Exodus Chapter 27

Exodus 27 — “The Way of Sacrifice into the Dwelling of God”

Exodus 25 showed God’s throne.
Exodus 26 showed God’s dwelling.
Exodus 27 now reveals how sinners may approach Him.

No one enters God’s house without passing an altar.

This chapter teaches a truth at the centre of Catholic faith:

There is no communion without sacrifice.

1. The Bronze Altar Stands First

“You shall make the altar…” (Ex 27:1)

The altar is placed outside, before the tabernacle.

Before anyone comes near God, something must die.

This is not cruelty.
It is theology.

Sin kills communion.
Sacrifice restores it.

St Augustine writes:

“Man cannot return to God without the blood that heals the wound of sin.”
(City of God)

2. The Altar Is Made of Bronze

Bronze in Scripture represents:

  • endurance
  • judgment
  • purification

The altar bears fire, blood, and heat.

This points to the Cross.

Christ endures judgment so we may be purified.

3. The Altar Has Horns

“Its horns shall be of one piece with it.” (v. 2)

Horns signify:

  • power
  • refuge
  • salvation

In Israel, criminals would cling to the horns for mercy.

The Fathers saw here Christ crucified — arms stretched wide for sinners.

St Ambrose writes:

“The horns of the altar prefigure the arms of Christ extended to receive the guilty.”
(On the Sacraments)

4. Fire Must Always Burn

The altar is built to hold fire.

This teaches:

Sacrifice is not occasional.
It is continual.

Catholic life is sacrificial.

We live not for ourselves, but for God.

5. The Courtyard: God Creates Space for His People

“You shall make the court of the tabernacle…” (v. 9)

God does not hide behind His holiness.

He invites His people to come near.

The courtyard is the place of gathering —
Israel stands together before God.

The Church still does this:

One people.
One altar.
One sacrifice.

6. Linen Walls: Holiness Made Visible

White linen represents:

  • purity
  • separation
  • consecration

The boundary says:

This is not ordinary space.
This is holy ground.

The Church still sets apart sacred space for worship.

7. The Gate Faces East

“The gate of the court shall be…” (v. 16)

Israel enters facing the rising sun.

The Fathers always saw this as Christ:

the Light rising from the east.

We do not walk into darkness.
We walk into glory.

8. Oil for the Lamp

“You shall command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil…” (v. 20)

God’s light must never go out.

The lamp burns day and night.

This is the soul of the Church:

Christ’s light must never be extinguished.

9. Priests Keep the Light Burning

“Aaron and his sons shall tend it…” (v. 21)

The priesthood exists to guard:

  • the light
  • the sacrifice
  • the worship

This is why the Church has priests.

Not to replace Christ —
but to serve His light.

Key Catholic Themes in Exodus 27

ThemeMeaning
AltarThe Cross
BloodAtonement
CourtyardThe Church
LinenHoliness
LampChrist the Light
PriesthoodGuardians of worship

Christ at the Centre of Exodus 27

The Fathers saw this chapter fulfilled on Calvary:

  • Altar → Cross
  • Fire → Christ’s love
  • Blood → Redemption
  • Horns → Mercy
  • Courtyard → The Church
  • Light → Resurrection

St Augustine declares:

“The altar of the old covenant is lifted up in the Cross of Christ, from which mercy flows to the world.”
(Sermons)

Spiritual Application

  • You cannot approach God without sacrifice.
  • Bring Him your heart.
  • Let Christ’s blood cleanse you.
  • Walk through the gate of repentance.
  • Live in the light.

Closing Prayer

Lord God of mercy and holiness,
You placed the altar before Your dwelling
so that sinners might be reconciled before drawing near.
Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ,
the true Lamb and eternal Priest,
purify our hearts,
lead us through the gate of repentance,
and keep Your holy light burning within us,
until we enter Your heavenly sanctuary.
Amen.