Exodus 27:1 – “Build an altar of acacia wood, three cubits high; it is to be square, five cubits long and five cubits wide.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 27:1 is part of God’s detailed instructions to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. In this verse, God commands the building of an altar, specifying that it should be made of acacia wood, with dimensions of five cubits in both length and width and three cubits in height. The altar was to be square, which was significant as it symbolized stability and completeness. This altar, often referred to as the “Altar of Burnt Offering,” played a crucial role in the sacrificial system of Israel, where offerings were made to atone for the sins of the people and to maintain a relationship with God.
Historical Context
The instruction to build this altar comes during a time when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, was to be the focal point of Israel’s worship and a constant reminder of God’s presence among His people. The altar mentioned in this verse was essential for the sacrificial system that God established to deal with sin. Sacrifices on this altar were meant to bring reconciliation between God and the Israelites, symbolizing the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement.
The choice of acacia wood is significant as it was a durable material available in the wilderness, symbolizing God’s provision even in desolate places. The specific measurements given by God ensured that everything was done according to His divine plan, reflecting the importance of obedience in worship.
Theological Implications
Theologically, the altar represents the concept of sacrifice as the means of atonement. The Old Testament sacrificial system pointed to the severity of sin and the necessity of a substitute to bear the punishment that sin incurs. This verse, and the altar it describes, foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would be the perfect and final atonement for sin.
The altar’s central place in Israel’s worship underscores the idea that reconciliation with God requires sacrifice. This reinforces the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin, showing that access to God is not casual but must be approached with reverence and obedience to His commands.
Literary Analysis
From a literary perspective, Exodus 27:1 is part of the broader narrative that details the construction of the Tabernacle. The precise instructions and repeated use of specific measurements highlight the order and intentionality behind God’s instructions. The verse uses straightforward language to convey the importance of following God’s design exactly, which emphasizes the need for Israel to worship God according to His terms, not theirs.
The structure of the passage also mirrors the larger pattern of covenantal relationships in the Bible, where God provides specific instructions, and the people are expected to respond with obedience. The altar’s dimensions being square could also symbolize balance and equality in God’s justice, where every side is treated equally in the sacrificial system.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 1:3-4 – Describes the process of offering a burnt sacrifice on the altar, where the offerer lays his hand on the head of the animal, symbolizing the transfer of sin.
- Hebrews 9:22 – States that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness, connecting the sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.
- Isaiah 53:5 – Prophecies about the suffering servant, Jesus, who would be pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities, fulfilling the sacrificial system represented by the altar.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 27:1 serves as a reminder of the gravity of sin and the cost of atonement. While we no longer offer sacrifices on an altar, the principle remains that sin separates us from God and requires a sacrifice for reconciliation. This points us to Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the need for an altar and ended the sacrificial system.
This verse also calls Christians to approach God with reverence, understanding that worship is not something to be taken lightly but approached with a heart of obedience and respect for God’s holiness. It encourages us to recognize the provision of God in our lives, just as He provided the materials and instructions for the Israelites to build the altar.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 27:1, while dealing with the specifics of an altar, reveals God’s love in providing a way for His people to atone for their sins and maintain a relationship with Him. God’s instructions were not arbitrary; they were given out of His desire to dwell among His people and to provide a means for them to experience His presence. The altar, as a place of sacrifice, reflects God’s willingness to meet humanity where they are, providing a way for reconciliation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The altar in Exodus 27:1 directly connects to Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of the sacrificial system. Jesus is the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Just as the altar was central to the worship and reconciliation of the Israelites, the cross of Christ is central to the faith of Christians. The sacrifices made on the altar foreshadowed the one sacrifice that would be sufficient for all time, as mentioned in Hebrews 10:10 – “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does understanding the purpose of the altar in the Old Testament help us appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?
- In what ways can we approach God with the same reverence and obedience as the Israelites were instructed to do with the construction of the altar?
- How does the concept of sacrifice challenge our understanding of sin and reconciliation in our lives today?
- What does this verse teach us about God’s provision and care, even in the midst of difficult circumstances?