- Book: [[Exodus]] - Previous chapter: [[Exodus 26]] - Next chapter: [[Exodus 28]] > [!summary] Summary > - Instructions for the bronze altar of burnt offerings: the first thing encountered when entering the [[Tabernacle]] courtyard > - The courtyard itself is specified: linen curtains, bronze bases, silver bands, with a detailed entrance > - Oil for the lampstand: clear pressed olive oil, kept burning continually by [[Aaron]] and his sons > [!info] Why is this here? > - The altar is the place of sacrifice — it stands between the worshiper and the presence of God, establishing that access requires atonement > - The courtyard defines the sacred boundary around the [[Tabernacle]], creating the spatial separation between holy and common > - The lampstand's perpetual flame is the outward sign of God's continuous presence in the [[Tabernacle]] # Overview ## v. 1-8: The bronze altar - Acacia wood overlaid with bronze: 5 × 5 × 3 cubits, square - Horns at each of the four corners, of one piece with the altar - All utensils (pots, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, firepans) in bronze - A bronze grating midway up for ventilation; bronze rings for carrying poles - "Make it hollow, out of boards, just as you were shown on the mountain" > [!note] First contact with holiness > The altar is the first sacred object an [[Israelite]] encounters — before even entering the [[Tabernacle]]. Approaching God begins with sacrifice. The altar establishes that sin must be dealt with before anyone draws near. ## v. 9-19: The courtyard - South and north sides: 100 cubits of fine linen curtains, 20 posts on bronze bases with silver hooks and bands - West end: 50 cubits, 10 posts; east end (entrance): also 50 cubits wide - Entrance: 20-cubit curtain of blue, purple, scarlet yarn and fine linen — the embroidered work of an embroiderer - Fifteen cubits of curtain on either side of the entrance (3 posts each) - All posts: silver bands and hooks, bronze bases ## v. 20-21: Oil for the lampstand - [[Israelites]] commanded to bring clear oil of pressed olives to keep the lamps burning - [[Aaron]] and his sons keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening to morning — a lasting ordinance