Definition: And he made the incense altar [of] shittim wood: the length of it [was] a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; [it was] foursquare; and two cubits [was] the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Exodus 37:25. It’s a really interesting and significant detail about God’s plan for Moses! Here’s what it means in simple terms: “And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was square; and two cubits were the height.” “He made…” : This tells us that God initiated this action. “The incense altar of shittim wood” : Shittim is a type of acacia wood – a very special and expensive wood used for making altars in ancient Israel. It was considered sacred and meant to be used in worship. “The length of it was a cubit…” : A cubit is a unit of measurement roughly equivalent to 6 inches long. So, this altar was about 6 inches long. “…and the breadth of it a cubit” : Similarly, the width of the altar was also 6 inches. “It was square” : This is crucial! The altar was square . This was a very deliberate design choice by God. “And two cubits were the height…” : The altar was 2 cubits (roughly 6 inches) high. So, essentially, God instructed him to create a specific, square, and rectangular altar made of shittim wood that was about 6 inches long and 6 inches wide. Why is this important? This detail points to a very important concept in the Old Testament: God’s plan is meticulous and precise. He wasn't just making an altar; he was designing it with specific dimensions. It shows that God had a very clear vision for what He wanted to accomplish – a place for worship, and this altar was a crucial part of that design. In short, this verse describes a carefully crafted altar designed by God – a symbol of His authority and the importance of his plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Go into more detail about the symbolism behind this imagery? Answer any specific questions you have about this verse?