Exodus Chapter 27

This chapter continues the very specific directions God gave to Moses on how to construct the tabernacle.  Outside of the tabernacle a courtyard was to be made.  The purpose of the courtyard was to be the main meeting place of worship for the people.  Only the priests entered the tabernacle.  Included in the construction of the tabernacle were instructions for building the altar.  This is the place where blood would be shed to cover the sins of the people.  Included in the construction of the altar were four horns that were a symbol of strength and a means of tying the sacrificed animal to the top of the altar. 

Moses received all these instructions while meeting with God on the mountain.  Verse 8 gives us the idea that God not only told Moses the instructions, but Moses was also shown what the tabernacle should look like.  God is a creative God.  I think that Moses could literally see what the tabernacle was to look like.  I believe God did the same for Noah when He gave him instructions for building the ark.  And I believe that He still gives visuals to you and me of projects He wants us to complete.

Let's Reflect

1. What shape were they to make the altar?

2. How would the altar be carried and moved when the tabernacle was moved?

3. What were the overall dimensions of the courtyard in cubits?  See verse 18.  A cubit was a measurement of one’s forearm from the elbow to the tip of the longest finger.  This measurement is approximately 17 to 19 inches.

4. What were the walls of the courtyard constructed of?

5. The gate or opening to the courtyard had a covering also.  How was the covering fashioned?

6. What were the people to supply for the lampstand?

7. Who would be the one responsible for keeping the lampstand always burning?

8. According to verse 21 what was another name for the inner section of the tabernacle where the lampstand and the table of shewbread were kept?  It is sometimes called the “Holy Place” and was located outside of the “Holy of Holies” where the Ark of the Testimony was kept.

[Diagram of the Tabernacle from BibleCharts.org]