Chapter Summary

Directions about the brazen altar and the court.

Discussion Questions for Exodus, Chapter 27

1. What does the word altar mean? Think of how the altar is described in this chapter. Now consider how the cross was the "altar" that Christ was laid upon. Discuss how this chapter expands your understanding of Christ's sacrifice.
2. "The LORD is God, and He has made His light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar! (Psalm 118:27, ESV) "And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power." (Habakkuk 3:4, KJV) How do these verses help you understand the design of horns on the altar in Exodus 27:2?
3. How do you envision the court that the Tabernacle rested in? Who was permitted to enter this court? How would you connect the court design to God's heart?
4. How does the court design apply to life after the cross? How did the cross's redemption take things beyond the court?
5. "And the poles shall be put through the rings, so that the poles are on the two sides of the altar when it is carried." (Exodus 27:7, ESV) The tabernacle could be carried. Why is this significant? How does this design differ from that of the temple? What did reveal to the Israelites about God?
6. What did the golden lampstand represent? The Israelites were called to look upon the light of the tabernacle. How are we called to look upon the light of God today in Jesus?
7. “In the tent of meeting, outside the veil that is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening to morning before the LORD. It shall be a statute forever to be observed throughout their generations by the people of Israel.” (Exodus 27:21, ESV) What is the tabernacle referred to in this verse? How does this differ from what it has been referred to in the past? What shift would this make in the Israelites understanding of the tabernacle?
8. Why do you think there were so many elements involved with the tabernacle? Do you think the people would have also had any versions of these elements in their personal homes? Are there things that you regularly see around you that remind you of God's Holiness?
9. “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning." (Exodus 27:20, NIV) Why pressed olives? What does this mean? What kind of oil would this produce? In what other ways has God placed a theme of pressing on His people? How has God been pressing you?
10. Why were the lamps to burn regularly? What did this act of continual burning communicate to the Israelites about The Lord? How would this have differed from the pagan religion and idols they were exposed to in Egypt?

Key Words/Phrase

Pattern, 25:9.

Characters

God, Moses, Aaron.

Strong Verse(s)

20