Exodus 27:8

KJV

Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

Hollow {H5014} with boards {H3871} shalt thou make {H6213} it: as it was shewed {H7200} thee in the mount {H2022}, so shall they make {H6213} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

The altar is to be made of planks and hollow inside. They are to make it just as you were shown on the mountain.

Berean Standard Bible

Construct the altar with boards so that it is hollow. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain.

American Standard Version

Hollow with planks shalt thou make it: as it hath been showed thee in the mount, so shall they make it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 27:8 delivers precise divine instructions for the construction of the altar of burnt offering, specifying its unique design as a hollow structure crafted from boards. This particular design was critical for its portability and functional adaptability within the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary central to Israel's worship during their wilderness journey. The verse powerfully underscores that every minute detail of the Tabernacle's construction, including this foundational altar, was not a human innovation but a meticulously revealed blueprint from God on Mount Sinai, demanding unwavering adherence to His sacred pattern for true worship and atonement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 27:8 concludes the highly detailed instructions for the altar of burnt offering, which commenced in [Exodus 27:1](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - Dimensions and Materials of the Altar"). The preceding verses meticulously outline its dimensions (five cubits long and wide, three cubits high), its primary construction materials (acacia wood overlaid with bronze), and the specific implements required for its operation (pans, shovels, basins, fleshhooks, and firepans). This altar was strategically positioned in the outer court of the Tabernacle, directly before the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, making it the initial point of sacrificial interaction and atonement for anyone approaching God. The comprehensive instructions for all components of the Tabernacle, ranging from the sacred Ark of the Covenant to the intricate priestly garments, are systematically presented from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Divine Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Appointment of Skilled Craftsmen"), collectively emphasizing the divine blueprint for Israel's worship and the profound reality of God's desire to dwell among His chosen people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The divine directives for the Tabernacle were imparted to Moses on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel Encamps at Mount Sinai"), immediately following the momentous giving of the Ten Commandments and the formal ratification of the covenant. At this juncture, the Israelites were a newly liberated people, having recently escaped Egyptian bondage, and were embarking on a nomadic journey through the wilderness. Consequently, the design of the Tabernacle and all its furnishings, including the altar, had to be inherently suited to their migratory existence. The concept of a portable sanctuary was distinctly unique among ancient Near Eastern cultures, where temples were invariably fixed, monumental structures. The "hollow with boards" design of the altar, coupled with its integrated rings and poles for carrying (as detailed in [Exodus 27:7](/exodus/27-7 "Exodus 27:7 - Poles for Transporting the Altar")), directly addressed this crucial need for mobility. Furthermore, the emphasis on the precise, divinely revealed nature of these details starkly contrasted with the polytheistic and idolatrous practices prevalent among surrounding nations, powerfully asserting Yahweh's absolute sovereignty and His singular, revealed pathway for worship.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 27:8 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation and Authority**, underscoring that true worship is not a human invention but a response to God's specific, revealed will. The repeated phrase "as it was shewed thee in the mount" emphasizes God's meticulous oversight and absolute authority over the means by which humanity approaches Him. Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Atonement**, as the altar is the central locus for sacrifices that atone for sin, enabling a holy God to dwell among an unholy people. The careful construction ensures the sanctity of this sacred space. Thirdly, it speaks to **God's Presence and Portability**, demonstrating God's willingness to accompany His people in their journey, not confined to a fixed temple but dwelling in a mobile sanctuary. This anticipates God's desire for an intimate, accessible relationship. Finally, the meticulous design and the command for precise execution contribute to the theme of **Obedience**, stressing that faithfulness to God's instructions is paramount for the covenant community. The entire narrative from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - The Tabernacle Blueprint") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Divine Artisans") is replete with commands for exact adherence to the divine pattern.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hollow (Hebrew, _nâbab'_):** From H5014, this word literally means "to pierce" or "to be hollow." In this context, it specifies that the altar was not to be a solid block of wood or earth, but rather a framed structure. This design was crucial for its portability, allowing it to be easily transported and then, at each encampment, filled with earth or stones to create a stable, solid base for the sacrificial fire. This structural detail underscores both the practical needs of a nomadic people and the symbolic nature of the altar as a temporary, divinely ordained meeting place.
* **Boards (Hebrew, _lûwach'_):** From H3871, this term refers to planks, tablets, or boards. In the context of the altar's construction, it indicates that the structure was formed by assembling these planks, likely creating a box-like frame. This reinforces the "hollow" nature and emphasizes a constructed, rather than monolithic, object. The use of boards, specifically acacia wood (as mentioned in [Exodus 27:1](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - Altar Materials and Dimensions")), signifies the durable yet transportable nature of the Tabernacle's components, designed to withstand the rigors of wilderness travel.
* **Shewed (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, meaning "to see, literally or figuratively," this word here signifies a direct, visual revelation or presentation. It emphasizes that Moses was not merely given verbal instructions but was shown a divine pattern or blueprint for the Tabernacle and its furnishings. This highlights the divine origin and authoritative nature of the design, ensuring that the earthly sanctuary was a precise copy of a heavenly reality, thereby validating its sacredness and efficacy for worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hollow with boards shalt thou make it":** This foundational clause provides the essential structural directive for the altar of burnt offering. It explicitly mandates that the altar, despite its substantial dimensions (five cubits square), was not to be a solid mass but rather a framed, hollow structure. This design was paramount for its portability during the Israelites' extensive wilderness wanderings, enabling it to be easily transported and then, at each new campsite, filled with readily available earth or stones to create a stable and fire-resistant base for the sacrificial fires. The specific mention of "boards" (planks of acacia wood, as detailed in [Exodus 27:1](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - Altar Construction Details")) further clarifies this framed construction, distinctly contrasting it with a solid block or mound.
* **"as it was shewed thee in the mount,"** This pivotal phrase serves as a powerful affirmation of the divine authorship and absolute authority behind the Tabernacle's intricate design. It unequivocally reiterates that Moses received a direct, visual revelation—a precise "blueprint" or "pattern"—from God Himself on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Theophany at Mount Sinai"). This was not a human invention, an adaptation of existing pagan altars, or a product of human ingenuity, but a divinely originated and perfect model. This profound emphasis on divine revelation underscores the sacredness, precision, and non-negotiable nature required in constructing the Tabernacle, thereby ensuring that Israel's worship was conducted exclusively according to God's specific, holy, and sovereign will.
* **"so shall they make [it]."** This concluding phrase functions as a direct and imperative command for the practical implementation of the divine design, extending the responsibility from Moses (who uniquely received the vision) to the skilled craftsmen and, by extension, the entire community. The pronoun "they" specifically refers to the divinely gifted artisans, such as Bezalel and Oholiab, who were supernaturally endowed with the wisdom and skill necessary for this sacred task (as described in [Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1-6 "Exodus 31:1-6 - Bezalel and Oholiab Appointed by God")). This phrase powerfully stresses the imperative of exact and unwavering obedience to the divine pattern. The consistent repetition of the divine command throughout the Tabernacle instructions (e.g., "as the Lord commanded Moses") highlights the non-negotiable nature of God's design for His dwelling place and the sacred worship conducted therein, emphasizing that deviation was unacceptable.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 27:8 masterfully employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Emphasis through Repetition** is a prominent feature, particularly with the recurring phrase "as it was shewed thee in the mount," or similar formulations appearing throughout the Tabernacle instructions (e.g., [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle"), [Exodus 25:40](/exodus/25-40 "Exodus 25:40 - Pattern for the Lampstand")). This insistent repetition serves to underscore the divine origin, absolute authority, and the critical necessity of precise adherence to God's revealed pattern, leaving no room for human improvisation or alteration. The specific instruction for the altar to be **Hollow** functions as a form of **Symbolism**, representing both its practical function for portability and its deeper spiritual significance as a temporary, accessible point of encounter with God. While appearing substantial and imposing, its hollow nature subtly speaks to the transient nature of the earthly Tabernacle, which ultimately points to a greater, eternal reality. Furthermore, the entire Tabernacle system, including the altar, profoundly functions as **Typology** and **Foreshadowing**, serving as a "shadow of heavenly things" ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary as a Copy of Heavenly Things")) and pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice and true worship offered by Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 27:8, with its profound emphasis on the divinely revealed blueprint for the altar, illuminates a foundational theological truth: God is utterly sovereign over worship and unilaterally dictates the terms by which humanity may approach Him. The meticulous detail embedded in the Tabernacle's construction, culminating in the altar of burnt offering, profoundly underscores God's absolute holiness and His gracious provision for a way for sinful humanity to draw near to Him. The "hollow" nature of the altar, while serving a practical purpose for portability, also subtly points to the temporary and symbolic nature of the Old Covenant sacrifices, which, though divinely ordained, could never fully atone for sin but continually pointed forward to a future, perfect sacrifice. This divine pattern, revealed in the mount, established an unwavering standard of obedience, reverence, and intentionality that permeated Israelite worship, profoundly teaching them that true and acceptable worship is always initiated by God and conducted meticulously according to His revealed will.

* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary as a Copy of Heavenly Things")
* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood for Atonement")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous instructions for the altar in Exodus 27:8, particularly the powerful phrase "as it was shewed thee in the mount," serve as a timeless and profound reminder of the paramount importance of divine revelation and unwavering obedience in every facet of our lives. Just as God provided a precise and non-negotiable blueprint for the Tabernacle, He has graciously provided His inspired Word as the authoritative and infallible guide for our faith, our practice, and our entire existence. This verse challenges us to engage in honest self-examination: are our worship, our service, our ethical decisions, and our daily priorities truly aligned with God's revealed will, or are we, perhaps subtly, relying on human innovation, personal preference, or cultural trends? The altar, as the central place of sacrifice, was foundational to Israel's approach to God, profoundly signifying that atonement was the indispensable prerequisite for fellowship. For us today, this means recognizing and revering the absolute centrality of Christ's singular and perfect sacrifice as the sole means of approaching a holy God. Furthermore, the portability of the altar beautifully speaks to God's profound desire to dwell with His people wherever they journey, reminding us that God is not confined to sacred buildings or specific times but desires an intimate, ongoing relationship with us in every season and circumstance of our earthly pilgrimage.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I tempted to deviate from God's clear, revealed will, perhaps relying instead on my own understanding, personal comfort, or prevailing cultural norms?**
* **How does the precise, divinely-given blueprint for the altar deepen my appreciation for the intentionality, perfection, and unwavering faithfulness of God's overarching plan of salvation?**
* **Considering the altar's centrality and its purpose as the place of sacrifice, how does my daily life tangibly reflect the centrality of Christ's finished work on the cross and my ongoing, humble reliance on His atonement and abundant grace?**

### FAQ

**Why was the altar of burnt offering made "hollow with boards" instead of solid?**

Answer: The altar was designed to be "hollow with boards" primarily for practical and symbolic reasons related to the Israelites' nomadic lifestyle. As they journeyed through the wilderness, the Tabernacle and all its furnishings needed to be portable. A hollow, framed structure made of acacia wood (overlaid with bronze, as mentioned in [Exodus 27:1](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - Altar Construction")) was significantly lighter and easier to transport than a solid block of wood or earth. Upon encampment, the hollow frame would likely be filled with earth or stones to provide a stable, heat-resistant base for the sacrificial fires, then emptied again for the next stage of the journey. This design highlights God's meticulous care in providing for the practical needs of His people while simultaneously maintaining the sanctity and functionality of His worship.

**What is the significance of the phrase "as it was shewed thee in the mount"?**

Answer: This phrase, repeated throughout the Tabernacle instructions (e.g., [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle"), [Exodus 25:40](/exodus/25-40 "Exodus 25:40 - Pattern for the Lampstand")), is profoundly significant. It emphasizes that the entire design of the Tabernacle and its components, including the altar, was not a human invention or a product of human ingenuity but a direct, divine revelation given to Moses on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law"). God provided a precise, heavenly blueprint or pattern, ensuring that the earthly sanctuary was a faithful copy of a greater, unseen reality. This underscores God's absolute sovereignty over worship, His unblemished holiness, and the necessity of exact obedience to His revealed will. It also foreshadows the idea that the earthly sanctuary was merely a "copy and shadow of the heavenly things," as later explained in [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary as a Copy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 27:8, with its detailed instruction for the hollow altar built "as it was shewed thee in the mount," powerfully prefigures the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The altar itself, as the central place of constant sacrifice for the atonement of sin, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Christ, who is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His single, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice on the cross was the definitive and final atonement for humanity's sin, rendering the continual animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant obsolete and unnecessary ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Single Sacrifice Perfects Believers")). Furthermore, the profound emphasis on the divine blueprint—"as it was shewed thee in the mount"—highlights that Christ's redemptive work was not an improvisation or a Plan B, but the precise and glorious fulfillment of God's eternal plan, conceived before the very foundation of the world ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")). Just as the hollow altar was portable, allowing God to dwell among His people in their journey, so too does Christ, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, make God's presence accessible to believers wherever they go, transforming them into living temples ([John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - God Dwells with Believers")). He is the true and living way to approach God, not through a temporary, earthly structure, but through His eternal sacrifice and His ongoing High Priestly ministry in the heavenly sanctuary ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 25:40

And look that thou make [them] after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

Exodus 25:9

According to all that I shew thee, [after] the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make [it].

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.

Colossians 2:20

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

Colossians 2:23

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Exodus 26:30

And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount.

Exodus 26:37

And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars [of] shittim [wood], and overlay them with gold, [and] their hooks [shall be of] gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.