Exodus 20:24

Altar of earth. Altars were essential to the religious of antiquity. They were often made of earth, sod, or stones collected on the spot. The patriarchal altars were probably of this kind (Gen. 8:20; 12:7; 13:18; 22:9). It was now ordered that the same usage continue, for the reason that elaborate altars of “hewn stone” would encourage idolatry, since the images that might be engraved upon the altars would become objects of worship.

Offerings. That these are introduced here without explanation indicates that sacrifices were already known, as was indeed the case (Gen. 8:20; 22:9, 13). Not long before, Jethro had offered a sacrifice within the camp of Israel (Ex. 18:12). Although for many years the Jews had not sacrificed to God in Egypt (see PP 333), they evidently preserved the idea of doing so. It was for the express purpose of offering sacrifices that Moses demanded Pharaoh’s permission to go into the wilderness (chs. 8:25-27; 10:24, 25). The burnt offering symbolized personal consecration and self-surrender (Lev. 6:8-13; Ps. 51:16-19), and the peace offering renewed fellowship with God and expressed thankfulness (Lev. 7:11-34). Although we have passed the day of material offerings such as these, we are still invited by God to render unto Him “spiritual sacrifices” (1 Peter 2:5) of self-surrender (Rom. 12:1), of a “broken spirit” (Ps. 51:17), and of joy and thanksgiving (Ps. 27:6; 107:22).

Come unto thee. This is a conditional promise, to be fulfilled if the people would build proper altars and offer proper sacrifices in “all places” where God would record His name.