Exodus 20:24-26 provides detailed instructions to the followers of God regarding the proper way to build an altar for worship. It states that altars should be made from the unaltered, natural earth—meaning the ground itself, without any human modifications or shaping. When constructing these altars, worshippers are to offer burnt sacrifices and communal fellowship sacrifices using their livestock, including sheep, goats, and cattle, as a way to honor God and seek His favor. The passage highlights that God’s presence, blessings, and acceptance will be granted in places where His name is rightly honored and upheld. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the altar by not shaping or carving stones with human tools; instead, the stones should remain in their natural, untouched state to keep the altar pure and holy. The text underscores that God’s revelation of His name and His presence is made manifest through His creation and His works. The entire universe operates according to His divine laws, covenants, curses, commandments, promises, and decrees. To preserve His holiness and honor, it is ultimately God who is responsible for creating everything and orchestrating all events in history. This notion affirms that God's name is revealed through the work of Christ, who embodies God's divine purpose and salvation. The work of Christ is divine and cannot be equated with human-made objects like stones, nor can human efforts or approaches to God be considered valid without following His established laws and covenants. The reliance on divine revelation and adherence to God's commandments are essential, and these are conveyed through terms and concepts that originate from God's own revelation to His people. In essence, the passage teaches that true worship and acceptance come not through human effort or craftsmanship but through God's divine provision, His work in creation, and the faithful adherence to His revealed laws and covenantal promises. The instructions also specify that no steps should be built leading up to the altar, because such steps could potentially cause individuals to be exposed in a vulnerable or inappropriate manner, which would violate the ideals of modesty and purity that are integral to worship and reverence before God. Moses is specifically told not to craft anything with his own hands—such as carved images or ornamental designs—because it is God Himself who creates all things, including the animals, stones, and the earth itself. This teaches that humans should not attempt to create or fashion objects as a means of pleasing God; instead, it is God who provides the means, the resources, and the way for humans to approach Him.
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