# Overview Exodus Chapter 27 provides detailed instructions for the construction of the #altar of burnt offering, the outer court of the #tabernacle, and the oil for the lampstand. The altar is to be made of acacia wood, overlaid with bronze, and designed with horns at its four corners. Its accessories, such as pots, shovels, basins, forks, and firepans, are also to be crafted from bronze. The altar is to have a grating, a network of bronze, and poles for carrying, signifying its portable nature as the #Israelites journey through the wilderness. These specifications underscore the importance of worship and sacrifice in the life of #Israel, as the altar serves as a central place for offerings to #God. Furthermore, the chapter extends instructions to include the construction of the #courtyard for the tabernacle. The courtyard is to be enclosed with linen hangings, supported by bronze pillars with silver hooks and bands, creating a sacred space for the congregation. The entrance is to be a curtain of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, reflecting the divine beauty and glory of the dwelling place of #Yahweh. Additionally, the chapter concludes with a commandment for the Israelites to bring clear oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually in the #tent of meeting. This perpetual light symbolizes the eternal presence of God and the guidance He provides to His people, a constant reminder of His covenant with #Israel. ## Theological Insights Exodus 27 provides detailed instructions for the construction of the #Tabernacle's altar and courtyard, highlighting the importance of worship and sacrifice in the life of #Israel. This chapter further establishes the framework for approaching God under the #OldCovenant and serves as a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice in the #NewTestament. The altar, made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, symbolizes the necessity of a mediating structure through which #atonement for sin is made. The altar's construction and its five cubits by five cubits measurement (Exodus 27:1) remind us of the comprehensive nature of God's provision for sin. The use of bronze, a durable and enduring material, signifies the strength and endurance of God's covenant with His people. The instructions for the courtyard (Exodus 27:9-19) emphasize separation and holiness. The courtyard functions as a boundary that separates the holy from the common, reminding the people of Israel that God's presence is sacred and not to be approached casually. The dimensions and materials used for the courtyard, including the linen curtains and bronze bases, reflect the purity and stability required to approach God, pointing to the holiness and righteousness necessary to enter into His presence. Furthermore, the continual burning of the lamps in the Tabernacle (Exodus 27:20-21) symbolizes the perpetual nature of God's presence and guidance among His people. The command for the Israelites to bring pure olive oil for the lamps emphasizes a cooperative relationship between God and His people, where they actively participate in maintaining their covenant relationship. This perpetual light also foreshadows Jesus Christ as the "light of the world" (see [[John/John Chapter 8]]), who illuminates the path to God and provides eternal light and truth. Collectively, Exodus 27 reveals theological truths about God’s holiness, the necessity of sacrifice, and the importance of obedience and preparation in worship. These themes are foundational to understanding the broader narrative of redemption that culminates in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who fulfills and transcends the sacrificial system described here. ## Thematic Connections ### Divine Instructions for Worship Exodus 27 continues the theme of God providing specific instructions for the construction of the #Tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of precise adherence to divine commands as an act of worship. This theme resonates with the detailed instructions given for other elements of worship, such as the #Ark of the Covenant in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25|Exodus 25]] and the #altar of incense in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 30|Exodus 30]]. The meticulous nature of these instructions highlights the holiness of God and the care required to approach Him appropriately. ### The Role of Sacrifice in Covenant Relationship The chapter outlines the construction of the #altar of burnt offering, a central aspect of the sacrificial system that underscores the theme of atonement and reconciliation with God. This theme connects to earlier instances of sacrifice, such as #Noah’s offering after the flood in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 8|Genesis 8]], and the covenantal sacrifices seen with #Abraham in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 15|Genesis 15]]. The altar serves as a reminder of the need for humans to approach God through sacrifice, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] detailed in the #NewTestament, such as in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 9|Hebrews 9]]. ### Symbolism of Light and Presence The command concerning the oil for the lampstand, as part of the Tabernacle furnishings, symbolizes God's presence among His people. This theme of divine light is echoed in the pillar of fire that led the Israelites in the desert in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 13|Exodus 13]] and finds fulfillment in the #NewTestament where Jesus declares Himself the "light of the world" in [[John/John Chapter 8|John 8]]. The continuous burning of the lamp signifies God's perpetual presence and guidance. ### The Mediating Role of the Priesthood Exodus 27 also alludes to the mediating role of the #priesthood in maintaining the Tabernacle and its services, a theme that is further developed in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 28|Exodus 28]] and [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 8|Leviticus 8]]. The priests serve as intermediaries between God and Israel, a role that is ultimately fulfilled by Jesus as the great High Priest in the #NewTestament, particularly in the book of [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 4|Hebrews 4]]. This connection underscores the continuity and development of the mediating role throughout Scripture. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Altar of Burnt Offering In Exodus 27, the instructions for constructing the Altar of Burnt Offering are given, which foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. The altar is central to the sacrificial system of Israel, representing atonement and reconciliation with God. This is prophetically fulfilled in Jesus, who is described in the New Testament as the ultimate sacrificial lamb. In [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 9|Hebrews 9:11-14]], it is explained that Christ offered Himself without blemish to God, fulfilling the requirements of the law and providing eternal redemption for humanity. ### The Courtyard of the Tabernacle The design of the Tabernacle’s courtyard in Exodus 27 points towards the inclusive nature of God's future kingdom. The courtyard was accessible to all Israelites, symbolizing the availability of God's presence and forgiveness to all who approach Him. This inclusivity is prophetically fulfilled in the New Covenant through Jesus, as seen in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 2|Ephesians 2:14-18]], where Paul writes about the breaking down of the dividing wall, making both Jews and Gentiles one in Christ and granting access to the Father through the Spirit. ### The Lampstand and the Light The command for the Israelites to keep the lamp burning continually (Exodus 27:20-21) symbolizes the enduring presence and guidance of God. This prophetic symbol finds its fulfillment in Jesus, who declares Himself as the light of the world in [[John/John Chapter 8|John 8:12]]. The perpetual light in the Tabernacle foreshadows the everlasting light and guidance that Christ brings to believers, echoing the promise of God’s unending presence with His people. ## Verses - **Exodus 27:1** - "Using acacia wood, construct a square altar 7½ feet wide, 7½ feet long, and 4½ feet high." - Notes: The use of acacia wood is consistent throughout the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings (see [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]]). - **Exodus 27:2** - "Make horns for each of its four corners so that the horns and altar are all one piece. Overlay the altar with bronze." - Notes: The horns of the altar are significant in various sacrificial rites and rituals (see [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 4]]). - **Exodus 27:3** - "Make ash buckets, shovels, basins, meat forks, and firepans, all of bronze." - Notes: These utensils were essential for the handling of sacrifices and offerings (see [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 1]]). - **Exodus 27:4** - "Make a bronze grating for it, and attach four bronze rings at its four corners." - Notes: The grating was used to hold the offerings over the fire. - **Exodus 27:5** - "Install the grating halfway down the side of the altar, under the ledge." - **Exodus 27:6** - "For carrying the altar, make poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with bronze." - **Exodus 27:7** - "Insert the poles into the rings at the two sides of the altar." - **Exodus 27:8** - "The altar must be hollow, made from planks. Build it just as you were shown on the mountain." - Notes: The instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings were given to Moses on Mount Sinai (see [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]]). - **Exodus 27:9** - "Then make the courtyard for the Tabernacle, enclosed with curtains made of finely woven linen. On the south side, make the curtains 150 feet long." - Notes: The courtyard was an important area for worship and sacrifice (see [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 1]]). - **Exodus 27:10** - "They will be held up by twenty posts set securely in twenty bronze bases. Hang the curtains with silver hooks and rings." - **Exodus 27:11** - "Make the curtains the same on the north side—150 feet of curtains held up by twenty posts set securely in bronze bases. Hang the curtains with silver hooks and rings." - **Exodus 27:12** - "The curtains on the west end of the courtyard will be 75 feet long, supported by ten posts set into ten bases." - **Exodus 27:13** - "The east end of the courtyard, the front, will also be 75 feet long." - **Exodus 27:14** - "The courtyard entrance will be on the east end, flanked by two curtains. The curtain on the right side will be 22½ feet long, supported by three posts set into three bases." - **Exodus 27:15** - "The curtain on the left side will also be 22½ feet long, supported by three posts set into three bases." - **Exodus 27:16** - "For the entrance to the courtyard, make a curtain that is 30 feet long. Make it from finely woven linen, and decorate it with beautiful embroidery in blue, purple, and scarlet thread. Support it with four posts, each securely set in its own base." - Notes: The use of blue, purple, and scarlet thread is a recurring theme in the Tabernacle's decoration (see [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 26]]). - **Exodus 27:17** - "All the posts around the courtyard must have silver rings and hooks and bronze bases." - **Exodus 27:18** - "So the entire courtyard will be 150 feet long and 75 feet wide, with curtain walls 7½ feet high, made from finely woven linen. The bases for the posts will be made of bronze." - **Exodus 27:19** - "All the articles used in the rituals of the Tabernacle, including all the tent pegs used to support the Tabernacle and the courtyard curtains, must be made of bronze." - **Exodus 27:20** - "Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually." - Notes: The lamps were part of the Tent of Meeting and were to burn continually as a symbol of God's presence (see [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 24]]). - **Exodus 27:21** - "The lampstand will stand in the Tabernacle, in front of the inner curtain that shields the Ark of the Covenant. Aaron and his sons must keep the lamps burning in the LORD’s presence all night. This is a permanent law for the people of Israel, and it must be observed from generation to generation." - Notes: The role of Aaron and his sons as priests is established here (see [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 28]]). The lampstand is also described in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]]. ### Cross-References by Chapter - **Acacia Wood** - [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]] - **Horns of the Altar** - [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 4]] - **Tabernacle Courtyard** - [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]], [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 1]] - **Blue, Purple, and Scarlet Thread** - [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 26]] - **Lamps in the Tabernacle** - [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 24]] - **Priesthood of Aaron** - [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 28]]