Exodus 27 continues the series of instructions God provides to Moses concerning the Tabernacle, a place where His presence would dwell among His people. In this chapter, God gives specific details about the construction of the altar of burnt offering, the courtyard surrounding the Tabernacle, and the oil to be used for the lampstand. These elements were central to the Israelites' worship and served as tangible reminders of God’s holiness, their need for atonement, and the ways in which they were to approach Him.
The chapter begins with God’s instructions for the altar of burnt offering, which was to be placed in the courtyard of the Tabernacle. This altar was crucial because it was where sacrifices for sin and other offerings would be made. The altar was to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, symbolizing strength and durability. Its size was significant: five cubits high, seven cubits long, and seven cubits wide, large enough to accommodate the sacrifices the Israelites would bring. The altar had horns on all four corners, which had both symbolic and practical purposes. The horns represented the power of God, and they were also used during the sacrificial rituals, where blood from the sacrifice would be applied to them as part of the atonement process. This shows us that approaching God through sacrifice is not just a physical action but a deeply spiritual one, signifying the strength and power of God’s grace.
The altar was designed to be portable, with rings and poles so that it could be carried as the Israelites moved through the wilderness. This detail is significant because it reminds us that worship is not confined to a single place or time. Just as the Israelites carried the altar with them wherever they went, we are called to carry the presence of God in our daily lives, wherever we go. Worship is not just something we do on Sundays or in sacred spaces—it’s something that is meant to travel with us, impacting everything we do, everywhere we are. This makes the altar more than just an object; it becomes a symbol of God’s constant presence, a call for us to maintain a life of continuous worship, regardless of our circumstances.
After describing the altar, God provides instructions for the courtyard that will surround the Tabernacle. The courtyard was to be 100 cubits long and 50 cubits wide, enclosed by curtains made of fine linen. The curtains were to be hung on pillars with bronze bases, and the entrance to the courtyard was to be a gate made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. The idea of a distinct boundary around the Tabernacle was meant to set apart the sacred space from the rest of the camp. Just as the Tabernacle was set apart as a holy place, the courtyard provided a space where the Israelites could approach God in worship and sacrifice. This separation between the sacred and the ordinary speaks to us today about the importance of setting aside space in our lives for God. In a world full of distractions and noise, we are invited to create intentional places where we can meet with God—whether physically, mentally, or spiritually. The courtyard was a place of preparation, a space where the people could gather before entering the most holy part of the Tabernacle.
God also gives instructions about the oil to be used for the lampstand. The Israelites were instructed to bring pure olive oil to keep the lamps burning continually, from evening until morning. The lampstand, placed in the Tabernacle, would provide light in the holy place, symbolizing God’s presence and guidance. The continuous light was to never go out, emphasizing that God’s light and guidance are constant. This detail reminds us that God’s presence in our lives should not be intermittent but constant, just as the light in the Tabernacle was meant to burn day and night. We are called to keep our hearts open and receptive to God’s guidance, allowing His light to shine in our lives without interruption. The oil itself, representing the Holy Spirit, was to be kept pure, underscoring the need for purity and holiness in the life of the believer.
The chapter’s detailed instructions may seem distant or overly focused on physical elements, but they reflect a deep spiritual reality. The Tabernacle and its components were meant to represent God’s relationship with His people, with the altar signifying atonement, the courtyard symbolizing the separation between the holy and the ordinary, and the lampstand offering a continual reminder of God’s presence and guidance. In the same way, we are called to approach God with reverence, understanding that He is holy and worthy of our best. We are invited to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to Him. The sacrifices made at the altar point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who was offered once for all to atone for our sins. As we reflect on the altar of burnt offering, we are reminded of the great cost of our redemption and the need for us to live lives that honor that sacrifice.
Additionally, the continuous oil for the lampstand calls us to live in a constant state of awareness of God’s presence. Just as the light never went out in the Tabernacle, we are called to let God’s light continually guide our lives, keeping our hearts and minds focused on Him. The purity of the oil reminds us to seek purity in our lives, to keep ourselves undefiled from the things of the world that would hinder our ability to reflect God’s light.
Exodus 27 ultimately calls us to examine our own practices of worship. Are we approaching God with reverence, offering our best to Him as the Israelites were called to do with the materials for the Tabernacle? Are we creating intentional space in our lives for God’s presence, making room for worship and communion with Him? And are we allowing His light to guide us continually, living in a way that reflects His holiness and grace? Just as the Tabernacle was a place for the Israelites to meet with God, we are invited to make our lives places where God’s presence dwells, where worship is not just an event but a constant part of who we are.
This chapter challenges us to live with intentionality, purity, and a deep sense of reverence, understanding that God desires to be with His people and calls us to build lives that reflect His holiness. We are invited to bring the best of ourselves—our time, our energy, our devotion—to God, allowing His light to guide and sustain us, just as it did for the Israelites in the Tabernacle.