Exodus-Chapter-27

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Throughout this site I may use any of the following three versions of the Tanakh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS-1917), 2“Mechon-Mamre.org (MEC), and 3. “Sefaria.org (SEF), three brilliant versions, although JPS-1917 is my preferred version!

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Please Note: Some alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.

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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!

Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).

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“Exodus Chapter 27”

With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

Introduction:

In this section of the Tabernacle’s design, the focus shifts from the interior sacred vessels to the external area where the people would actively engage in service. This chapter outlines the construction of the Bronze Altar, the layout of the surrounding courtyard, and the specific requirement for the oil used in the Menorah. These instructions emphasize that the approach to the Divine presence requires a structured space for sacrifice and a continuous source of light, provided through the dedicated effort of the people and the priesthood.

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Let us read Exodus Chapter 27, verses 1-21: Below the verses are the Explanation’s. (From the JPS-1917 version of the Torah).

Verses 1-8: “And thou shalt make the altar of acacia-wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be four-square; and the height thereof shall be three cubits. And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof; the horns thereof shall be of one piece with it; and thou shalt overlay it with brass. And thou shalt make its pots to take away its ashes, and its shovels, and its basins, and its flesh-hooks, and its fire-pans; all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass. And thou shalt make for it a grating of network of brass; and upon the net shalt thou make four brazen rings in the four corners thereof. And thou shalt put it under the ledge round the altar beneath that the net may reach halfway up the altar. And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of acacia-wood, and overlay them with brass. And the staves thereof shall be put into the rings, and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar, in bearing it. Hollow with planks shalt thou make it; as it hath been shown thee in the mount, so shall they make it.

Explanation Verses 1-8, the instructions for the Altar of Burnt Offering specify a square structure made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze. Its dimensions, five cubits by five cubits create a significant presence in the courtyard. The inclusion of “horns” on the four corners was not merely decorative but served as focal points for the application of sacrificial blood, representing the strength and reach of the atonement process. All the accompanying utensils, such as the pans for ashes and the flesh-hooks, were likewise made of bronze to withstand the intense heat of the constant fire. The altar was designed to be portable, featuring rings and poles so it could accompany the nation throughout their travels.

Verses 9-19: And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen a hundred cubits long for one side. And the pillars thereof shall be twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver. And likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings a hundred cubits long, and the pillars thereof twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver. And for the breadth of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits: their pillars ten, and their sockets ten. And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits. The hangings for the one side [of the gate] shall be fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three. And for the other side shall be hangings of fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three. And for the gate of the court shall be a screen of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the weaver in colours: their pillars four, and their sockets four. All the pillars of the court round about shall be filleted with silver; their hooks of silver, and their sockets of brass. The length of the court shall be a hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty every where, and the height five cubits, of fine twined linen, and their sockets of brass. All the instruments of the tabernacle in all the service thereof, and all the pins thereof, and all the pins of the court, shall be of brass. 

Explanation Verses 9-19, these verses describe the construction of the “Court of the Tabernacle”, a defined rectangular area measuring one hundred cubits by fifty cubits. This courtyard served as a boundary between the common camp of Israel and the sacred space of the Tent of Meeting. It was enclosed by hangings of fine twined linen, held up by twenty pillars on the long sides and ten on the short sides. The use of silver for the hooks and fillets, contrasted with bronze for the sockets, created a visual progression of materials that mirrored the increasing sanctity as one moved closer to the inner sanctuary. The single entrance on the east side, marked by a colourful screen, ensured a deliberate and singular path for those entering to serve.

Verses 20-21: And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually. In the tent of meeting, without the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall set it in order, to burn from evening to morning before יְהוָה - the LORD; it shall be a statute for ever throughout their generations on the behalf of the children of Israe”.

Explanation Verses 20-21, the final instructions of the chapter concern the “pure olive oil beaten for the light”. Unlike the materials for the Tabernacle’s structure, which were donated as a one-time offering, the oil was a recurring obligation for the entire nation. This “beaten” oil extracted through a process that ensured the highest purity was required to keep the lamps burning “continually”. Aaron and his sons were tasked with the perpetual duty of ordering the lamps from evening until morning, establishing a lasting statute that ensured the Divine light was never extinguished, representing Israel’s ongoing commitment to maintain their spiritual witness.

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My Closing Message:

The detailed blueprints of Exodus Chapter 27 remind us that the spiritual life is built upon a foundation of both sacred space and constant dedication. From the bronze altar that facilitated atonement to the pure oil that fuelled the eternal flame, every element required the participation of the community. As the Tabernacle stood at the centre of the camp, so too must the values of responsibility, clarity of purpose, and the preservation of light remain at the center of our lives to ensure a continuous connection with the Source of all existence.

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For Elohim is the One who gave us our ... Life!”

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שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!

Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

 

 

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