Exodus 27:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And you shall make horns for it on its four corners; its horns shall be of one piece with it, and you shall overlay it with bronze.

NIV: Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece, and overlay the altar with bronze.

NASB: You shall make its horns on its four corners; its horns shall be of one piece with it, and you shall overlay it with bronze.

CSB: Make horns for it on its four corners; the horns are to be of one piece. Overlay it with bronze.

NLT: Make horns for each of its four corners so that the horns and altar are all one piece. Overlay the altar with bronze.

KJV: And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.

NKJV: You shall make its horns on its four corners; its horns shall be of one piece with it. And you shall overlay it with bronze.

Exodus 27:1–8 records the construction of a bronze sacrificial altar. Israel is to make this of acacia wood overlaid with bronze. Four "horns" protrude from the corners. A grating sits inside and halfway up the altar's height. This altar is carried with bronze-coated poles. This will be known as the "altar of burnt offering" (Leviticus 4:7; 16:18) and placed directly inside the courtyard of the tabernacle.

This passage describes more components of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). These include a bronze altar for burnt sacrifices. The tabernacle itself (Exodus 26) sits inside a courtyard marked by hanging linens. This area is also home to a basin to be explained later (Exodus 30:17–18).

The Lord is describing the sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9) and sacred objects which Israel is to build. Chapter 25 included the ark, a sacred table, and a lampstand. Chapter 26 described the tabernacle itself, made of wooden scaffolds, linen, and animal skins. This passage depicts the bronze altar, courtyard walls, and lamp oil. Future chapters will discuss priestly concerns, an incense altar, and other regulations.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/2/2025 10:43:09 PM