Meaning of Exodus 27:1

Exodus 27:1 describes the construction of the burnt offering altar, a central piece of furniture in the Israelite tabernacle, which served as the primary place for sacrifices and atonement. Its dimensions – five cubits by five cubits and three cubits high, made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze – were precisely stipulated by God, emphasizing the sacredness and divine origin of Israel's worship. This altar was not merely a physical structure but a potent symbol of God's presence among His people and the means by which their sins were covered through sacrificial blood, laying the groundwork for their covenant relationship with Him.

Context and Background

This commandment is given to Moses as part of the detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary God commanded Israel to build in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The tabernacle was to be a dwelling place for God among His people, and the altar of burnt offering was its most prominent feature, situated in the courtyard. The preceding chapter, Exodus 26, details the construction of the tabernacle's interior, including the Ark of the Covenant and the table for the showbread. The altar's placement and design are integral to the functionality and theological purpose of the entire sanctuary.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Authority and Order: The precise specifications for the altar underscore God's sovereign control over worship. Every detail is divinely mandated, leaving no room for human innovation or arbitrary ritual. This highlights the importance of obedience and adherence to God's prescribed ways of approaching Him.
• Atonement and Sacrifice: The altar's primary function was to receive the blood of sacrifices. This points directly to the theme of atonement, where the shedding of innocent blood was required to cover the sins of the people. It prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
• Presence of God: The altar, as the focal point of sacrifice and the conduit for God's acceptance of His people, symbolizes His willingness to dwell among them despite their sinfulness. It is where God met His people and where their offerings were consumed by divine fire.
• Holiness and Purity: The materials and construction methods, particularly the bronze overlay (Exodus 27:2), speak to the holiness required in approaching a holy God. Bronze, often associated with judgment and purification in the Old Testament, suggests that approaching God involves dealing with sin.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The altar of burnt offering is a profound symbol of Christ's atoning sacrifice. Just as the animal sacrifices on the bronze altar covered the sins of the Israelites, Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, often referred to as the "altar" in a theological sense, provides complete atonement for the sins of all who believe. The acacia wood, which is durable and resistant to decay, can symbolize the enduring nature of Christ's sacrifice. The altar's placement in the courtyard signifies that access to God's presence begins with the acceptance of His provision for sin. For believers today, the altar points to the finished work of Christ, reminding us that through Him, we have access to a holy God, and our worship is accepted because of His sacrifice.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This altar is the first of several altars described in Scripture, each carrying forward the theological concept of sacrifice and atonement. It is a foundational element in the Levitical sacrificial system, which is extensively detailed in the book of Leviticus. This system, in turn, is a foreshadowing of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. The New Testament frequently references the Old Testament sacrificial system to explain the efficacy of Christ's atonement. For instance, the author of Hebrews meticulously draws parallels between the tabernacle sacrifices and Christ's singular sacrifice.

Analogies

• A Bridge: The altar can be seen as a bridge connecting a sinful humanity to a holy God, enabling fellowship and communication.
• A Gateway: It acts as a gateway to God's presence, where the price of sin is paid, allowing access to the divine.
• A Table of Sacrifice: Like a table where a meal is prepared and shared, this altar is where the "meal" of atonement is prepared through sacrifice, leading to reconciliation.

Relation to Other Verses

• Leviticus 1:1-17: This section details the laws for the burnt offering, which was the primary sacrifice offered on this altar. It emphasizes the voluntary nature of the offering and the complete consumption of the animal, signifying devotion and atonement.
• Hebrews 9:11-14: This New Testament passage explicitly connects the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the altar, to Christ's sacrifice, calling it "more excellent" and "eternal redemption."
• John 1:29: John the Baptist's declaration, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" directly links Jesus to the sacrificial lambs offered on the altar.
• 1 Corinthians 5:7: Paul refers to Christ as "our Passover lamb," connecting the ultimate sacrifice to the Passover festival, which involved sacrificial blood applied for deliverance.