1 “You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits broad. The altar shall be square, and its height shall be three cubits.
2 And you shall make horns for it on its four corners; its horns shall be of one piece with it, and you shall overlay it with bronze.
3 Five cubits shall be the length of the one curtain, and five cubits the breadth of the one curtain for the first set of curtains, and five cubits the length of the one curtain, and five cubits the breadth of the one curtain for the second set of curtains.
4 You shall make for it a grating of network of bronze, and on the net you shall make four bronze rings at its four corners.
5 You shall put it under the ledge of the altar so that the net will extend halfway down the altar.
6 You shall make poles for the altar, poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with bronze.
7 And the poles shall be put through the rings, so that the poles are on the two sides of the altar when it is carried.
8 You shall make it hollow, with boards. As it has been shown you on the mountain, so shall it be made.
9 You shall make the court of the tabernacle. On the south side the court shall have hangings of fine twined linen a hundred cubits long for one side.
10 And the length of the court shall be a hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty, and the height five cubits, with hangings of fine twined linen and bases of bronze.
11 In the same way you shall do with his donkey or with his garment, and with any lost thing of your brother’s, which he loses and you find; you may not ignore it.
12 And for the breadth of the court on the west side there shall be hangings for fifty cubits, with ten pillars and ten bases.
13 And the breadth of the court on the front, the east side, shall be fifty cubits.
14 You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar to carry it with them. You shall make it hollow, with boards.
15 And on the other side shall be hangings fifteen cubits, with three pillars and three bases.
16 For the gate of the court there shall be a screen twenty cubits long, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, embroidered with needlework. It shall have four pillars and with them four bases.
17 All the pillars around the court shall be filleted with silver. Their hooks shall be of silver, and their bases of bronze.
18 The length of the court shall be a hundred cubits, the breadth fifty, and the height five cubits, with hangings of fine twined linen and bases of bronze.
19 All the utensils of the tabernacle for every use, and all its pegs, and all the pegs of the court, shall be of bronze.
20 “You shall command the people of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten olive oil for the light, that a lamp may regularly be set up to burn.”
21 In the tent of meeting, outside the veil that is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening to morning before the Lord. It shall be a statute forever to be observed throughout their generations by the people of Israel.
The True Meaning of Exodus 27
The Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible, is believed to have been written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. This chapter provides crucial details about the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that would serve as the center of worship for the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness as the narrative continues from the previous book, Genesis. God gave Moses specific instructions regarding the Altar of Burnt Offering and the courtyard surrounding the Tabernacle in this chapter. These details hold profound significance, as they not only establish the physical structure of the sacred space but also foreshadow the importance of sacrifice and atonement that will be central to the Israelites’ relationship with their God. God’s design and order are manifested in the intricate details of the Tabernacle’s construction, echoing the creation narrative in Genesis as we explore this chapter. Additionally, the chapter’s emphasis on the use of bronze, a symbol of judgment and purification, will resonate with the themes of holiness and the need for repentance that will be further developed in the subsequent chapters of Exodus.
Exodus 27:1-8
The construction of the altar of burnt offering is the focus in Exodus 27:1-8. The section begins with God instructing Moses to build an altar using acacia wood. The altar was to be square, measuring five cubits in length, five cubits in width, and three cubits in height, with horns on its four corners. It was to be overlaid with bronze. This altar had a significant purpose in the worship practices of the Israelites, as it was where sacrifices were offered to God. The burnt offerings symbolized the people’s atonement for their sins and their dedication to God.
The construction of the altar of burnt offering holds deep symbolism and foreshadows Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross in the New Testament. Jesus became the sacrificial lamb to atone for the sins of humanity once and for all, in the ultimate act of love, just as the sacrifices on the altar in the Old Testament were offered for the forgiveness of sins. This passage emphasizes the necessity of sacrifice in approaching a holy God, pointing towards the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus would make.
The horns on the corners of the altar held significance as places of refuge and safety. Individuals in distress in ancient cultures could cling to the horns of an altar for protection. This also symbolizes seeking refuge in God, who is a stronghold and a place of safety for His people. Psalm 18:2 affirms this when it says, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Furthermore, the use of bronze in overlaying the altar is noteworthy. Bronze signifies judgment in the Bible. The sacrifices made on this altar were a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for God’s judgment to be satisfied. This points to the righteousness and justice of God, who cannot overlook sin but provides a way for forgiveness through atonement. Romans 6:23 echoes this concept: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Exodus 27:1-8 highlights the importance of sacrifice, atonement, and seeking refuge in God. It sets the stage for the sacrificial system in the Old Testament while foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The construction of the altar of burnt offering serves as a tangible representation of God’s mercy, justice, and provision for the redemption of His people.
Exodus 27:9-19
The construction of the outer courtyard for the tabernacle is the focus in Exodus 27:9-19. Let’s break down this passage into key sections for a detailed commentary:
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Setting Boundaries: The passage begins by instructing Moses to make a courtyard for the tabernacle. This courtyard is to be square, with curtains made of finely twisted linen. These curtains are significant because they serve as a boundary, separating the sacred space of the tabernacle from the rest of the camp. This emphasis on boundaries underscores the importance of holiness and reverence in approaching God. The Israelites needed to understand the distinction between the ordinary and the sacred, the common and the holy. This separation also echoes the idea of being ‘set apart,’ a recurring theme in the Bible where God’s people are called to live differently from the world.
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Entrance & Materials: The entrance to the courtyard is to be on the east side, signifying the direction from which the glory of the Lord would come. The gate is to be made of a specially woven, colorful screen, denoting its importance as the entry point for worshipers. The materials mentioned – bronze for the altar and acacia wood for the posts – were chosen for their durability and significance. Bronze is often associated with judgment and atonement, reflecting the sacrificial nature of worship in the tabernacle. Acacia wood, known for its strength and resistance to decay, symbolizes the enduring nature of God’s covenant with His people.
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The Layout: Within the courtyard, there is a detailed layout of various elements: the altar of burnt offering, the basin for washing, and the arrangement of the entire tabernacle structure. The altar, where sacrifices were made, held a central place in the courtyard. It foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, highlighting the importance of atonement for sin. The basin, used for priestly washings, symbolized purification and cleansing before approaching God. These physical elements were not merely objects for ritualistic practices but served as visual aids to teach spiritual truths about redemption and sanctification.
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Symbolism & Worship: The meticulous instructions for constructing the courtyard reveal God’s desire for order, precision, and beauty in worship. Every detail, from the choice of materials to the placement of each item, was designed to point to deeper spiritual realities. Our lives should be marked by reverence and dedication to God, just as the tabernacle was a place where God’s presence dwelt among His people. The tabernacle itself is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity (John 1:14). Exodus 27:9-19 showcases the significance of sacred space, the importance of boundaries in approaching God, and the symbolism embedded in worship practices. This passage not only provides historical context for the construction of the tabernacle but also carries timeless messages about the nature of worship, the need for reverence in God’s presence, and the foreshadowing of Christ’s redemptive work. By delving into the details of these instructions, we glean insights into God’s character, His desire for relationship with His people, and His ultimate plan of salvation.
Exodus 27:20-21
The verses in Exodus 27:20-21 state, “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning.” Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning in the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come.”
Firstly, in these verses, we see how meticulous and detailed God’s instructions are, even down to the type of oil to be used for the lamp. The clear oil of pressed olives symbolizes purity and the Holy Spirit. This light is to be kept burning perpetually to represent the constant presence of God among His people. This act of keeping the lamps burning can be seen as a symbol of God’s everlasting presence and guidance in the lives of the Israelites.
Aaron and his sons, as the appointed priests, were entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that the lamps were kept burning. This duty was a significant part of their priestly duties in the Tabernacle. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was chosen by God to be the high priest of Israel. Throughout the Bible, we see Aaron playing a crucial role in leading the Israelites in worship and interceding for them before God.
The concept of light is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, symbolizing truth, righteousness, and the presence of God. Jesus in the New Testament identifies Himself as the “light of the world” (John 8:12), emphasizing His role in illuminating the way to salvation and truth. The perpetually burning lamps in the Tabernacle can be interpreted as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate light that shines in the darkness (John 1:5).
Furthermore, the lasting ordinance of keeping the lamps burning symbolizes the enduring nature of God’s presence and faithfulness to His people throughout the generations. This serves as a reminder for Christians today that God’s presence is constant and unwavering, just as the lamps were to burn continuously in the Tabernacle. We, as believers, are called to keep our spiritual lamps burning brightly by staying connected to God through prayer, worship, and obedience to His Word.
After Exodus 27
The Lord had given Moses detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. The people of Israel had responded with great generosity, bringing their offerings to the Lord. Now, as the work neared completion, Moses knew that the final steps would be crucial. The consecration of the priests and the dedication of the tabernacle would mark a new chapter in the journey of God’s chosen people. With a deep sense of reverence, Moses prepared to lead his people into this sacred moment, knowing that the Lord’s presence would dwell among them, guiding and protecting them on the path ahead.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.