Exodus 27:8
Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make it.
Original Language Analysis
לֻחֹ֖ת
with boards
H3871
לֻחֹ֖ת
with boards
Strong's:
H3871
Word #:
2 of 10
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
יַֽעֲשֽׂוּ׃
shalt thou make
H6213
יַֽעֲשֽׂוּ׃
shalt thou make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֹת֑וֹ
H853
אֹת֑וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֶרְאָ֥ה
it as it was shewed
H7200
הֶרְאָ֥ה
it as it was shewed
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֹֽתְךָ֛
H853
אֹֽתְךָ֛
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּהָ֖ר
thee in the mount
H2022
בָּהָ֖ר
thee in the mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
8 of 10
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
Cross References
Exodus 25:40And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.Exodus 25:9According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.Hebrews 8:5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
Historical Context
The hollow construction reduced weight for transport while the copper-plate covering provided the sacrificial surface. At each camping site, the altar would be filled with earth, creating a functional sacrificial platform that could be emptied and moved when needed.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Christ's humanity ('earth-filled') make God's atonement plan functional in time and space?
- What does the combination of divine form (God's pattern) and earthly material teach about incarnation?
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Analysis & Commentary
The altar is made 'hollow with boards'—not solid but a frame, likely filled with earth or stones at each camp (Exodus 20:24-25). This hollow construction made it portable yet functional. The principle: the altar's form matters (God's prescribed pattern) but its core is filled with created materials (earth/stones). Christ's humanity (earth) filled divine form, making atonement both heavenly in origin and earthly in execution. God's pattern received material substance.