Introduction to Exodus Chapter 27
Exodus chapter 27 is a pivotal section of the Torah, providing divinely instructed specifications for the construction of the Tabernacle’s outer elements. This chapter moves inward from the Holy Place to the courtyard, detailing the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Court of the Tabernacle itself. For the Israelites in the wilderness, these structures were the tangible points of access to a holy God, setting the precedent for sacrifice and worship that would echo throughout Biblical history. Understanding the precise details of these objects is not merely an archaeological exercise; it is a journey into the heart of Old Testament theology and the character of God, who desires to dwell among His people but requires atonement for sin.
The Altar of Burnt Offering (Exodus 27:1-8)
The first eight verses of Exodus 27 are dedicated entirely to the Altar of Burnt Offering, also known as the Bronze Altar. This was the first object encountered upon entering the Tabernacle court and was the primary place of sacrifice for the Israelites.
Dimensions and Materials
God commanded that the altar be square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high. Using the common royal Egyptian cubit (approximately 20.6 inches), this translates to roughly 7.5 feet square and 4.5 feet high. It was constructed from acacia wood, a durable and resilient desert hardwood, but it was not left bare. The wood was completely overlaid with bronze, a metal that could withstand the intense, constant heat of the sacrificial fires. This combination is deeply symbolic: the wood represents humanity, while the bronze, often symbolic of judgment in the Bible, points to God’s judgment on sin being borne by a substitute.
Key Features and Function
The altar was not a solid box but hollow, as indicated by the “grate of bronze network” (Exodus 27:4). This grate was suspended within the altar’s hollow interior, presumably to hold the burning sacrifice and allow ashes to fall to the base for removal. The altar also featured four “horns” at its four upper corners. These horn-like projections, also overlaid with bronze, were the most sacred part of the altar. Blood from the sacrifices was smeared on them (Exodus 29:12), and they served as a place of refuge for seekers of asylum (1 Kings 1:50-51).
All its utensils—pans for ashes, shovels, basins, forks, and firepans—were also made of bronze. These were functional tools for managing the fire and the sacrificial remains. Rings were attached to the sides for poles made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze, used to carry the altar during the Israelites’ journeys, forever marking it as a mobile place of worship for a people on the move.
The Court of the Tabernacle (Exodus 27:9-19)
Following the instructions for the altar, the text outlines the design of the courtyard that would enclose the Tabernacle tent, creating a sacred space separating it from the profane camp.
The Curtains and Hangings
The courtyard was a large rectangle, 100 cubits long (approx. 172 feet) and 50 cubits wide (approx. 86 feet). It was enclosed by hangings made of “fine twined linen.” This material, while durable, was primarily used for its symbolic value, representing purity and righteousness (Revelation 19:8). These hangings were suspended from silver hooks and bands attached to 60 supporting pillars.
These pillars stood in bronze bases (sockets) and were topped with silver capitals. The use of bronze at the base speaks of strength and judgment grounded in the earth, while the silver capitals represent redemption, as silver was the metal of atonement (Exodus 30:11-16). The entrance to the court, on the eastern side, was distinct. It was twenty cubits wide and featured a special screen or gate made of “blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen,” embroidered by a skilled craftsman. This vibrant, colorful entrance stood in stark contrast to the plain white linen walls, signaling the one way in and inviting worshipers into God’s presence.
The Pillars and Bases
The stability of the court structure relied on its pillars and their foundations:
- North & South Sides: 20 pillars each, in 20 bronze bases.
- West Side: 10 pillars, in 10 bronze bases.
- East Side (including gate): 10 pillars, but with a specific arrangement: 3 pillars on either side of the gate and 4 pillars supporting the gate screen itself.
All the pegs for the tent and of the court were to be made of bronze. These tent pegs secured the cords holding the courtyard hangings and the Tabernacle itself taut against the desert wind.
The Command for Oil (Exodus 27:20-21)
The chapter concludes not with a physical structure, but with a command regarding light. The Israelites are instructed to bring “pure beaten olive oil” to fuel the lamp within the Tabernacle—the Golden Lampstand (Menorah) described in the previous chapter (Exodus 25:31-40).
Pure Oil for Continuous Light
The oil had to be “pure” and “beaten,” indicating the highest quality. The first pressing from olives produced this clear oil, as opposed to oil from subsequent pressings which was murkier and used for cooking. This was fuel worthy of the holy place. The purpose of the oil was to keep the Lampstand burning “continually” or, more accurately, “regularly every night” (Exodus 27:21). Aaron and his sons, the priests, were tasked with tending the lamps from evening until morning before the Lord. This was a perpetual statute, emphasizing the continuous need for God’s light to illuminate the place of His presence. The light symbolized God’s eternal vigilance, guidance, and the life-giving presence of His Spirit.
The Theological Significance and Symbolism
The elements of Exodus 27 are rich with meaning that points forward to greater New Testament truths.
The Bronze Altar: A Foreshadowing of the Cross
The Bronze Altar is a profound prefiguring of the cross of Jesus Christ. It was the place where innocent life was sacrificed to atone for the sin of the guilty. The blood smeared on the horns signifies the payment required for transgression. The writer of Hebrews makes this connection clear, stating that the blood of bulls and goats could never truly take away sins, but they were a shadow of the ultimate sacrifice to come (Hebrews 10:1-4). Jesus Christ became our perfect sacrificial offering, and His cross is the ultimate altar where the final payment for sin was made.
The Court: Separation and Access
The white linen walls of the court served as a barrier, teaching a fundamental truth: a holy God cannot be approached casually. It separated a holy God from a sinful people. Yet, it also provided a defined way of access. The single, colorful gate is a powerful symbol of exclusive access to God. Jesus later declared, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved” (John 10:9). He is the one, beautiful, and only way into the presence of the Father.
The Continual Light: God’s Eternal Presence
The ever-burning lamp in the Holy Place, fueled by the purest oil, represents God’s unwavering presence among His people. It signifies that He does not slumber or sleep (Psalm 121:4). In the New Testament, Jesus is called the “true light” (John 1:9) and His followers are called to be the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14), indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit, who is often symbolized by oil.
Conclusion: The Enduring Message of Exodus 27
Exodus 27 is far more than an ancient architectural blueprint. It is a theological masterclass on how a sinful people can approach a holy God. The chapter systematically presents the need for substitutionary sacrifice (the altar), the necessity of defined and exclusive access (the court and gate), and the promise of God’s abiding presence and revelation (the continual light). While the physical Tabernacle is long gone, its principles remain eternal. For the modern reader, it reinforces the seriousness of sin, the incredible cost of atonement, and the glorious truth that through Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice and the only gate, we can confidently enter God’s presence and walk in His light.