5.12. "MAKE AN ALTAR OF ACACIA WOOD" (Exodus 27:1-8)

Chapter 27 continues with the regulations for the tabernacle. Its first 18 verses deal with the altar of sacrifice. The brass (bronze) altar upon which animal sacrifices were completely burned, was located in front of the entrance of the tabernacle, pictures Christ's cross on Calvary, as our whole burnt sin offering, our divine-human Redeemer offered Himself without spot to God for the sin of the world.

Hebrews 9:14 "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God."

The horns of the altar (Exodus 27:2 ) were intended to be grasped (1 Kings 1:50, 2:28 ). So when faith lays hold on Christ the crucified Saviour, security is provided. The horns represent love as well as faith. They were the means by which the sacrifice is bound to the altar. (Psalm 118:27 ). It was the love of the Saviour that bound Him to the cross. So love for the Saviour binds the saved sinner to the altar of consecrated service.

5.13. "MAKE THE COURT OF THE TABERNACLE" (Exodus 27:9-19)

The outercourt of the tabernacle was the outermost enclosure of all. It was open and exposed to the weather, in contrast to the Holy Place which was covered in. It points to the outward life and organisation of the church in the world. The outer court was 150 feet by 75 feet surrounded by sides consisting of four things:

This always speaks of righteousness - either of the saints (Revelation 19:8 ) or angels (Revelation 15:6,7 ), or the high priest, (Leviticus 16:4 ) or Christ (1 John 2:1 ). The church in the world is surrounded by a righteous, holy God who abominates sin.

Possibly of shittim wood (KJV), referred to by the Septuagint as "incorruptible wood." (Exodus 26:32,37 ). Its durability points to an unchanging God. The church in the world is surrounded by the great 'I AM' unchanging God - the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Silver was used by the Israelites as a ransom for their souls (Exodus 30:12-16 ). Note, half a shekel was a piece of silver. (Exodus 38:25-27 ). So the silver band speaks of redemption. The church in the world is surrounded by a redeeming God.

Brass speaks of great strength. We read of brazen bars (1 Kings 4:13 NIV ). Brazen walls (Jeremiah 1:18 ). Brazen shoes (Deuteronomy 33:25 ). Brazen fetters (Judges 16:21 ). Brazen helmets (1 Samuel 17:5 ). All speaking of strength. The church in the world is surrounded by a strong God. The church, though exposed to storms - wind - fierce sun, that is, opposition, trials, testing, it endures because it is enclosed by a holy, unchanging, redeeming, mighty God. And in God, does and will triumph.

5.14. PURE OIL OF PRESSED OLIVES (Exodus 27:20-21)

These last two verses of chapter 27 deal with the oil for light. No command to make, because oil olive is a natural product - instead it had to be brought. The oil speaks of Holy Spirit as the light and life of the church as of every believer. Pressed olives speak of the fact that the Spirit was not given in power and light to the church until Jesus was glorified (John 7:39 ). Individual believers are the lamp of the local church. They are commanded to keep being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18 ) so that the light may never go out.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Can you describe the way in which the sacrifice of Christ is pictured in the bronze altar (Exodus 27:1-8 )?
   • Have you had a personal experience that could be described as taking hold of the horns of the altar?
   • What would you say the bronze represents?
   • What message do the pans to receive the ashes, speak to your heart (Psalm 18:7,8,12; Matthew 27:46 )?
   • Do the flesh hooks remind you of His sufferings that hastened the death of Jesus your Saviour (1 Peter 2:24 )?
   • What do the repeated words "as it was shown you on the mountain" mean for you (Acts 2:23 )?

2. What is suggested by the outermost enclosure being open and exposed to the weather (John 16:33; 1 Thessalonians 3:4 )?
   • Taking the fine linen curtains that surround the outermost enclosure to speak of righteousness, whose righteousness is around you?

3. What truth is illustrated by the bands of silver on the tops of the pillars that surround the outermost enclosure (Exodus 30:12-16 )?
   • As the redeemed, are you reminded by the sockets of brass (Exodus 27:11 ) of the strength that surrounds you (Jeremiah 15:20 )?

4. What is significant in the bringing of "pure oil of pressed olives for the light" (Exodus 27:20 )?
   • When was the Holy Spirit given (John 7:39 )?
   • Do you appreciate that the oil of the Holy Spirit is available through the bruising of Jesus (Isaiah 53:10 )?
   • As a lamp of the Lord, what is the secret of your light never going out (Exodus 27:20; Ephesians 5:18 )?
   • Who is glorified by your persistent shining (Matthew 5:16 )?
   • By the instruction to put the lamp to burn outside the veil, where are you expected to shine (Philippians 2:15 )?