Exodus 27: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Exodus 27 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh commands the construction of the altar made of acacia wood, measuring five cubits by five cubits and three cubits high (vv. 1-2). The altar features horns on its corners, and all vessels associated with it, including pots and shovels, are to be made of brass (vv. 3-4). The text specifies how to make the altar portable with poles of acacia wood (vv. 6-8).

Key verse

“You shall make a grating for it of network of brass: and on the net you shall make four bronze rings in its four corners.”
Exodus 27:4 (WEB)

Outline

Exodus 27:1–8 Construction of the Altar
Exodus 27:9–18 Design of the Courtyard
Exodus 27:19–21 Instructions for the Lamp

Discussion questions

In v1, what material is the altar made from?
What is the height of the altar in v1?
The phrase 'forever throughout their generations' in v21: what implications does this have for Israel's worship?
Why does the phrase 'beaten for the light' in v20 raise questions about the type of oil used?
When have you felt called to bring something 'pure' to a relationship or responsibility, as in v20?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Exodus 27: Exodus 38, Exodus 25, Exodus 30.

Before next time: read Exodus 28.