“And thou shalt make it hollow with boards: as it was showed thee in the mount, so shall they make it.”
In this verse, we find instructions given to Moses by God concerning the construction of the altar of burnt offering, which was to be located in the outer court of the tabernacle.
Context: The book of Exodus chronicles the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the establishment of a covenant relationship with God at Mount Sinai. At this point, God is instructing Moses on the construction of the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where the Israelites would worship and offer sacrifices to God.
The Altar of Burnt Offering: The verse specifically focuses on the construction of the altar of burnt offering. This altar was a significant component of the tabernacle, and it was used for the offering of animal sacrifices as a means of atonement for sin.
Making it Hollow with Boards: The verse instructs Moses to construct the altar in a specific manner. It was to be hollow, made of boards, and the construction details were revealed to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. The “boards” here likely refer to wooden planks that were used to build the sides and corners of the altar.
Attention to Detail: The phrase “as it was showed thee in the mount” emphasizes the importance of following the precise instructions that God had given to Moses. The details of the construction were not to be altered or improvised upon but were to be faithfully replicated according to the divine revelation Moses had received.
Symbolic Significance: The tabernacle and its various components, including the altar of burnt offering, held symbolic significance in the worship and relationship between God and the Israelites. The altar represented the place of sacrifice and atonement, where the Israelites could approach God, seek forgiveness, and experience reconciliation.
Lessons for Today: While Exodus 27:8 primarily addresses the specific instructions for constructing the tabernacle, we can draw some broader lessons from this verse. It teaches us the importance of obedience to God’s instructions, attention to detail in carrying out His commands, and the significance of approaching God on His terms for reconciliation and forgiveness.
Overall, Exodus 27:8 highlights the meticulousness and divine guidance in the construction of the tabernacle, emphasizing obedience and the symbolic significance of the altar of burnt offering. It invites us to reflect on our own approach to worship, obedience, and seeking reconciliation with God in our lives today.
