Introduction to Exodus 27

 

Introduction to Exodus 27

Exodus 27 continues God's instructions to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle—the sacred dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites. This chapter primarily focuses on:

1. The Altar of Burnt Offering (verses 1–8)

2. The Courtyard of the Tabernacle (verses 9–19)

3. The Oil for the Lampstand (verses 20–21)

Each of these elements plays a significant role in Israelite worship and foreshadows key aspects of Christian theology, particularly Jesus Christ's role as the ultimate sacrifice.

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Verse-by-Verse Explanation

1. The Altar of Burnt Offering (Exodus 27:1-8)

1 “Build an altar of acacia wood, three cubits high; it is to be square, five cubits long and five cubits wide.
2 Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece, and overlay the altar with bronze.
3 Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots to remove the ashes, its shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans.
4 Make a grating for it, a bronze network, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the network.
5 Put it under the ledge of the altar so that it is halfway up the altar.
6 Make poles of acacia wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze.
7 The poles are to be inserted into the rings so they will be on two sides of the altar when it is carried.
8 Make the altar hollow, out of boards. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain.”

Design and Purpose of the Altar

• The altar was square (5 cubits × 5 cubits = 7.5 feet × 7.5 feet) and 3 cubits high (4.5 feet).

• Made of acacia wood (a durable, decay-resistant wood) and overlaid with bronze (a metal associated with judgment and purification).

• Four horns were attached at each corner, symbolizing strength, power, and divine help.

• Utensils (pots, shovels, bowls, forks, firepans) were made of bronze, showing they were resistant to heat and judgment.

• The altar was hollow but strong, making it easier to transport during Israel’s journey in the wilderness.

• The bronze grating allowed the ashes to fall, keeping the fire burning efficiently.

Spiritual Significance

• The altar was central to Israelite worship, where animal sacrifices were made to atone for sin.

• The bronze covering signifies judgment—bronze resists heat, just as God’s justice cannot be escaped.

• The horns represent salvation and refuge (Psalm 18:2—“The Lord is my rock… my stronghold”).

• Typology in Christ: The altar foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10), whose death on the cross atoned for sin once for all.

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2. The Courtyard of the Tabernacle (Exodus 27:9-19)

9 "Make a courtyard for the tabernacle. The south side shall be a hundred cubits long and is to have curtains of finely twisted linen,
10 with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and bands on the posts.
11 The north side shall also be a hundred cubits long and is to have curtains,
12 The west end of the courtyard shall be fifty cubits wide and have curtains,
13 The east end, toward the sunrise, will also be fifty cubits wide.
14-15 There are to be curtains fifteen cubits long on one side of the entrance, with three posts and three bases, and the same for the other side.
16 The entrance to the courtyard is to be twenty cubits wide, made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer—with four posts and four bases.
17 All the posts around the courtyard are to have silver bands and hooks, and bronze bases.
18 The courtyard shall be a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide, with curtains of finely twisted linen five cubits high.
19 All the utensils used in the tabernacle, including pegs, shall be of bronze."

Structure of the Courtyard

• Dimensions:

  • 100 cubits (150 feet) long and 50 cubits (75 feet) wide

  • Curtains made of fine linen—symbolizing purity and separation from the world

  • Posts and bases:

    • Bronze bases represent judgment

    • Silver hooks symbolize redemption (Exodus 30:11-16)

• Entrance on the east side (toward sunrise)

  • 20 cubits wide (30 feet)

  • Made of blue, purple, and scarlet fabric—symbolizing heaven (blue), royalty (purple), and sacrifice (scarlet)

Spiritual Significance

• The courtyard represented separation from sin—only priests and the purified could enter.

• Jesus is the door (John 10:9)—only through Him can we enter God’s presence.

• The east-facing entrance reflects how God’s glory comes from the east (Ezekiel 43:2).

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3. The Oil for the Lampstand (Exodus 27:20-21)

20 "Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning.
21 In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the LORD from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for generations to come."

The Importance of the Oil and Lampstand

• Olive oil had to be pure and clear, ensuring a bright, steady flame.

• The lampstand (Menorah), located in the Holy Place, symbolized God’s continuous presence and guidance.

• The priests (Aaron and his sons) were responsible for ensuring it never went out.

Spiritual Significance

• The oil represents the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:2-6; Matthew 25:1-13).

• The lampstand is Christ, who is the Light of the World (John 8:12).

• The priests maintaining the light foreshadow believers being called to keep their spiritual light burning (Matthew 5:14-16).

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Conclusion: Christ in Exodus 27

1. The Altar of Burnt Offering → Jesus, the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:14).

2. The Courtyard and Entrance → Jesus, the only way to God (John 14:6).

3. The Lampstand and Oil → Jesus, the light of the world (John 1:4-9).

Final Thought:
Exodus 27 reveals God’s holiness, the need for atonement, and access to His presence—all fulfilled through Jesus Christ. The altar, courtyard, and lampstand remind us that God desires both judgment for sin and redemption for His people.