Exodus 27:1 (KJV)

What does Exodus 27:1 mean?

Exodus 27:1 gives instructions for building an altar out of shittim (acacia) wood, specifying its size as five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high, making it a square structure. This altar was to be used in the courtyard of the tabernacle for burnt offerings.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed directions for constructing the tabernacle and its furnishings. The focus here is on the altar’s materials and exact measurements, highlighting the importance of following God’s design precisely. The altar’s shape and size set it apart as a central place for sacrifices in Israel’s worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 27:1

• שִׁטִּים (shittim): This word refers to acacia wood, a durable and common material in the region, chosen for its strength and resistance to decay. Its use here underlines the need for the altar to be sturdy and long-lasting.
• מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach): This is the Hebrew word for "altar," which comes from a root meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice." It emphasizes the altar’s role as a place of offering and dedication.
• רָבוּעַ (ravu'a): Translated as "foursquare," this word means the altar was to be perfectly square, which suggests symmetry and order in the design, reflecting the careful planning of the tabernacle’s worship space.

Why Exodus 27:1 matters

• Exodus 27:1 clarifies that the altar was not a random or makeshift structure but was built to exact specifications, showing the seriousness and orderliness of Israel’s worship practices.
• The mention of shittim wood connects this altar to other tabernacle furnishings, all made from the same material, emphasizing unity in the design.
• This verse sets the stage for the following instructions about the altar’s use and significance, helping readers understand its central role in the sacrificial system described in the next chapters.