Exodus 27:8

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

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.

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

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 27:8 (KJV)

Exodus 27:8 provides a crucial detail regarding the construction of the altar of burnt offering for the Tabernacle: "Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make [it]." This verse underscores both the practical design and the divine authority behind the Tabernacle's construction.

Context

This verse is part of God's detailed instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai for building the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among the Israelites. Chapters 25-31 of Exodus meticulously outline every component, from the Ark of the Covenant to the priestly garments. The altar of burnt offering, described in Exodus 27:1-8, was positioned at the entrance of the Tabernacle court, signifying its central role in Israelite worship and the process of atonement for sin through sacrifice.

Key Themes

  • Divine Blueprint and Exactitude: The phrase "as it was shewed thee in the mount" is paramount. It emphasizes that every aspect of the Tabernacle, including the altar, was not of human invention but was a precise, divinely revealed design. This highlights God's sovereignty and His desire for worship to be conducted according to His specific will. This divine pattern is later referenced in the New Testament as a shadow of heavenly realities (Hebrews 8:5).
  • Portability and Functionality: The instruction "Hollow with boards shalt thou make it" indicates the altar was not a solid block but a framework constructed from acacia wood (shittim wood, mentioned in Exodus 27:1) overlaid with bronze. This design made it relatively lightweight and transportable, crucial for the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. Its hollow interior likely allowed for ash removal and perhaps for the placement of the fire pan.
  • Centrality of Sacrifice: The altar's purpose was to receive the burnt offerings, symbolizing the complete dedication and substitutionary sacrifice required for fellowship with a holy God. It was the first point of interaction for anyone approaching the Tabernacle.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "hollow" is "navuv" (Χ ΦΈΧ‘Χ•ΦΌΧ‘), meaning empty or hollow. This confirms that the altar was not solid, but a box-like structure. The term "boards" (ΧœΧ•ΦΌΧ—Φ· - luach) refers to planks or tablets, suggesting a framed construction rather than a solid mass, further supporting its portability.

Practical Application

Exodus 27:8, while detailing an ancient construction, offers timeless principles:

  • Obedience to God's Instructions: The emphasis on following the divine blueprint reminds us of the importance of adhering to God's Word in all areas of our lives, especially in worship and service. Our efforts are truly pleasing to God when they align with His revealed will.
  • The Nature of Worship: The altar, as the place of sacrifice, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Just as the Israelites approached God through blood sacrifice on this altar, believers today approach God through the finished work of Christ on the cross (Hebrews 10:10).
  • God's Presence in Our Journey: The portable nature of the altar and Tabernacle symbolizes God's willingness to journey with His people. He is not confined to a single location but is accessible to His followers wherever they go.

This verse highlights God's meticulous care in providing a way for His people to approach Him, ensuring that every detail served a divine purpose and pointed to a greater spiritual reality.

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 β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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