Exodus 27:8 – “Make the altar hollow, out of boards. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain.”
Extended Explanation
In Exodus 27:8, God gives Moses specific instructions on how to construct the altar. The altar was to be made hollow, constructed from boards, rather than being a solid structure. This hollow design was practical, making the altar easier to carry, given the Israelites’ nomadic lifestyle. The phrase “just as you were shown on the mountain” underscores the importance of following God’s exact instructions. God had shown Moses a pattern or model of the altar while he was on Mount Sinai, indicating that every detail in its construction was significant and should be adhered to precisely.
The hollow nature of the altar didn’t diminish its importance or sanctity. Instead, it highlights the practicality and divine wisdom in its design. The construction from boards also allowed for it to be overlaid with bronze, as mentioned earlier, ensuring it was both durable and fit for the purpose of continuous sacrifices.
Historical Context
This verse is part of the broader instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings during the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness. The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary, and everything associated with it, including the altar, had to be designed for mobility. The hollow design of the altar made it lightweight and easier to transport, which was crucial for a people who were constantly on the move.
The instruction to follow the pattern shown on the mountain refers to the encounter Moses had with God on Mount Sinai, where he received detailed blueprints for the Tabernacle. This wasn’t just a matter of functional construction; it was about obeying God’s specific and holy design for worship.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands. The instruction to build the altar exactly as shown reflects the broader biblical principle that God’s people are called to follow His guidance precisely, without alteration. The hollow design of the altar can also be seen as a metaphor for the idea that what is most important in worship is not the external structure but the obedience and reverence of the heart.
This verse also points to the fact that God’s instructions, while detailed and specific, are also practical and considerate of the needs of His people. God knew the Israelites’ journey would require them to move often, and the design of the altar reflects His understanding and provision for their situation.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 27:8 is part of the narrative that details the construction of the Tabernacle, a key element in the book of Exodus. The verse is direct and instructional, emphasizing the importance of following divine commands to the letter. The phrase “just as you were shown on the mountain” serves as a reminder of the divine authority behind these instructions and the sacredness of the Tabernacle’s design.
The mention of the altar being hollow out of boards, rather than a solid block, highlights the practicality of the design, while still maintaining the sacredness and functionality of the structure. The literary structure of this verse, like many in this section of Exodus, focuses on the detailed nature of God’s instructions and the importance of obedience.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 25:9 – Refers to the instructions God gave Moses to make the Tabernacle and all its furnishings according to the pattern shown on the mountain.
- Hebrews 8:5 – Mentions that the priests serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven, emphasizing the significance of following the pattern God provided.
- 1 Chronicles 28:19 – David says that all the plans for the Temple were given to him by the Lord, underscoring the importance of divine design in sacred structures.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 27:8 serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience in our walk with God. Just as the Israelites were instructed to build the altar exactly as God had shown Moses, we are called to follow God’s guidance in our lives, trusting that His instructions are both holy and practical. This verse challenges us to consider whether we are faithfully following God’s directions or if we sometimes alter His plans to fit our preferences.
The hollow nature of the altar also reminds us that what matters most in our relationship with God is not the outward appearance but the condition of our hearts. It encourages us to focus on the substance of our faith—our obedience, our reverence, and our love for God—rather than merely external rituals.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 27:8 reflects God’s love in the way He provides detailed instructions that are both holy and considerate of His people’s needs. The design of the altar was not only functional but also a way to ensure that the Israelites could worship Him properly, even in the midst of their challenging journey. God’s care in giving these instructions shows His desire for His people to worship Him in a way that is both meaningful and practical, demonstrating His understanding of their circumstances and His provision for their needs.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The altar described in Exodus 27:8, like much of the Tabernacle’s design, points forward to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system. Just as the altar was hollow and yet central to the Israelites’ worship, Jesus, who humbled Himself and took on human form, became the central means by which we approach God. Philippians 2:7 speaks of Jesus emptying Himself, taking the form of a servant, much like the altar was made hollow to fulfill its purpose.
Furthermore, just as the Israelites were to follow the exact pattern shown to Moses, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the pattern and purpose set by God, providing the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Hebrews 10:1 tells us that the law, with its sacrifices, was a shadow of the good things to come, and those good things are found in Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of obedience to God’s instructions in your life?
- In what ways can you ensure that your faith focuses more on the substance—obedience and reverence—than on external appearances?
- How does the practicality of the altar’s design deepen your appreciation for God’s provision in your own life?
- What can you learn from the idea that Jesus, like the altar, was central to worship and yet took on a humble form to fulfill God’s purpose?