The improper fear of the Israelites in the presence of God caused them to sin against God in disobedience, but God, out of His great love and mercy, continued the pursuit of His people by not only appointing a representative for the people but also appointing a place where His people can meet with Him — namely, the altar. Pastor Sonny expands on the significance of the altar and God’s purpose for it.
Exodus 20:22–26
22 And the LORD said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the people of Israel: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have talked with you from heaven. 23 You shall not make gods of silver to be with me, nor shall you make for yourselves gods of gold. 24 An altar of earth you shall make for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you. 25 If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stones, for if you wield your tool on it you profane it. 26 And you shall not go up by steps to my altar, that your nakedness be not exposed on it.’