FEBRUARY 10, 2026 – BURNT OFFERING, COURTYARD, OIL

READ: Ex. 27:1–21: … as it was shown you on the mountain, so shall they make it … to cause the lamp to burn continually … Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening until morning before the Lord …

In the courtyard outside the sanctuary stands the altar of burnt offering, on which the fire must always be kept burning (Lev.6), even during the journey through the wilderness. This symbolizes the continual gratitude, praise, reverence, and dependence of God’s people upon the LORD.

It also includes the confession of sin and the request for forgiveness, which require continual humility and repentance before the LORD. These matters are expressed through various kinds of offerings, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings, as well as parts of sin offerings and guilt offerings that were placed on the altar of burnt offering (Lev. 4–6).

The Israelites themselves must bring acceptable animals to the courtyard, which are then prepared by the priests and Levites. The blood of the animals is poured out at the base of the altar, after a portion has first been sprinkled before the curtain in the Holy Place. There are also grain offerings, which are consecrated to the LORD as offerings by fire.

This ceremonial sacrificial service finds its fulfillment in Christ, in His life of service to His Father and especially in His completed work of atonement on the cross, where He gave His blood for all who believe in Him. In His life and death He revealed Himself as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

He is also the source of joy in the Lord and of a life of gratitude and peace. As the living, risen Lord, He leads us under His blessing toward eternal glory.

The Israelites must provide pure olive oil to keep the lamps of the golden lampstand burning at night before the LORD, a picture of the continual covenant fellowship of God’s people with their God, bearing witness to true life (cf. Rev.1:12–13).

Why do we still need knowledge of the Old Testament sacrificial service?
Sing: Ps. 50:7