Exodus 27

The square altar for burnt offerings, like the tabernacle frames, was made of acacia wood covered with metal. Yet, to match the other features outside the sanctuary, they covered it with bronze (27:2–3; see 27:10, 17, 19).

The plans for the altar of burnt offering and the courtyard extend outward from the center. Like the sanctuary, the plans for the courtyard's furniture are provided before the courtyard itself (27:1–8; 27:9–19).

Archaeology shows that the horns of the altar were raised parts at the four corners of the altar. They projected upward from each corner.

These horns may have helped keep the wood and offerings from falling off the altar (see Psalm 118:27). They also had meaning related to beliefs about God. The horns represented God’s gracious care for his people.

If a person held onto the horns of the altar, that person was asking for mercy in judgment (see 1 Kings 1:50–51; 2:28). This action showed a request for protection or leniency.

The priests put blood on the horns during atonement and purification ceremonies (special rituals to deal with sin and uncleanness; see Exodus 29:12; Leviticus 4:7).

The altar was evidently a hollow square (27:1, 8), with the grating placed inside it to allow ashes to fall to the ground underneath.

The courtyard plans included curtain walls made of finely woven linen, hanging on posts with bronze bases. The posts were 2.29 meters apart (7.5 feet) and 2.29 meters high (7.5 feet). The curtains formed a rectangle measuring 46 meters long (150 feet) and 22.86 meters wide (75 feet), with a 10-meter opening (30 feet) centered on the east side.

The curtain covering the gate of the courtyard was similar in color and design to the entrance and dividing curtains of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:31, 36).

The use of tent pegs indicates that the courtyard posts were not freestanding. Support wires stabilized them.

The first thing said about the function of the priests, Aaron and his sons, is that they were to keep the lamps burning continually through the night (see 30:8). As the lamps burned before the Lord, they showed that God was still present with his people. The light reminded them that his presence continued among them.

After explaining how to build the Tent of Meeting, Moses gave instructions for those serving in it and the items used. Included are:

• the priests' duties (27:20–21; 29:38–46),

• the priests' clothing (chapter 28),

• the ceremonies to set the priests apart for service (29:1–37),

• the tabernacle furnishings (30:1–10, 17–21), and

• the supplies used for worship (30:11–16, 22–38).

the Tent of Meeting: The expression Tent of Meeting sometimes refers to the tabernacle tent. In these cases, Tent of Meeting and tabernacle mean the same thing.

In addition, 33:7–11 also mentions a temporary tent called the Tent of Meeting. This tent was set up outside the camp before the tabernacle was built. See study note on 40:2.