Exodus 38:1
And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; it was foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.
Exodus 38:1 · King James Version
Meaning
Within the context of the Bible, this verse describes the construction of the altar of burnt offering, which was a key feature in the tabernacle built by the Israelites during their time in the wilderness. The use of shittim wood, which is known for its durability, signifies the importance of the altar in the worship practices of the Israelites. The dimensions of the altar, five cubits in length, five cubits in breadth, and three cubits in height, were carefully prescribed by God to symbolize the perfection and completeness of His requirements for sacrifice. The square shape of the altar further reinforces the idea of symmetry and balance in the offering of sacrifices to God. Ultimately, this verse underscores the significance of the altar of burnt offering as a central place for the Israelites to present their offerings to God and seek forgiveness for their sins.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of the construction of the altar of burnt offering in Exodus 27:1 revolves around the materials used. The shittim wood symbolizes the humanity of Christ, who bore our sins on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice. The measurements of the altar, five cubits in length and width, represent the grace of God extended to us through Jesus' sacrifice. The foursquare shape symbolizes the completeness and perfection of God's sacrifice. The three cubits in height point towards the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - working together in the redemption of mankind. This altar was a crucial element in the sacrificial system of the Israelites, foreshadowing the perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, where sinners could find forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
Exodus 38:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he made the altar of burnt-offering of acacia wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof, foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.
World English Bible
He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood. It was square. Its length was five cubits, its breadth was five cubits, and its height was three cubits.
Douay-Rheims
He made also the altar of holocaust of setim wood, five cubits square, and three in height:
Geneva Bible (1599)
Also he made the altar of the burnt offering of Shittim wood: fiue cubites was the length therof, and fiue cubites the breadth thereof: it was square and three cubites hie.