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Commentary on Exodus 27 verses 1–8
As God intended in the tabernacle to manifest his presence among his people, so there they were to pay their devotions to him, not in the tabernacle itself (into that only the priests entered as God's domestic servants), but in the court before the tabernacle, where, as common subjects, they attended. There an altar was ordered to be set up, to which they must bring their sacrifices, and on which their priests must offer them to God: and this altar was to sanctify their gifts. Here they were to present their services to God, as from the mercy-seat he gave his oracles to them; and thus a communion was settled between God and Israel. Moses is here directed about, 1. The dimensions of it; it was square, Exo 27:1. 2. The horns of it (Exo 27:2), which were for ornament and for use; the sacrifices were bound with cords to the horns of the altar, and to them malefactors fled for refuge. 3. The materials; it was of wood overlaid with brass, Exo 27:1, Exo 27:2. 4. The appurtenances of it (Exo 27:3), which were all of brass. 5. The grate, which was let into the hollow of the altar, about the middle of it, in which the fire was kept, and the sacrifice burnt; it was made of network like a sieve, and hung hollow, that the fire might burn the better, and that the ashes might fall through into the hollow of the altar, Exo 27:4, Exo 27:5. 6. The staves with which it must be carried, Exo 27:6, Exo 27:7. And, lastly, he is referred to the pattern shown him, Exo 27:8.
Now this brazen altar was a type of Christ dying to make atonement for our sins: the wood would have been consumed by the fire from heaven if it had not been secured by the brass; nor could the human nature of Christ have borne the wrath of God if it had not been supported by a divine power. Christ sanctified himself for his church, as their altar (Joh 17:19), and by his mediation sanctifies the daily services of his people, who have also a right to eat of this altar (Heb 13:10), for they serve at it as spiritual priests. To the horns of this altar poor sinners fly for refuge when justice pursues them, and they are safe in virtue of the sacrifice there offered.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 27:6 provides precise divine instructions for the construction of the Altar of Burnt Offering, specifically detailing the creation of its staves from durable shittim wood overlaid with brass (bronze). This seemingly technical detail is profoundly significant, ensuring the altar's portability as a central element of the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's accessible presence among His pilgrim people, and pointing to the nature of divine judgment, the necessity of atonement, and the means by which a holy God makes Himself approachable to a sinful humanity.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Exodus 27 is situated within a comprehensive section of Exodus (chapters 25-31) that meticulously outlines God's detailed blueprints for the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary designed for His dwelling among the Israelites. Specifically, verses 1-8 focus on the design and materials for the Altar of Burnt Offering, often referred to as the brazen altar, which was strategically placed in the outer court of the Tabernacle. This altar served as the primary site for animal sacrifices, indispensable for atonement, purification, and facilitating communion with God. The command for staves in Exodus 27:6, mirroring similar instructions for other Tabernacle furnishings such as the Ark of the Covenant and the Table of Showbread, underscores the entire complex's fundamental nature as a movable structure, meticulously engineered to accompany Israel throughout their wilderness journeys.
Historical & Cultural Context: The divine instructions for the Tabernacle were imparted to the Israelites while they were encamped at Mount Sinai, a pivotal moment as they prepared for their arduous, nomadic journey through the wilderness en route to the Promised Land. In stark contrast to the fixed temples prevalent in other ancient Near Eastern cultures, the Tabernacle was uniquely designed for mobility, reflecting the dynamic and intimate relationship God desired with a people on the move. The selection of "shittim wood" (acacia) was not arbitrary; this exceptionally durable, decay-resistant hardwood was abundant in the Sinai region, making it an ideal and practical material for sacred items that would endure harsh environmental conditions and frequent transport. The overlay of "brass" (more accurately, bronze, an alloy of copper and tin) was equally significant. Bronze was a common and valuable metal in the ancient world, frequently associated with strength, divine judgment, and purification, particularly through fire. The Altar of Burnt Offering, where sacrifices were consumed by fire as an act of judgment against sin and purification, perfectly embodied this symbolism, distinguishing it from the gold-overlaid items in the Holy Place, which signified divine glory and presence.
Key Themes: Exodus 27:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. The most prominent theme is God's desire for accessible presence among His people, as evidenced by the Tabernacle's portability. The very design of the altar, with its staves, means that the means of atonement and worship were not static but accompanied Israel, symbolizing God's commitment to dwelling with them wherever they went, a concept echoed in the divine promise of Exodus 29:45. Another crucial theme is the holiness of God and the necessity of atonement. The materials, especially the bronze, emphasize God's fiery holiness and the severity of sin, which demands a perfect sacrifice for reconciliation. This theme is central to the sacrificial system detailed in Leviticus 1, Leviticus 2, Leviticus 3, Leviticus 4, Leviticus 5, Leviticus 6, Leviticus 7. Finally, the meticulous divine instructions highlight the theme of divine order and obedience. Every detail, from the wood to the metal, was divinely ordained, underscoring the importance of precise obedience in worship and service to God, a principle reiterated throughout the giving of the Law in Exodus 25, Exodus 26, Exodus 27, Exodus 28, Exodus 29, Exodus 30, Exodus 31.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 27:6, while appearing as a technical instruction, is profoundly rich in Symbolism. The very existence of the staves symbolizes God's desire for His presence and the means of atonement to be accessible and portable, accompanying His people wherever they go, rather than being confined to a static location. The shittim wood serves as a potent symbol of humanity or the earthly realm, representing the natural material that God uses and transforms for sacred purposes. The brass (bronze) overlay powerfully symbolizes divine judgment, the fiery wrath against sin, and the purification that results from atonement. The altar itself, with its specified materials and design, functions as a Type, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous attention to detail and specific materials throughout the Tabernacle instructions also employs Precision and Repetition to reinforce their theological significance and the divine order required in worship.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 27:6, in its meticulous detail, reveals profound theological truths about God's nature and His relationship with humanity. The portability of the Altar of Burnt Offering, facilitated by its staves, underscores God's desire to dwell with and accompany His people through all circumstances, signifying that access to Him and His provision for sin are not geographically bound. This speaks to God's immanence and His commitment to His covenant people. The choice of materials—shittim wood overlaid with bronze—is deeply symbolic of the atonement process: the earthly, human element (wood) must encounter and be covered by divine judgment (bronze) for sin to be dealt with. This prefigures the ultimate divine solution to the problem of human sin, highlighting that God's holiness demands a response to unrighteousness, yet He graciously provides the means for reconciliation and restoration.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions for the Altar of Burnt Offering's staves in Exodus 27:6 offer a powerful invitation to reflect on the nature of God's presence and the means of our salvation. Just as the altar was designed for portability, reminding Israel that God was with them on their journey, so too does God's grace and presence accompany us today, no longer confined to a physical structure but accessible through faith in Christ. This verse reminds us that true worship is not bound by location but by a heart submitted to God, acknowledging His omnipresence and loving pursuit of His people. It also starkly portrays the cost of sin, symbolized by the bronze judgment, and the divine provision for atonement. We are called to remember that our access to God comes through a sacrificial act, prompting us to live lives of gratitude and holiness, continually seeking purification and reconciliation. The durability of the shittim wood reminds us of the steadfastness required in our faith and the enduring nature of God's plan, while the bronze overlay points to the necessity of confronting sin and seeking purification through the divinely appointed means.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were staves needed for the Altar of Burnt Offering?
Answer: The staves were essential because the Altar of Burnt Offering, like other key elements of the Tabernacle, was designed to be portable. The Israelites were a nomadic people journeying through the wilderness, and the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's dwelling among them, had to be movable. The staves allowed the Levites to carry the altar, ensuring that the central place of sacrifice and atonement could accompany the people wherever they went, signifying God's ever-present accessibility. This is consistent with the instructions for carrying other sacred items, such as the Ark of the Covenant and the Table of Showbread.
What is "shittim wood" and why was it chosen for the staves?
Answer: "Shittim wood" is acacia wood, a tree native to the desert regions of the Sinai Peninsula. It was chosen for its exceptional properties: it is remarkably durable, hard, and resistant to decay and insects, making it ideal for the construction of sacred objects that needed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and frequent transport. Symbolically, as a natural, earthly material, shittim wood often represents humanity or the physical creation, serving as the foundation upon which divine glory and purpose are manifested through the overlaying metals. Its use for the Ark of the Covenant and other significant Tabernacle furnishings highlights its importance and suitability for God's sacred purposes.
What is the significance of the "brass" overlay on the staves?
Answer: The term "brass" in the King James Version typically refers to bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) in ancient contexts. In the Tabernacle's symbolism, bronze is consistently associated with divine judgment, fire, and purification. It was the metal used for all the implements in the outer court, where sin was confronted and dealt with through sacrifice. The bronze overlay on the Altar of Burnt Offering, and by extension its staves, indicated that this was the place where sin met divine justice, and where the penalty for sin was paid through substitutionary sacrifice. It visually communicated the severity of sin and the fiery holiness of God, alongside His gracious provision for atonement. This contrasts with the gold used for items in the Holy Place, which signified divine glory and presence, demonstrating a clear symbolic distinction between the areas of judgment and glory.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 27:6, with its detailed description of the Altar of Burnt Offering's staves made of shittim wood overlaid with brass, profoundly foreshadows the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The shittim wood, representing humanity, points to Christ's full humanity, His incarnation as the Son of Man, who perfectly identified with humanity yet was without sin. The brass (bronze) overlay, symbolizing divine judgment and the fiery wrath against sin, points to Christ's divine nature and His ultimate role as the one who bore the full weight of God's judgment for humanity's sins on the cross. He became the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, thereby fulfilling the purpose of all the sacrifices offered on the brazen altar. Just as the altar's staves made it portable, signifying God's presence accompanying His people, Christ's "once for all" sacrifice (as highlighted in Hebrews 10:10) makes God's forgiveness and presence universally accessible. Through His completed work, the means of atonement are no longer confined to a physical structure or location, but are available to all who believe, wherever they are, fulfilling the ultimate portability of salvation. His work ensures that God's grace is not static but dynamically present with His people, a profound truth celebrated throughout the New Testament, as seen in passages like Hebrews 9:11-14.