Exodus 27:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 27:1
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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 27 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, holiness, creation. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 27:1
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice