Exodus 27:5
And thou shalt put it under the compass of the altar beneath, that the net may be even to the midst of the altar.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָֽתַתָּ֣ה
And thou shalt put
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֣ה
And thou shalt put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֹתָ֗הּ
H853
אֹתָ֗הּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תַּ֛חַת
H8478
תַּ֛חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
3 of 11
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
מִלְּמָ֑טָּה
beneath
H4295
מִלְּמָ֑טָּה
beneath
Strong's:
H4295
Word #:
6 of 11
downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes
וְהָֽיְתָ֣ה
H1961
וְהָֽיְתָ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Historical Context
The 'compass' (כַּרְכֹּב, karkob) was likely a ledge or projection around the altar's middle. The grate fit beneath this ledge, positioning it at the altar's midpoint where it would be most effective for complete sacrifice consumption.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's precise 'positioning' of Christ's sacrifice demonstrate divine sovereignty over redemption?
- Why was it necessary that Christ's atonement be historical and physical, not merely spiritual?
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Analysis & Commentary
The grate is placed 'under the compass of the altar beneath, that the network may be even to the midst of the altar.' This precise positioning—halfway up—ensures optimal burning. The attention to mechanics demonstrates that atonement, while spiritual, occurred in the material realm. Christ's death wasn't mystical abstraction but physical, historical event. The grate's exact placement prefigures how Christ's sacrifice occurred at the precise time, place, and manner God ordained (Galatians 4:4).