Exodus

Exodus 27: God appoints altar and light

Begin in prayer

Before the altar and the court show how Israel’s worship is arranged, let us ask the Lord for teachable hearts. Pray that we will value the sacrifice of Jesus and serve God with care.

My soul longs, and even faints for the courts of Yahweh. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Psalm 84:2

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Teach us that worship belongs under Your word. Show us Christ’s sufficient sacrifice, and make us faithful in the service You give. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

God commands a square altar of acacia wood covered with brass, with horns at its corners and utensils for its work. A grating, rings and carrying poles make it ready for the journey. Around the tent, linen hangings stand on pillars to form a court. A screen of blue, purple, scarlet and fine linen forms the eastern gate. God tells Israel to supply pure olive oil for the light. Aaron and his sons must tend it from evening to morning before the LORD, outside the veil.

As you read Exodus 27, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God appoints sacrifice and faithful service around His holy dwelling.

The plan now moves outside the tent, where an altar stands in the court around God’s dwelling. Acacia wood covered with brass makes a portable altar, with poles for carrying and utensils for its service. Its horns, grating and dimensions come under the same command as the more precious furniture inside. Linen hangings mark the court and a colored screen forms its eastern entrance. The enclosure distinguishes the place of worship from the surrounding camp. God then gives Israel a continuing duty, supplying pure beaten olive oil for the lamps. Aaron and his sons must keep the light in order from evening to morning outside the inner veil. Sacrifice and priestly service show the appointed approach to the God who lives among sinners. Hebrews directs the repeated sacrifices toward the one offering of Jesus that makes His people holy (Hebrews 10 verse 10).

How does Exodus 27 show us that God appoints sacrifice and faithful service around His holy dwelling?

God appoints an altar for His people’s sacrifices.

The altar has horns, utensils and a grating, all covered or made with brass. Its poles allow it to travel with Israel. The appointed sacrifice points to Christ’s offering, through which His people approach God.

God marks out the place of worship.

Linen hangings enclose the court around the tent and altar. The entrance has its own screen and pillars. Worship takes place within the arrangement God gives, under His holy authority.

God calls His people and priests to faithful service.

Israel supplies the pure oil, and Aaron’s household tends the lamps through the night. Ordinary provision and appointed priestly work belong together. The light is maintained before the LORD, who deserves careful service from those He redeems.

Memorise

“You shall command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually.

Exodus 27:20

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, where have I treated the sacrifice of Jesus as a small thing?

God commands, “They shall make it as it has been shown you on the mountain.” The altar belongs to His appointed way of worship. Beyond it, priests tend the light before the LORD through the night.

Sinful people need more than a place to gather or careful religious duties. Jesus offered Himself for His people, suffering their judgment in His body at the cross. He rose from death, having secured their peace with God once for all. His sacrifice is enough, and their guilt needs no further offering.

Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. Those who believe receive forgiveness through the offering He has completed. Come to the living Savior with reverence. The service He gives His people is an answer of gratitude for the rescue He has already won.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God provided an altar, and that Jesus died and rose to give His people peace with God. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for appointing sacrifice and faithful service before His presence, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

John 12:32

Father, thank You for the altar You appointed and for the perfect offering of Jesus. Please turn us from sin and teach us to trust Him. Keep us from careless worship. Make us willing to serve, whether our part is seen by many or by You alone. Amen.