1 And thou shalt make an altar [of] shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof [shall be] three cubits.
2 And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.
3 And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make [of] brass.
4 And thou shalt make for it a grate of network [of] brass; and upon the net shalt thou make four brasen rings in the four corners thereof.
5 And thou shalt put it under the compass of the altar beneath, that the net may be even to the midst of the altar.
6 And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves [of] shittim wood, and overlay them with brass.
7 And the staves shall be put into the rings, and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar, to bear it.
8 Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make [it].
9 And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward [there shall be] hangings for the court [of] fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:
10 And the twenty pillars thereof and their twenty sockets [shall be of] brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [shall be of] silver.
11 And likewise for the north side in length [there shall be] hangings of an hundred [cubits] long, and his twenty pillars and their twenty sockets [of] brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [of] silver.
12 And [for] the breadth of the court on the west side [shall be] hangings of fifty cubits: their pillars ten, and their sockets ten.
13 And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward [shall be] fifty cubits.
14 The hangings of one side [of the gate shall be] fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.
15 And on the other side [shall be] hangings fifteen [cubits]: their pillars three, and their sockets three.
16 And for the gate of the court [shall be] an hanging of twenty cubits, [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework: [and] their pillars [shall be] four, and their sockets four.
17 All the pillars round about the court [shall be] filleted with silver; their hooks [shall be of] silver, and their sockets [of] brass.
18 The length of the court [shall be] an hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty every where, and the height five cubits [of] fine twined linen, and their sockets [of] brass.
19 All the vessels of the tabernacle in all the service thereof, and all the pins thereof, and all the pins of the court, [shall be of] brass.
20 And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.
21 In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which [is] before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: [it shall be] a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.
Overview of Exodus Chapter 27
Exodus Chapter 27 provides detailed instructions regarding the construction of the altar for burnt offerings, the courtyard of the Tabernacle, and the oil for the lamps. This chapter emphasizes the importance of worship and the means through which the Israelites are to approach God.
Key Themes
- Worship and Sacrifice: The chapter highlights the significance of the altar and the sacrificial system as a means of worship.
- Divine Instruction: The meticulous details reflect God’s desire for order and holiness in worship.
- Community and Accessibility: The courtyard is designed to be a communal space for the people to gather and worship.
Detailed Analysis
1. The Altar of Burnt Offering (Verses 1-8)
Verses 1-8 describe the specifications for the altar of burnt offering, which is central to the sacrificial system.
- Dimensions: The altar is to be made of acacia wood and is to measure five cubits in length and width, and three cubits in height, symbolizing its prominence.
- Construction: The altar is to be overlaid with bronze, indicating its function and the nature of the sacrifices offered upon it.
- Design Features: The horns on the four corners of the altar represent power and the ability to hold the sacrifices securely.
- Utilization: Instructions are given for the use of the altar, including the preparation of the fire and the placement of the offerings.
2. The Courtyard of the Tabernacle (Verses 9-19)
Verses 9-19 outline the dimensions and materials for the courtyard surrounding the Tabernacle.
- Dimensions: The courtyard is to be 100 cubits long and 50 cubits wide, creating a large space for worship.
- Materials: The hangings of the courtyard are to be made of fine linen, emphasizing purity and separation from the outside world.
- Gate: A screen for the gate is specified, allowing access while maintaining a sense of reverence.
- Accessibility: The courtyard serves as a transitional space between the holy and the secular, inviting the community to participate in worship.
3. The Oil for the Lamps (Verses 20-21)
Verses 20-21 focus on the provision of oil for the lamps, which are to be kept burning continually.
- Source of Oil: The Israelites are instructed to bring pure olive oil for the light, symbolizing the need for purity in worship.
- Perpetual Flame: The command to keep the lamps burning continually signifies the ongoing presence of God among His people.
- Role of the Priests: Aaron and his sons are designated to tend to the lamps, highlighting the importance of priestly duties in maintaining worship.
Conclusion
Exodus Chapter 27 serves as a foundational text for understanding the worship practices of the Israelites. The detailed instructions reflect God’s desire for a structured and holy approach to worship, emphasizing the significance of sacrifice, community involvement, and the continual presence of God through the lighting of the lamps. This chapter not only provides practical guidelines for the Tabernacle’s construction but also embodies spiritual principles relevant to the relationship between God and His people.
