Exodus 27
BSB1 “You are to build an altar of acacia wood. The altar must be square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high. 2 Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze. 3 Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots for removing ashes, its shovels, its sprinkling bowls, its meat forks, and its firepans. 4 Construct for it a grate of bronze mesh, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the mesh. 5 Set the grate beneath the ledge of the altar, so that the mesh comes halfway up the altar. 6 Additionally, make poles of acacia wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze. 7 The poles are to be inserted into the rings so that the poles are on two sides of the altar when it is carried. 8 Construct the altar with boards so that it is hollow. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain. 9 You are also to make a courtyard for the tabernacle. On the south side of the courtyard make curtains of finely spun linen, a hundred cubits long on one side, 10 with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and silver hooks and bands on the posts. 11 Likewise there are to be curtains on the north side, a hundred cubits long, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. 12 The curtains on the west side of the courtyard shall be fifty cubits wide, with ten posts and ten bases. 13 The east side of the courtyard, toward the sunrise, is to be fifty cubits wide. 14 Make the curtains on one side fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases, 15 and the curtains on the other side fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases. 16 The gate of the courtyard shall be twenty cubits long, with a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It shall have four posts and four bases. 17 All the posts around the courtyard shall have silver bands, silver hooks, and bronze bases. 18 The entire courtyard shall be a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide, with curtains of finely spun linen five cubits high, and with bronze bases. 19 All the utensils of the tabernacle for every use, including all its tent pegs and the tent pegs of the courtyard, shall be made of bronze. 20 And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. 21 In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites for the generations to come.
Study Notes — Exodus 27
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Exodus 27
- Themes from Exodus 27
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Exodus 27
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Exodus chapter 27 begins with instructions for building the altar of burnt offering, including its dimensions and the materials to be used (Exodus 27:1-8). The chapter then describes the construction of the courtyard, including the pillars and the screen that will surround the tabernacle (Exodus 27:9-19). The Israelites are also instructed to provide oil for the lamps and to appoint Aaron and his sons as priests (Exodus 27:20-21). Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes the importance of following His instructions carefully, in order to create a holy and set-apart space for worship. The chapter ends with a reminder of the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the death of Nadab and Abihu (Exodus 27:21, Leviticus 10:1-3).
Context for the Chapter
Exodus chapter 27 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Exodus, which tells the story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which tells the story of God's relationship with His people and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The tabernacle and its furnishings represented the presence of God among His people, and the importance of worship and sacrifice in their daily lives.
Heart Application
As we read about the construction of the altar and the courtyard, we are reminded of the importance of worship and sacrifice in our relationship with God. We are called to be a holy and set-apart people, and to follow God's instructions carefully in our daily lives. We are also reminded of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf, and the importance of worship and gratitude in our response to His love.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Exodus chapter 27 is about the construction of the altar and the courtyard of the tabernacle. The Israelites were instructed to build the altar and the courtyard according to God's instructions, and to provide oil for the lamps and to appoint Aaron and his sons as priests. The chapter highlights the importance of worship and sacrifice in the Israelites' relationship with God, and the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf (Exodus 27:1-8).
Voices from the Church
“The altar of burnt offering was a symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus would make on the cross, and the importance of worship and sacrifice in our daily lives.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The tabernacle and its furnishings represented the presence of God among His people, and the importance of worship and sacrifice in their daily lives.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Altar of Burnt Offering (Exodus 27:1-8) — The chapter begins with instructions for building the altar of burnt offering, including its dimensions and the materials to be used.
- The Courtyard (Exodus 27:9-19) — The chapter then describes the construction of the courtyard, including the pillars and the screen that will surround the tabernacle.
- The Oil for the Lamps (Exodus 27:20-21) — The Israelites are instructed to provide oil for the lamps and to appoint Aaron and his sons as priests.
- The Importance of Obedience (Exodus 27:21, Leviticus 10:1-3) — The chapter ends with a reminder of the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the death of Nadab and Abihu.
- Conclusion — The chapter concludes with a reminder of the importance of worship and sacrifice in the Israelites' relationship with God, and the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Worship
- The chapter highlights the importance of worship and sacrifice in the Israelites' relationship with God, and the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf.
- The Importance of Obedience
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions carefully, even in the details of worship.
- The Use of Symbolism
- The chapter uses symbolism to convey spiritual truths, such as the altar and the tabernacle furnishings representing the sacrifice and the presence of God among His people.
- The Priesthood of Aaron
- The chapter describes the appointment of Aaron and his sons as priests, and the importance of their role in the worship and sacrifice of the Israelites.
Lessons from Exodus 27
- The Importance of Worship — The chapter highlights the importance of worship and sacrifice in the Israelites' relationship with God, and the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf.
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions carefully, even in the details of worship.
- The Use of Symbolism — The chapter uses symbolism to convey spiritual truths, such as the altar and the tabernacle furnishings representing the sacrifice and the presence of God among His people.
- The Priesthood of Aaron — The chapter describes the appointment of Aaron and his sons as priests, and the importance of their role in the worship and sacrifice of the Israelites.
- The Ultimate Sacrifice of Jesus Christ — The chapter relates to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who made the final sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
Themes from Exodus 27
- Worship and Sacrifice — The chapter highlights the importance of worship and sacrifice in the Israelites' relationship with God, and the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf.
- Obedience and Disobedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions carefully, even in the details of worship, and the consequences of disobedience.
- Symbolism and Typology — The chapter uses symbolism to convey spiritual truths, such as the altar and the tabernacle furnishings representing the sacrifice and the presence of God among His people.
- The Priesthood of Aaron — The chapter describes the appointment of Aaron and his sons as priests, and the importance of their role in the worship and sacrifice of the Israelites.
- The Ultimate Sacrifice of Jesus Christ — The chapter relates to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who made the final sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the altar of burnt offering in the Israelites' relationship with God?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of obedience in worship?
- What is the symbolism of the tabernacle and its furnishings?
- How does the chapter relate to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?
- What is the importance of worship and sacrifice in our daily lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Altar of Burnt Offering (Exodus 27:1-8)
| 27:1 | The chapter begins with instructions for building the altar of burnt offering, including its dimensions and the materials to be used. |
| 27:2 | The altar was to be made hollow, with boards, in order to create a space for the ashes and the sacrifices. |
| 27:3 | The altar was to be made of acacia wood, and overlaid with bronze. |
| 27:4 | The altar was to have a grate of bronze, and a bronze ring on each of the four corners. |
| 27:5 | The altar was to be made of acacia wood, and overlaid with bronze. |
| 27:6 | The poles of the altar were to be made of acacia wood, and overlaid with bronze. |
| 27:7 | The poles were to be inserted into the rings, and used to carry the altar. |
| 27:8 | The altar was to be made hollow, with boards, in order to create a space for the ashes and the sacrifices. |
2. The Courtyard (Exodus 27:9-19)
| 27:9 | The chapter then describes the construction of the courtyard, including the pillars and the screen that will surround the tabernacle. |
| 27:10 | The pillars were to be made of acacia wood, and overlaid with bronze. |
| 27:11 | The pillars were to have bronze bases, and bronze capitals. |
| 27:12 | The screen was to be made of fine linen, and embroidered with blue and purple and scarlet yarn. |
| 27:13 | The screen was to have four pillars, and bronze bases. |
| 27:14 | The screen was to be made of fine linen, and embroidered with blue and purple and scarlet yarn. |
| 27:15 | The pillars were to be made of acacia wood, and overlaid with bronze. |
| 27:16 | The screen was to have a gate, made of fine linen, and embroidered with blue and purple and scarlet yarn. |
| 27:17 | The pillars were to be made of acacia wood, and overlaid with bronze. |
| 27:18 | The courtyard was to be 100 cubits long, and 50 cubits wide. |
| 27:19 | The pillars were to be made of bronze, and the bases and the capitals were to be made of bronze. |
3. The Oil for the Lamps (Exodus 27:20-21)
| 27:20 | The Israelites are instructed to provide oil for the lamps, and to appoint Aaron and his sons as priests. |
| 27:21 | The chapter ends with a reminder of the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the death of Nadab and Abihu. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the altar of burnt offering?
The altar of burnt offering was a symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus would make on the cross, and the importance of worship and sacrifice in our daily lives (Exodus 27:1-8).
How does the chapter emphasize the importance of obedience?
The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions carefully, even in the details of worship, and the consequences of disobedience (Exodus 27:21, Leviticus 10:1-3).
What is the symbolism of the tabernacle and its furnishings?
The tabernacle and its furnishings represented the presence of God among His people, and the importance of worship and sacrifice in their daily lives (Exodus 27:1-19).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 27:1 → Hebrews 13:10-12 | The altar of burnt offering was a symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus would make on the cross, and the importance of worship and sacrifice in our daily lives. |
| 2 | Exodus 27:8 → John 1:14 | The tabernacle and its furnishings represented the presence of God among His people, and the importance of worship and sacrifice in their daily lives. |
| 3 | Exodus 27:9 → Leviticus 10:1-3 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the death of Nadab and Abihu. |
| 4 | Exodus 27:20 → Psalm 119:105 | The Israelites are instructed to provide oil for the lamps, and to appoint Aaron and his sons as priests, highlighting the importance of worship and sacrifice in their daily lives. |
| 5 | Exodus 27:21 → Matthew 5:17-20 | The chapter ends with a reminder of the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the death of Nadab and Abihu. |
| 6 | Exodus 27:1 → 1 Peter 2:5 | The altar of burnt offering was a symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus would make on the cross, and the importance of worship and sacrifice in our daily lives. |
| 7 | Exodus 27:8 → Revelation 21:22-27 | The tabernacle and its furnishings represented the presence of God among His people, and the importance of worship and sacrifice in their daily lives. |
| 8 | Exodus 27:9 → Isaiah 66:1-2 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the death of Nadab and Abihu. |
| 9 | Exodus 27:20 → 1 John 1:7 | The Israelites are instructed to provide oil for the lamps, and to appoint Aaron and his sons as priests, highlighting the importance of worship and sacrifice in their daily lives. |
| 10 | Exodus 27:21 → Romans 12:1-2 | The chapter ends with a reminder of the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the death of Nadab and Abihu. |
Sermons on Exodus 27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Oil for the Light by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the pressing need for a true knowledge and understanding of the Holy Spirit and His work. The speaker highlights that living in the good of t |
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(Exodus) Exodus 27:9-21 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of light in the Bible and its connection to Christ. The speaker explains that while Jesus was on earth, he referred to himsel |
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(Exodus) Exodus 27:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the way of the cross as the only path to God. The brazen altar is highlighted as the place where access to God is made p |
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(Exodus) Exodus 25:23-28 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of settling the sin question before being able to worship God. He explains that in the tabernacle, there are two articles of f |
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(Exodus) Exodus 25:9 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle and its significance in the Bible. He emphasizes that the tabernacle was a pattern of the one in heaven, indicating the existen |
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(Exodus) Exodus 37:1-29 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure and symbolism of the tabernacle in the Bible. The tabernacle had three compartments and three entrances: the outer court, the ho |
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(Exodus) Exodus 38:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the significance of two articles of furniture in the outer court of the tabernacle: the altar of burnt offering and the laver. The altar rep |
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(Exodus) Exodus 38:18 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the colors used in the hanging for the gate of the court. The blue represents Christ's deity, as he came from heaven. The |
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(Exodus) Exodus 38:9-11 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the tabernacle and its symbolism in relation to the gospel. The outer court, surrounded by a fence, represents the separat |
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Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle described in the book of Exodus. He explains that the tabernacle is a picture of the body of Christ, with believers closely hel |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 27
In Exodus chapter 27, we see the importance of worship and sacrifice in the Israelites' relationship with God. The altar of burnt offering was a symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus would make on the cross, and the importance of worship and sacrifice in our daily lives. The tabernacle and its furnishings represented the presence of God among His people, and the importance of worship and sacrifice in their daily lives. As we read about the construction of the altar and the courtyard, we are reminded of the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the death of Nadab and Abihu. We are also reminded of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf, and the importance of worship and gratitude in our response to His love. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Attention to detail
The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions carefully, even in the details of worship. This attention to detail reflects God's desire for a holy and set-apart people.
The importance of worship
The chapter highlights the importance of worship and sacrifice in the Israelites' relationship with God. The altar and the courtyard were central to the tabernacle, and the Israelites were instructed to provide oil for the lamps and to appoint Aaron and his sons as priests.
The use of symbolism
The chapter uses symbolism to convey spiritual truths. The altar and the tabernacle furnishings represented the sacrifice and the presence of God among His people.