Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Du skal lage et alter av akasietre til å brenne røkelse på. Det skal være en halv meter langt og en halv meter bredt; altså kvadratisk. Høyden skal være 90 centimeter. I hjørnene skal det lages utstikkere som ser ut som horn, og de skal være lagd av samme trestykke som alteret. Alteret, siden og hornene skal være dekket av gull. Du skal lage en gull-list hele veien rundt alteret.
What Does This Mean?
God instructs Moses to make an altar for burning incense, using shittim wood. This altar was a place for offering prayers and worship through incense.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a special spot in your room where you light a candle to talk to God. This verse is like God telling Moses to make a special place, like your special spot, but with incense instead of a candle. It's a place to say 'thank you' and 'sorry' to God.
Historical Background
The Book of Exodus was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. This passage is part of the instructions for building the Tabernacle, the place where God would dwell among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. The use of shittim wood, a durable and aromatic wood, was significant as it symbolized purity and incorruptibility.
Living It Out Today
Imagine organizing a space in your home for daily prayer or meditation. Just like the altar was a focal point for the Israelites to connect with God, setting up a dedicated spot in your home can help you maintain a regular spiritual practice and a deeper connection with God.
Shittim wood was chosen for its durability and aromatic properties, symbolizing purity and incorruptibility in the construction of the altar for God.
What was the purpose of burning incense?
Burning incense was a way to offer prayers and worship to God. It was believed that the smoke would carry the prayers up to heaven.
Can we build an altar like this today?
While we don't build literal altars like those in the Old Testament, we can create dedicated spaces in our homes for prayer and worship, mimicking the purpose of the altar.
What does the altar symbolize in our faith?
The altar symbolizes a place of meeting with God, offering us a tangible way to express our prayers, gratitude, and repentance.