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Exodus 20:24
Verse
Context
Idolatry Forbidden
23You are not to make any gods alongside Me; you are not to make for yourselves gods of silver or gold.24You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thy burnt-offerings, and thy peace-offerings - The law concerning which was shortly to be given, though sacrifices of this kind were in use from the days of Abel. In all places where I record my name - Wherever I am worshipped, whether in the open wilderness, at the tabernacle, in the temple, the synagogues, or elsewhere, I will come unto thee and bless thee. These words are precisely the same in signification with those of our Lord, Mat 18:20 : For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. And as it was Jesus who was the angel that spoke to them in the wilderness, Act 7:38, from the same mouth this promise in the law and that in the Gospel proceeded.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
For the worship of Jehovah, the God of heaven, Israel needed only an altar, on which to cause its sacrifices to ascend to God. The altar, as an elevation built up of earth or rough stones, was a symbol of the elevation of man to God, who is enthroned on high in the heaven; and because man was to raise himself to God in his sacrifices, Israel also was to make an altar, though only of earth, or if of stones, not of hewn stones. "For if thou swingest thy tool (חרב lit., sharpness, then any edge tool) over it (over the stone), thou defilest it" (Exo 20:25). "Of earth:" i.e., not "of comparatively simple materials, such as befitted a representation of the creature" (Schultz on Deut 12); for the altar was not to represent the creature, but to be the place to which God came to receive man into His fellowship there. For this reason the altar was to be made of the same material, which formed the earthly soil for the kingdom of God, either of earth or else of stones, just as they existed in their natural state; not, however, "because unpolished stones, which retain their true and native condition, appear to be endowed with a certain native purity, and therefore to be most in harmony with the sanctity of an altar" (Spencer de legg. Hebr. rit. lib. ii. c. 6), for the "native purity" of the earth does not agree with Gen 3:17; but because the altar was to set forth the nature of the simple earthly soil, unaltered by the hand of man. The earth, which has been involved in the curse of sin, is to be renewed and glorified into the kingdom of God, not by sinful men, but by the gracious hand of God alone. Moreover, Israel was not to erect the altar for its sacrifices in any place that it might choose, but only in every place in which Jehovah should bring His name to remembrance. וגו שׁם הזכּיר does not mean "to make the name of the Lord remembered," i.e., to cause men to remember it; but to establish a memorial of His name, i.e., to make a glorious revelation of His divine nature, and thereby to consecrate the place into a holy soil (cf. Exo 3:5), upon which Jehovah would come to Israel and bless it. Lastly, the command not to go up to the altar by steps (Exo 20:26) is followed by the words, "that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon." It was in the feeling of shame that the consciousness of sin first manifested itself, and it was in the shame that the sin was chiefly apparent (Gen 3:7); hence the nakedness was a disclosure of sin, through which the altar of God would be desecrated, and for this reason it was forbidden to ascend to the altar by steps. These directions with reference to the altar to be built do not refer merely to the altar, which was built for the conclusion of the covenant, nor are they at variance with the later instructions respecting the one altar at the tabernacle, upon which all the sacrifices were to be presented (Lev 17:8-9; Deu 12:5.), nor are they merely "provisional" but they lay the foundation for the future laws with reference to the places of worship, though without restricting them to one particular locality on the one hand, or allowing an unlimited number of altars on the other. Hence "several places and altars are referred to here, because, whilst the people were wandering in the desert, there could be no fixed place for the tabernacle" (Riehm). But the erection of the altar is unquestionably limited to every place which Jehovah appointed for the purpose by a revelation. We are not to understand the words, however, as referring merely to those places in which the tabernacle and its altar were erected, and to the site of the future temple (Sinai, Shilloh, and Jerusalem), but to all those places also where altars were built and sacrifices offered on extraordinary occasions, on account of God, - appearing there such, for example, as Ebal (Jos 8:30 compared with Deu 27:5), the rock in Ophrah (Jdg 6:25-26), and many other places besides.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me--a regulation applicable to special or temporary occasions.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar,.... That is, you priests, the sons of Aaron, as the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem paraphrase the words; the altar of burnt offering built when the tabernacle was seemed not to require any, being but three cubits high, Exo 27:1 but that in Solomon's temple did, being ten cubits high, Ch2 4:1 and therefore some method must be used to ascend it, and do the business that was to be done on it: now the Jews say (b), there was what they call "Kibbesh", a sort of a causeway made of earth thrown up, which rose gradually and led to the top of the altar, and was about thirty two cubits long and sixteen broad: and so the Targum of Jonathan paraphrases the words,"thou shalt not go up by steps to mine altar, but by bridges;''express mention is made of stairs to the altar in Ezekiel's vision, Eze 43:17. that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon; that part of the body which is not to be named, and ought not to be seen, and which would be exposed if there were many steps, and these at a distance from each other; which would oblige them to take large strides, and so be in danger of discovering those parts which would make them the object of contempt and ridicule with the people; since as yet breeches were not used, and the garments were long loose ones, which were easily turned aside, or the parts under them seen by those below; to prevent which, afterwards linen breeches were ordered to be made for the priests, and to be used by them in their service: Maimonides (c) thinks the reason of this was, because formerly the idolatrous worship of Peor was performed by uncovering of their nakedness before it; and so by this is expressed God's detestation of such an impure and abominable practice; but this is uncertain; however, this we may be sure of, that this is the will of God, that all immodesty and indecency, and whatever tends to create impure thoughts and stir up unclean lusts, should be carefully avoided in his worship. (b) Middot, c. 3. sect. 3. (c) Ut supra. (Apud L'Empereur in Middot, ib.) Next: Exodus Chapter 21
Exodus 20:24
Idolatry Forbidden
23You are not to make any gods alongside Me; you are not to make for yourselves gods of silver or gold.24You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What Is Your Goal in Life?
By Paul Washer2.9K1:33:01PurposeEXO 20:24EXO 34:5MAT 1:21JHN 1:9JHN 3:141TI 1:15In this video, the speaker reflects on the brevity of life and the importance of considering what will be written on one's tombstone. He shares his hesitation in giving his testimony but feels called by the Lord to do so. The speaker emphasizes the significance of relationships in Christianity, highlighting the importance of loving God and others. He also reminds the audience that life is temporary and encourages them to live with purpose and not chase after meaningless things.
Altar Tent and Well
By David Ravenhill2.4K1:03:54AltarEXO 20:24ISA 6:3ISA 6:8JER 48:11ACT 9:1ROM 11:36In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenge of maintaining faith and consecration in the Christian life. He uses the analogy of a marriage proposal to illustrate the initial excitement and commitment, but emphasizes the importance of keeping the fire burning during difficult times. The speaker also highlights the need for revelation and consecration in following God's will, using examples from the Bible such as Paul's conversion on the Damascus road. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of being led by the Spirit and having a flexible mindset in order to grow in faith.
Worship - Preoccupation With God
By Leonard Ravenhill2.0K1:30:22WorshipGEN 1:1EXO 20:24EXO 24:1JHN 3:3JHN 3:7ROM 8:37PHP 3:14In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging that he has previously preached on the topic of being born again, but feels the need to cover it again due to its importance in our lives. He emphasizes the significance of worship and how it is a demonstration of our allegiance and recognition of God's superiority. The preacher shares the story of the woman with the alabaster ointment, highlighting the depth of her worship and sacrifice. He also mentions the importance of prayer, missionary work, and raising up ministers in a church as indicators of its spiritual temperature.
The Pattern of the House
By G.W. North0SacrificeCovenantEXO 20:24JER 31:3HOS 2:19MAT 5:23JHN 1:1ROM 12:12CO 8:9GAL 2:20HEB 9:221PE 2:5G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the altar as a vital link between God and His people, illustrating that the altar represents the foundational principle of sacrifice and offering in their relationship with Him. He explains that the altar, made of earth and stone, symbolizes the duality of humanity and God's desire for a covenant relationship, which is rooted in love and self-giving. North draws parallels between the altar and the covenant established at Sinai, highlighting the importance of willing sacrifice and the heart's involvement in offerings to God. He warns against the spiritual failures of Israel, who failed to grasp the deeper meaning of the altar and thus broke their covenant with God. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a return to understanding the altar's significance as a symbol of God's love and the necessity of sacrificial giving in our relationship with Him.
Emblems of Grace in the Ancient Law
By A.B. Simpson0GraceAccess to GodEXO 20:24EXO 21:2EXO 24:5PSA 91:1JHN 6:35JHN 15:4ROM 10:9GAL 3:24HEB 10:19REV 22:17A.B. Simpson explores the emblems of grace found in the ancient law, emphasizing that the law served as a schoolmaster leading us to Christ, where we find justification by faith. He illustrates this through various object lessons, such as the altar of sacrifice, the Hebrew servant, and the tabernacle, each revealing aspects of Christ's grace, righteousness, and our access to God. Simpson encourages believers to recognize the simplicity of coming to Christ and the profound love He has for us, urging them to embrace their identity as children of God rather than mere servants. He concludes by inviting all to find their true home in Christ, who fulfills the law and offers a relationship filled with love and grace.
Attendance in Places of Religious Worship, Where the Divine Name Is Recorded, Encouraged - Morning Sermon.
By John Gill0CommunityWorshipEXO 20:24MAT 22:37John Gill emphasizes the significance of attending places of worship where God's name is recorded, highlighting that such gatherings are blessed by His presence. He explains that the law given at Sinai serves as a moral guide for both Jews and Christians, centering on love for God and neighbor. Gill reassures believers that worship is not confined to specific locations but can occur wherever God's name is honored. He encourages congregants to recognize the importance of worshiping in spirit and truth, as God promises to bless those who gather in His name. The sermon serves as a reminder of the privilege and responsibility of worshiping God in community.
Covenant Remembrance
By Thomas Bradbury0GEN 8:1EXO 2:24EXO 20:24PSA 71:20PSA 106:4JER 31:4ZEC 4:1MAL 3:1MAT 18:20LUK 9:32JHN 4:23JHN 4:34PHP 3:12HEB 3:1REV 1:5Thomas Bradbury preaches on the significance of being awakened by the Angel of the Lord, emphasizing the need for spiritual motives in worship and the desire for God's presence. The sermon delves into the meaning of the name Zechariah, highlighting God's remembrance of His people throughout history. It explores the presence of Christ in the book of Zechariah, revealing His defense, delight, and grace towards His people. The sermon also reflects on various Old Testament appearances of the Covenant Angel, symbolizing Christ's role in redemption and guidance.
The Altar - a Basic Principle in Man
By G.W. North0SacrificeCommunication with GodGEN 12:7GEN 13:4GEN 22:9EXO 20:24LEV 1:1G.W. North explores the concept of altars and sacrifice, emphasizing that the instinct to offer sacrifices is deeply embedded in human nature, transcending cultures and ages. He highlights Abraham's unique relationship with altars, noting that while he built many, he did not offer sacrifices on them, which distinguished his worship from that of the surrounding cultures. North suggests that Abraham's altars served as testimonies of his communication with God and marked his spiritual journey, despite the absence of blood offerings. The sermon delves into the mystery of sacrifice, questioning how early humans understood the need for atonement and the nature of God's communication regarding sacrifice. Ultimately, North presents the altar as a fundamental principle in man's relationship with the divine, reflecting both obedience and the quest for connection with God.
Comfort for the Church
By Thomas Watson0EXO 20:24DEU 23:14PSA 46:5PSA 139:7PRO 25:11ISA 52:1JER 14:9HOS 14:4ZEC 2:5LUK 18:27Thomas Watson preaches about the comforting presence of God in the midst of His church, emphasizing that despite external and internal enemies, God's refuge and strength are always available. The sermon highlights the privilege and safety of having God in the midst of the church, explaining the two-fold presence of God and the reasons why He defends and blesses His people. Watson encourages the church to trust in God's compassion, love, and protection, reminding them that God's presence brings beauty, strength, and hope to His people.
Twelve Pillars of Witness
By G.W. North0WorshipCovenantGEN 28:18EXO 20:24EXO 24:4G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the twelve pillars Moses erected at Sinai, symbolizing Israel's covenant with God and their identity as a people dedicated to worship. He reflects on the journey from Egypt, highlighting the absence of altars during their time in bondage and the importance of the altar built under the mountain as a preparation for the future brazen altar in the promised land. The pillars, representing the twelve tribes, serve as a testament to God's faithfulness and the spiritual pilgrimage of the Israelites. North draws parallels between Moses' actions and Jacob's earlier experience, underscoring the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with His people. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of worship and commitment to God.
Only One Altar
By G.W. North0Worship and SacrificeThe AltarGEN 22:14GEN 26:25GEN 28:18EXO 20:24G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the altar in the relationship between God and humanity, illustrating how God established a singular altar as the official means of access to Him during Moses' time. He recounts the experiences of patriarchs like Isaac and Jacob, who built altars to commemorate their encounters with God, highlighting the importance of personal testimony and acknowledgment of God's presence. North explains that the altar symbolizes devotion and self-offering, serving as a reminder that true worship is rooted in a relationship with God rather than mere ritual sacrifice. He also draws parallels between the altars built by Moses and the spiritual principles they represent, ultimately pointing to the altar as a foundational aspect of faith and salvation. The sermon culminates in the understanding that the altar signifies God's provision and the essence of worship.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thy burnt-offerings, and thy peace-offerings - The law concerning which was shortly to be given, though sacrifices of this kind were in use from the days of Abel. In all places where I record my name - Wherever I am worshipped, whether in the open wilderness, at the tabernacle, in the temple, the synagogues, or elsewhere, I will come unto thee and bless thee. These words are precisely the same in signification with those of our Lord, Mat 18:20 : For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. And as it was Jesus who was the angel that spoke to them in the wilderness, Act 7:38, from the same mouth this promise in the law and that in the Gospel proceeded.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
For the worship of Jehovah, the God of heaven, Israel needed only an altar, on which to cause its sacrifices to ascend to God. The altar, as an elevation built up of earth or rough stones, was a symbol of the elevation of man to God, who is enthroned on high in the heaven; and because man was to raise himself to God in his sacrifices, Israel also was to make an altar, though only of earth, or if of stones, not of hewn stones. "For if thou swingest thy tool (חרב lit., sharpness, then any edge tool) over it (over the stone), thou defilest it" (Exo 20:25). "Of earth:" i.e., not "of comparatively simple materials, such as befitted a representation of the creature" (Schultz on Deut 12); for the altar was not to represent the creature, but to be the place to which God came to receive man into His fellowship there. For this reason the altar was to be made of the same material, which formed the earthly soil for the kingdom of God, either of earth or else of stones, just as they existed in their natural state; not, however, "because unpolished stones, which retain their true and native condition, appear to be endowed with a certain native purity, and therefore to be most in harmony with the sanctity of an altar" (Spencer de legg. Hebr. rit. lib. ii. c. 6), for the "native purity" of the earth does not agree with Gen 3:17; but because the altar was to set forth the nature of the simple earthly soil, unaltered by the hand of man. The earth, which has been involved in the curse of sin, is to be renewed and glorified into the kingdom of God, not by sinful men, but by the gracious hand of God alone. Moreover, Israel was not to erect the altar for its sacrifices in any place that it might choose, but only in every place in which Jehovah should bring His name to remembrance. וגו שׁם הזכּיר does not mean "to make the name of the Lord remembered," i.e., to cause men to remember it; but to establish a memorial of His name, i.e., to make a glorious revelation of His divine nature, and thereby to consecrate the place into a holy soil (cf. Exo 3:5), upon which Jehovah would come to Israel and bless it. Lastly, the command not to go up to the altar by steps (Exo 20:26) is followed by the words, "that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon." It was in the feeling of shame that the consciousness of sin first manifested itself, and it was in the shame that the sin was chiefly apparent (Gen 3:7); hence the nakedness was a disclosure of sin, through which the altar of God would be desecrated, and for this reason it was forbidden to ascend to the altar by steps. These directions with reference to the altar to be built do not refer merely to the altar, which was built for the conclusion of the covenant, nor are they at variance with the later instructions respecting the one altar at the tabernacle, upon which all the sacrifices were to be presented (Lev 17:8-9; Deu 12:5.), nor are they merely "provisional" but they lay the foundation for the future laws with reference to the places of worship, though without restricting them to one particular locality on the one hand, or allowing an unlimited number of altars on the other. Hence "several places and altars are referred to here, because, whilst the people were wandering in the desert, there could be no fixed place for the tabernacle" (Riehm). But the erection of the altar is unquestionably limited to every place which Jehovah appointed for the purpose by a revelation. We are not to understand the words, however, as referring merely to those places in which the tabernacle and its altar were erected, and to the site of the future temple (Sinai, Shilloh, and Jerusalem), but to all those places also where altars were built and sacrifices offered on extraordinary occasions, on account of God, - appearing there such, for example, as Ebal (Jos 8:30 compared with Deu 27:5), the rock in Ophrah (Jdg 6:25-26), and many other places besides.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me--a regulation applicable to special or temporary occasions.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar,.... That is, you priests, the sons of Aaron, as the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem paraphrase the words; the altar of burnt offering built when the tabernacle was seemed not to require any, being but three cubits high, Exo 27:1 but that in Solomon's temple did, being ten cubits high, Ch2 4:1 and therefore some method must be used to ascend it, and do the business that was to be done on it: now the Jews say (b), there was what they call "Kibbesh", a sort of a causeway made of earth thrown up, which rose gradually and led to the top of the altar, and was about thirty two cubits long and sixteen broad: and so the Targum of Jonathan paraphrases the words,"thou shalt not go up by steps to mine altar, but by bridges;''express mention is made of stairs to the altar in Ezekiel's vision, Eze 43:17. that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon; that part of the body which is not to be named, and ought not to be seen, and which would be exposed if there were many steps, and these at a distance from each other; which would oblige them to take large strides, and so be in danger of discovering those parts which would make them the object of contempt and ridicule with the people; since as yet breeches were not used, and the garments were long loose ones, which were easily turned aside, or the parts under them seen by those below; to prevent which, afterwards linen breeches were ordered to be made for the priests, and to be used by them in their service: Maimonides (c) thinks the reason of this was, because formerly the idolatrous worship of Peor was performed by uncovering of their nakedness before it; and so by this is expressed God's detestation of such an impure and abominable practice; but this is uncertain; however, this we may be sure of, that this is the will of God, that all immodesty and indecency, and whatever tends to create impure thoughts and stir up unclean lusts, should be carefully avoided in his worship. (b) Middot, c. 3. sect. 3. (c) Ut supra. (Apud L'Empereur in Middot, ib.) Next: Exodus Chapter 21