Exodus 27: The Altar of Burnt Offering and the Court of the Tabernacle

Exodus 27 outlines the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Tabernacle's Courtyard, symbolizing sacrifice, purification, and holiness.

Exodus 27 provides essential details about the structure of the Tabernacle, focusing on the altar of burnt offering and the outer courtyard. These instructions were crucial for the Israelites as they sought to honor God in their worship. The altar and courtyard were not just physical structures but significant symbols of God’s provision for atonement and His desire to be in relationship with His people. In the wilderness, where the Israelites faced numerous challenges, these structures provided a tangible space for them to come into God's presence, confess sin, and offer sacrifices for purification.

God’s detailed commands in Exodus 27 highlight His commitment to establishing a holy space where He could dwell with His people. The altar of burnt offering was central to the sacrificial system, serving as a reminder that sin brings separation from God and that atonement is necessary for restoration. Likewise, the courtyard, encircling the Tabernacle, was meant to provide a defined space where the Israelites could approach God with reverence and worship.

As we examine Exodus 27, we can reflect on the rich spiritual symbolism behind these structures. The altar and the court served as physical representations of spiritual truths about the need for sacrifice, purification, and the holiness of God. For modern Christians, these passages point to the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, who, through His death on the cross, made it possible for all believers to have direct access to God.

The Altar of Burnt Offering (Exodus 27:1-8)

One of the most significant features of the Tabernacle in Exodus 27 is the altar of burnt offering. This altar was made of acacia wood, overlaid with bronze, and it stood at the entrance of the Tabernacle's courtyard. The specific dimensions for the altar were given: five cubits in height, and its length and width were also outlined to ensure its placement and size were in alignment with God’s design. The use of acacia wood signifies durability, and the bronze covering represents the purity and strength of God’s holiness in contrast to human sin.

The altar's purpose was to offer sacrifices, particularly burnt offerings, which were an essential part of Israel's worship. These offerings symbolized the need for atonement and were a way for the people to deal with sin and draw near to God. As the fire consumed the offering, it symbolized God’s holiness, the purification of sin, and the need for complete surrender to Him. Burnt offerings were entirely consumed by fire, representing the full surrender of the offering and the total devotion of the worshipper.

The altar’s design was also practical. It had horns on its four corners, which were not only symbolic of power but were also used to tie the offering in place. This ensured the sacrifice remained on the altar until it was fully consumed. The placement of the altar at the entrance of the courtyard further emphasized that worship and sacrifice were necessary to approach God. It was only through the atonement provided by these offerings that the Israelites could enter God’s presence.

The Courtyard of the Tabernacle (Exodus 27:9-19)

Next, Exodus 27 provides detailed instructions for the courtyard surrounding the Tabernacle. The dimensions of the courtyard were 100 cubits long and 50 cubits wide, and it was enclosed by linen curtains supported by posts. The curtains were made of fine linen, symbolizing purity and the holiness of the space. The courtyard was a transitional space between the outside world and the inner sanctum of the Tabernacle. It was the area where the altar of burnt offering stood, and where the people would gather for worship and sacrifices.

The outer courtyard served a clear function: it separated the holy space of God’s presence from the rest of the camp. The Israelite community was required to maintain separation between the sacred and the secular, ensuring that only those who were ritually clean and in a state of repentance could approach the altar. This structure, as defined by the fine linen curtains, also reinforced the need for holiness when approaching God.

The entrance to the courtyard was through a gate made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, highlighting the sacredness of the space. The gate was the only official entrance to the Tabernacle, symbolizing that there is only one way to approach God. This parallels the teaching in the New Testament where Jesus, through His death and resurrection, declares Himself to be the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

Inside the courtyard, the altar was the focal point, but it was surrounded by other elements that contributed to the Israelite's understanding of God’s holiness. The courtyard also underscored the centrality of worship and sacrifice in the Israelites' relationship with God. It was a visible representation of the division between the world and the sacred, where God’s people were called to offer their worship and approach Him with reverence.

The Oil for the Lampstand (Exodus 27:20-21)

In the final verses of Exodus 27, God instructs the Israelites to bring pure olive oil for the lampstand in the Tabernacle. This oil was to be used for the lampstand that would burn continually in the Holy Place, lighting the space day and night. The perpetual light in the Tabernacle was significant for several reasons. It symbolized God’s continual presence with His people, providing light in the darkness. This lampstand was a reminder of the guidance that God offers to those who seek Him and walk in His ways.

The oil used for the lampstand had to be pure, which signifies the purity of worship and devotion that is required when approaching God. In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself as the "Light of the world" (John 8:12), and this lampstand in the Tabernacle points to the spiritual illumination that Christ provides to those who follow Him. Just as the light in the Tabernacle would never go out, the light of Christ continues to shine in the lives of believers, guiding them in their walk with God.

This emphasis on the oil and the lampstand in Exodus 27 reflects the importance of keeping God’s presence continually before His people. It also serves as a call to believers to remain faithful and to continually seek God’s guidance in their lives.

The Symbolism of the Altar and Courtyard

The altar of burnt offering and the surrounding courtyard in Exodus 27 carry rich spiritual symbolism that connects to the broader biblical narrative. The altar serves as a clear symbol of sacrifice and atonement, essential for restoring a broken relationship between God and humanity. The altar’s design, with its horns and placement at the entrance, emphasizes that sacrifice is the only means by which a person can approach God and experience His presence.

The courtyard, with its fine linen walls and sacred gate, represents the separation between the holiness of God and the world. The Israelites were reminded daily of their need to be holy to approach God and the importance of following the prescribed sacrifices. This separation is also a key theme in the New Testament, where Christ is presented as the ultimate mediator between humanity and God. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, the barriers of sin and separation are broken down, and believers can freely enter God's presence.

The oil for the lampstand is another important symbol. The light that shines continually within the Tabernacle represents God's guidance and presence, reminding us that God's Word and His Spirit illuminate our lives and lead us in righteousness.

Lessons for Today - A Call to Holiness and Sacrifice

The lessons from Exodus 27 remain relevant for Christians today. The altar and courtyard remind us of the need for sacrifice and atonement in our lives. While the sacrificial system described in the Old Testament has been fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, the principle of atoning for sin and offering our lives as sacrifices to God remains. Romans 12:1 calls believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, a spiritual act of worship.

The separation of the sacred from the secular in the courtyard serves as a reminder for Christians to maintain purity and holiness in their lives. We are called to be distinct from the world, setting aside space and time for worship and devotion to God. Just as the Israelites approached the altar with reverence, we are called to approach God with the same reverence, knowing that we enter His presence through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Lastly, the lampstand and the continual light in the Tabernacle point to the guiding presence of God in our lives. Christians today are called to walk in the light of Christ, allowing His Word and His Spirit to guide and direct our steps.

Conclusion

Exodus 27 provides vital insights into the structure and function of the Tabernacle, focusing on the altar of burnt offering, the courtyard, and the oil for the lampstand. These elements were not only crucial for the Israelites’ worship but also carry significant spiritual symbolism that points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As believers today, we are called to approach God with reverence, offer our lives in sacrifice, and live in the light of Christ. The truths embedded in this chapter continue to challenge and inspire Christians to live lives of holiness and devotion to the One who made a way for us to approach Him.

FAQs about Exodus 27: The Altar of Burnt Offering and the Court of the Tabernacle 

1. What is the significance of the Altar of Burnt Offering in Exodus 27?

The Altar of Burnt Offering was a central feature of the Tabernacle, designed as the place where Israelites would offer sacrifices to atone for their sins. The altar was made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze, reflecting durability and the purity of God's holiness. The burnt offering, which was completely consumed by fire, symbolized the total surrender of the worshiper and the necessity of sacrifice to maintain a relationship with God. This altar not only demonstrated God’s provision for atonement but also served as a reminder that sin brings separation from God, and that reconciliation is only possible through sacrifice. In the New Testament, this altar foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose death on the cross provided eternal atonement for humanity's sins, eliminating the need for the repeated animal sacrifices seen in the Old Testament.

2. How does the design of the Tabernacle's Courtyard in Exodus 27 symbolize separation between the holy and the secular?

The Tabernacle’s Courtyard, as described in Exodus 27, was a space meant to separate the holy and sacred elements of God's dwelling from the everyday life of the Israelites. The courtyard was enclosed by fine linen curtains, emphasizing purity, while the only entrance was a gate made from blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, which symbolized the holiness of entering God's presence. This deliberate separation between the inner sanctum of the Tabernacle and the surrounding world reinforced the idea that approaching God required a specific process of purification and atonement. The courtyard’s boundaries signified that God's holiness must be respected and cannot be casually approached, reminding the Israelites that there is only one path to God. This concept of separation continues in the New Testament where Christians are called to live as distinct, holy people, set apart from worldly ways, reflecting God's character in their lives.

3. Why was the continuous light in the Tabernacle, provided by the lampstand in Exodus 27, so significant?

The lampstand in the Tabernacle, fueled by pure olive oil, was a crucial part of the Tabernacle’s interior, ensuring a continuous light in the Holy Place. This perpetual light was not only a practical feature but also carried profound spiritual symbolism. In Exodus 27:20-21, God commands the Israelites to provide pure olive oil for the lamp, which would burn day and night, signifying that God's presence and guidance are constant and unchanging. The light also represented the illumination of God's Word and His spiritual guidance, a theme that is carried into the New Testament where Jesus declares Himself to be the "Light of the World" (John 8:12). The lampstand's continual light reminds us of God’s ongoing presence, offering believers clarity and direction in their spiritual walk, and calling them to remain faithful to His Word.

4. How does the oil for the lampstand in Exodus 27 connect to spiritual purity and devotion?

The oil used for the lampstand in Exodus 27 is more than just a physical resource; it has deep spiritual significance. The requirement that the oil be pure signifies the need for purity and holiness in approaching God. The oil was used to keep the lamp burning continuously, symbolizing the need for ongoing devotion to God. In spiritual terms, the oil represents the Holy Spirit, whose presence in the believer's life is essential for maintaining the light of God’s truth and righteousness. The instruction to provide pure olive oil also points to the purity of worship required when approaching God. For modern Christians, this highlights the necessity of keeping their lives pure and devoted to God, allowing His Spirit to illuminate their path and guide them in truth.

5. What lessons from Exodus 27 can be applied to modern Christian worship and devotion?

Exodus 27 teaches several key lessons for modern Christian worship. First, the Tabernacle’s altar, where sacrifices were made, emphasizes the importance of atonement and reconciliation with God through sacrifice. For Christians, this is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who made the ultimate sacrifice for sin, and His death allows us to approach God directly. The Tabernacle's Courtyard, with its boundaries, teaches us the importance of holiness and separation from the secular world. Christians are called to live distinct, holy lives, set apart for God's purposes. The perpetual light from the lampstand reminds us that God's presence is constant and guiding, and we are to remain committed to His Word and truth. Finally, the purity of the oil for the lampstand calls Christians to maintain purity and devotion in their relationship with God. Worship today, much like in the time of the Tabernacle, should be a sincere, ongoing act of devotion, recognizing the need for God’s guidance, holiness, and atonement.