Exodus 27:5

And thou shalt put it under the compass of the altar beneath, that the net may be even to the midst of the altar.

And thou shalt put {H5414} it under the compass {H3749} of the altar {H4196} beneath {H4295}, that the net {H7568} may be even to {H5704} the midst {H2677} of the altar {H4196}.

Put it under the rim of the altar, so that the netting reaches halfway up the altar.

Set the grate beneath the ledge of the altar, so that the mesh comes halfway up the altar.

And thou shalt put it under the ledge round the altar beneath, that the net may reach halfway up the altar.

Commentary

Exodus 27:5 provides a specific detail regarding the construction of the Altar of Burnt Offering, a central piece of furniture in the Tabernacle courtyard. This verse specifies the placement of the bronze grating within the altar, highlighting God's meticulous instructions for its design.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Exodus (chapters 25-31) where God gives Moses detailed blueprints for building the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the garments for the priests. The Altar of Burnt Offering, described beginning in Exodus 27:1, was situated in the outer court of the Tabernacle and served as the primary place for animal sacrifices for the atonement of sins. Every detail, down to the internal structure mentioned in this verse, was divinely ordained, emphasizing the sacredness and purpose of this worship space.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Instruction: The meticulous nature of God's commands for the Tabernacle's construction, including minute details like the placement of the grating, underscores His desire for order and holiness in worship. This reflects God's complete knowledge and sovereignty over all things.
  • Purpose of the Altar: The "net" or grating was where the sacrificial offerings would rest, facilitating the burning process. This highlights the altar's crucial role in the Israelite sacrificial system, which pointed to the need for atonement for sin.
  • Holiness in Worship: The exact specifications for every part of the Tabernacle ensured that worship was conducted according to God's standards, not human preference. This emphasis on divine design reinforced the sanctity of God's presence among His people.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "compass" (Hebrew: karkov) refers to a surrounding ledge or rim, likely a frame within the altar.
  • The "net" (Hebrew: mikhbar) is a bronze grating, described in Exodus 27:4 as being made of bronze and having rings. This grating was essential for holding the sacrifices and allowing ashes to fall through.
  • "Midst" (Hebrew: chatsi) means "half," indicating that the grating was to be placed halfway up the interior height of the altar. This precise placement ensured proper ventilation and burning of the offerings.

Practical Application and Significance

Exodus 27:5, though a technical detail, reminds us of several enduring truths:

  • God's Attention to Detail: If God cared so much about the precise construction of a physical altar, how much more does He care about the details of our lives and our worship? This encourages us to approach God with intentionality and reverence.
  • Obedience in Worship: The Israelites were commanded to follow these instructions exactly. This sets a precedent for obedience to God's revealed will in all matters, especially those pertaining to worship and spiritual life.
  • Foreshadowing Christ: The Altar of Burnt Offering, where sacrifices were made, ultimately foreshadowed Jesus Christ, the ultimate and perfect sacrifice. Just as the altar was precisely prepared for its purpose, so too was Christ prepared to fulfill God's plan of redemption. His sacrifice on the cross was the perfect fulfillment of all the Old Testament sacrifices, making a way for direct access to God.

This verse, often overlooked, speaks to the profound order and purpose behind God's plan, from the physical Tabernacle to the spiritual reality of salvation.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 38:4

    And he made for the altar a brasen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath unto the midst of it.
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