Exodus 27:1
And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ
And thou shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַמּ֖וֹת
cubits
H520
אַמּ֖וֹת
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
אַמּ֖וֹת
cubits
H520
אַמּ֖וֹת
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
יִֽהְיֶה֙
H1961
יִֽהְיֶה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
13 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְשָׁלֹ֥שׁ
thereof shall be three
H7969
וְשָׁלֹ֥שׁ
thereof shall be three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
15 of 17
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
Historical Context
This altar stood in the outer court between the tabernacle entrance and the courtyard gate, visible to all Israel. Daily burnt offerings (morning and evening) were consumed here, maintaining covenant relationship between God and His people through substitutionary sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the bronze altar's prominent placement emphasize that atonement must precede worship?
- In what ways did Christ's cross serve as the ultimate 'bronze altar' bearing God's judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The bronze altar (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach) of acacia wood overlaid with bronze stands at the tabernacle entrance—the first object worshipers encounter. Bronze consistently represents judgment; this altar where animals are consumed by fire prefigures Christ bearing God's judgment in our place. Measuring 5 × 5 × 3 cubits (approximately 7.5' square, 4.5' high), its size indicates the magnitude of sin requiring atonement. Christ's cross is our bronze altar where divine wrath was satisfied.