for the worship of God.
That His people observed the Sabbath was so important to God that their failure to do so would bring punishment of death. That may seem incredibly harsh to us, and the Israelites didn’t seem to think God meant it, but He reiterated it in Numbers 15: 32-36. If Sabbath observance was that important to God, any seeker of God should seek to understand why. God said it was a sign between Him and His people throughout their generations, “that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.” (v. 31:13) I will consider Sabbath’s significance in another post; today’s reading challenges you to consider why it is so important to God, and what that means for your relationship with Him.
The behavior of the people in Moses’ absence is appalling, but we would be wise to consider the Israelites as an object lesson to us of our own tendencies. Let it remind us of what we are capable of, keep us looking to Jesus in faith, committing to Him daily, praying the prayer He gave us.
Note how Moses interceded for the people by reminding God of His covenant promises to Abraham (although the people’s prompt disobedience of His commands released Him from those promises), of His work in their midst, and His glory in the eyes of onlooking people. What does that teach you about your own prayers?