Bible Commentaries
Exodus 27

Verses 1-8

The Altar of Burnt Offering Exodus 27:1-8 gives a description of the building of the altar of burnt offering.

Exodus 27:2 Word Study on “horns” - Strong says the Hebrew word “horns” ( קֶרֶן ) (H7161) means, “a horn, as projecting.” Holladay says it means, “a horn as a protrusion at corners.” Note:

Psalms 118:27, “God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.”

Exodus 27:4 Word Study on “grate” - Strong says the Hebrew word “grate” ( מַכבֵּר ) (H4345) means, “a grate.” Holladay says it means, “something twisted or interlaced.” Webster says a grate is “a frame of metal bars for holding fuel in a fireplace, stove, or furnace.”

Exodus 27:4 Word Study on “network” - Strong says the Hebrew word “network” ( רֶשׁת ) (H7568) means, “a net (as catching animals), network.” Holladay says it means, “a net (as catching animals), network.”

Exodus 27:4 Word Study on “net” - Hebrew ( רֶשׁת ) (H7568).

Exodus 27:5 Word Study on “compass” - Strong says the Hebrew word “compass” ( כַּרְכּׁב ) or ( בכרכ ) (H3749) means, “a rim or top margin compass.” Holladay says it means, “edge or rim (of altar).” The RSV and NIV read, “a ledge.”

Verses 1-21

Instructions Concerning the Building of the Tabernacle - In Exodus 25:1 to Exodus 31:18 the Lord gives Moses instructions concerning the building of the Tabernacle and its articles, as well as the priestly garments. According to Hebrews 8:5, the Lord showed to Moses this pattern visually, probably while he was on the Mount, for God told Moses to make everything according to the pattern that He showed Moses on the mount. The Lord revealed it to him audibly as recorded in this section of the book of Exodus.

Hebrews 8:5, “Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount .’

It is important to note that God gave Moses general instructions on the building of this Tabernacle and of the making of the priestly garments. But God left it up to the creativity of the craftsmen, being inspired under their anointing, to design the details of each item they made. In the same way, God will give us instructions for our lives, but He often allows us to make the decisions about many of the details as we are inspired by the Holy Spirit each day.

Here is a proposed outline of Exodus 25:1 to Exodus 31:18:

The Offerings for the Sanctuary Exodus 25:1-9 The Furniture of the Tabernacle Exodus 25:10-40 The Ark of the Covenant, Mercy Seat & Cherubim Exodus 25:10-22 The Table of Shewbread & its Accessories Exodus 25:23-30 The Candlestick Exodus 25:31-39 Concluding Statement Exodus 25:40 The Building to House the Articles of the Tabernacle Exodus 26:1-37 The Altar of Burnt Offering Exodus 27:1-8 The Court of the Tabernacle Exodus 27:9-19 The Care of the Lampstand Exodus 27:20-21 The Garments for the Priesthood Exodus 28:1-43 Introduction Exodus 28:1-4 The Ephod Exodus 28:5-14 The Breastplate of Judgment Exodus 28:15-30 The Robe, Mitre, Girdle & Linen Breeches Exodus 28:31-42 Concluding Statement Exodus 28:43 The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons Exodus 29:1-35 The Consecration & Service of the Burnt Altar Exodus 29:36-46 The Altar of Incense Exodus 30:1-10 The Ransom Money Exodus 30:11-16 The Bronze Laver Exodus 30:17-21 The Holy Anointing Oil Exodus 30:22-33 The Incense Exodus 30:34-38 The Appointment of Craftsmen Exodus 31:1-11

Verses 9-19

The Court of the Tabernacle Exodus 27:9-19 gives a description of the construction of the court of the Tabernacle.

Exodus 27:10 Word Study on “fillets” - Strong says the Hebrew word “fillets” ( חָשֻׁק ) or ( חָשׁוּק ) (H2838) means, “a rod or fenced rail connecting posts or pillars.” Holladay says it means, “bands on the pillars of the Tabernacle.” The NIV reads, “bands.” The RSV reads, “fillets.”

Webster says the word “fillet” means, “a. A flat square moulding separating other mouldings. b. A narrow band between two flutings (grooves in a column).” Webster says the word “band” (in architecture) means, “a thin layer of moulding.”

Exodus 27:17 Word Study on “filleted” - Holladay says the Hebrew word “filleted” ( חָשַׁק) (H2836) means, “to bind.”

Verses 20-21

The Care of the Lampstand Exodus 27:20-21 gives instructions on the care of the lampstand.