Exodus 27: The Bronze Altar and the Courtyard

Key Verse: Exodus 27:1"You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits broad. The altar shall be square, and its height shall be three cubits."

Worship begins with sacrifice.

God gives Moses the design for the bronze altar, the place where sacrifices will be offered. This is the first thing an Israelite would see upon entering the Tabernacle courtyard. Before they could approach God, sin had to be dealt with.

The Bronze Altar

The altar was large—7.5 feet wide and 4.5 feet high. It was made of acacia wood, overlaid with bronze and had horns on each corner.

This is where priests would offer burnt offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings. The fire on the altar was never to go out, reminding Israel that they always needed atonement.

The Courtyard

Surrounding the Tabernacle was a courtyard enclosed by linen curtains.

• The entrance faced east, reminding Israel to turn away from darkness and toward God.

• The white linen represented purity, showing that God’s presence required holiness.

Everything about the Tabernacle pointed to the separation between a holy God and sinful people.

A Light That Never Goes Out

God also gives instructions for the lampstand’s oil. The people were to bring pure olive oil so the lampstand would burn continuously.

"You shall command the people of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten olive oil for the light, that a lamp may be regularly set up to burn." (Exodus 27:20)

This symbolized God’s presence among His people—His light never fading.

Jesus: The Fulfillment of the Altar and the Light

• The Altar: Jesus became the final sacrifice. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

• The Light: Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) He is the ever-burning lamp, guiding us to the Father.

A Lesson for Us

The altar and the lampstand remind us of two key truths:

1. Sin must be dealt with before we approach God. But in Christ, our sins are fully atoned for.

2. God’s presence is a constant light. We are called to walk in it, never turning back to darkness.

Are we living as people covered by Christ’s sacrifice? Are we keeping His light burning in our hearts?

The way to God is open. The sacrifice has been made. The light is still shining. Will we follow Him?