What does Exodus 27:8 mean?
ESV: You shall make it hollow, with boards. As it has been shown you on the mountain, so shall it be made.
NIV: Make the altar hollow, out of boards. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain.
NASB: You shall make it hollow with planks; as it was shown to you on the mountain, so they shall make it.
CSB: Construct the altar with boards so that it is hollow. They are to make it just as it was shown to you on the mountain.
NLT: The altar must be hollow, made from planks. Build it just as you were shown on the mountain.
KJV: Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make it.
NKJV: You shall make it hollow with boards; as it was shown you on the mountain, so shall they make it.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
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.
Chapter Summary:
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).
Chapter Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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.
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