Exodus 27

21 verses

TL;DR

Exodus 27 details the construction of the altar and the surrounding court, specifying materials, dimensions, and adornments, and establishes procedures for lighting and worship.

Summary

The chapter prescribes the building of an altar of shittim wood, measuring five cubits on each side and three cubits high, with horns at each corner made of brass and a bronze overlay. Vessels for ashes, basins, and other items are to be made of brass, and a bronze grate with rings is to be installed beneath the altar. The altar is to be supported by brass‑covered staves inserted into bronze rings. The court surrounding the tabernacle is described in detail, with its dimensions, hangings, pillars, sockets, and fillets, all of which are to be constructed of brass or silver as specified. The gate of the court is adorned with a hanging of fine twined linen in blue, purple, and scarlet. The text also commands the Israelites to bring pure olive oil for the lamps and sets a perpetual law for Aaron and his sons to keep the lamps burning, establishing a continuous act of worship before the Lord.

Outline

Construction of the altar and its bronze adornments
Specification of the court, gate, and supporting structures
Instruction for lighting and perpetual worship by Aaron and his sons

Themes

Worship and consecrationOrder and craftsmanshipCovenant and continual devotion

Keywords

altartabernaclecourtbronzesilverlinenolive oillampworshipcovenantperpetual

People

Aaronhis sonsthe children of IsraelMoses (implied speaker)

Places

Tabernaclecourt of the tabernaclegate of the courtMount (Sinai)

Things

altarshittim woodbrasssilverfine twined linenolive oillampshornsgrateringsstavespillarssocketshooksfilletsgate hanging

Key Verses

Exodus 27:1: Introduces the altar specifications and establishes the primary focus of the chapter.
Exodus 27:4: Details the bronze grate and rings, underscoring the importance of the altar’s structure.
Exodus 27:9: Begins the description of the court, setting the broader architectural context.
Exodus 27:17: Summarizes the materials for all pillars, highlighting the use of silver and brass.
Exodus 27:21: Concludes with the perpetual law for lighting, linking the physical construction to ongoing worship.

Questions

How does the detailed construction of the altar reflect the holiness of the sanctuary?
In what ways do the repeated instructions for bronze and silver signify the sanctity of the temple?
What is the significance of Aaron and his sons being tasked with maintaining the lamps?
How does the covenantal aspect of the tabernacle relate to the everyday life of Israel?
What does the emphasis on precise measurements and materials teach us about divine order?
How might the design of the court influence the experience of worshipers?
What parallels can we draw between the physical structures in Exodus 27 and modern places of worship?

Sentiment

neutral
The text presents factual instructions without emotive language.