Treasures of the Tabernacle: The Brazen Altar — Mercy and Judgment
- Pastor Rick Brooks
- May 2
- 4 min read
If you had lived in the days of Moses, journeying through the wilderness with the Israelites, there’s one thing you couldn’t miss—the tabernacle at the center of the camp. It was the heartbeat of their worship, the symbol of God’s presence among His people, and the place where the holy met the sinful.
And the very first thing you would see when entering the outer court was a massive, bronze-covered altar—the Brazen Altar. It stood as a graphic reminder of two great truths: God is holy and we are sinners. But it also shined with hope: atonement is possible.
The Necessity of Atonement
Exodus 27:1–8 gives us the detailed instructions for this altar—five cubits long, five wide, and three cubits high (about 7½ feet square and 4½ feet tall), constructed from durable acacia wood and overlaid with brass, a symbol of God’s judgment.
This altar was where sacrifices were made every day. Animals were laid upon the blazing coals, their blood poured out as a substitute for sin. Why? Because, as Hebrews 9:22 says:
“Without shedding of blood is no remission.”
It wasn’t pretty. It was bloody, costly, and humbling. But it pointed forward—beyond the smoke and ashes—to Jesus Christ, who would be our once-for-all sacrifice.
A Picture of the Cross
Everything about the Brazen Altar whispered the gospel.
The animal had to be without blemish – pointing to Christ, our perfect sacrifice.
The worshiper laid their hand on the animal – signifying substitution: the innocent dying for the guilty.
The blood was sprinkled on the altar – symbolizing that sin demands judgment and death.
The body was completely burned – a vivid image of total surrender and the full price being paid.
The fire never went out – showing the continual need for atonement…until Jesus cried, “It is finished.”
And perhaps most astonishing: God Himself lit the first fire. (Leviticus 9:24)
“And there came a fire out from before the Lord, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering…”
That fire came from heaven, and the priests were never to let it go out. It wasn’t strange fire stirred up by man—it was divine. Today, many try to create their own “fire” of religion, emotion, or effort—but only the fire God starts brings true atonement.
The Brazen Altar and the Cross
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of that altar.
He was lifted up, just as the sacrifices were lifted up.He was unblemished.He was bound to the altar of the cross.He endured the fire of God’s wrath for sin.He poured out His blood for the remission of sins.He became our burnt offering, and when it was over, He said:
“It is finished.” – John 19:30
No more lambs, no more goats, no more daily sacrifices. The Brazen Altar was a shadow. The Cross is the substance.
What It Means for Us
You can’t approach God without first going through the altar.There is no forgiveness, no salvation, no relationship with God apart from the blood of Jesus. The altar came beforethe laver, before the Holy Place, before the veil. We must start at the cross.
You can’t save yourself by good works.It’s not baptism, not church attendance, not personal effort. As Titus 3:5 says:
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…”
You only need to be saved once.In the Old Testament, sacrifices were repeated daily. But Christ’s sacrifice was once for all. Hebrews 10:10 says:
“We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
We need daily cleansing, not repeated sacrifice.Just like the priests washed at the laver after the altar, we need continual cleansing from the dust and sin of daily life—not to be saved again, but to stay in fellowship with the Lord.
Mercy and Judgment Meet at the Altar
The Brazen Altar stood as a monument of both judgment and mercy.
Judgment—because sin brings death.Mercy—because a substitute was provided.
At the cross of Jesus Christ, mercy and judgment kissed. Sin was judged, the law was satisfied, and grace was unleashed. If that doesn’t stir our hearts to love Him more, what will?
Are You Still at the Gate?
Maybe you’ve never come through the gate. Maybe you’ve never truly come to the altar—to Jesus Christ—for salvation. The way is still open, but there’s only one way in.
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” – John 10:9
For the Believer
Maybe you’re saved, but you’ve forgotten the cost. You’re walking with dirty feet, drifting far from the fire, losing sight of what Jesus endured. Come back to the altar. Let the shadow of the Brazen Altar lead you again to the foot of the cross.
Next Week: The Brazen Laver – The Call to Daily Cleansing
As we continue our journey through the Tabernacle, we’ll step next to the Brazen Laver—where the priests washed before entering the holy place. What does it mean for us today to be washed by the Word?
Don’t miss the next step in this powerful walk through God’s house—because every part of the Tabernacle is a treasure that leads us to Christ.
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