Exodus 27:4

Construct for it a grate of bronze mesh, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the mesh.

Study Bible

Construct for it
The directive to "construct" indicates a purposeful and intentional act of creation. In the Hebrew, the word used here is "עָשָׂה" (asah), which means to make or do. This word is often used in the context of divine creation, as seen in Genesis. The act of constructing is not merely physical but also spiritual, as it involves obedience to God's specific instructions for worship.

a grate of bronze mesh
The "grate" or "network" (Hebrew: "מִכְבָּר" - mikbar) is a significant component of the altar, symbolizing a barrier or filter. Bronze, a durable and resilient metal, represents judgment and endurance. The mesh design allows for the passage of air and heat, facilitating the burning of sacrifices. This symbolizes the refining process of purification and the necessity of judgment in the sacrificial system.

and make a bronze ring
The "ring" (Hebrew: "טַבַּעַת" - tabba'at) is a circular object, often symbolizing eternity and completeness. In the context of the altar, these rings serve a practical purpose for transportation, but they also remind us of the eternal nature of God's covenant and the completeness of His provision for atonement.

at each of the four corners
The "four corners" (Hebrew: "אַרְבַּע פִּנּוֹת" - arba pinot) of the altar signify universality and completeness. The number four often represents the earth and creation, as seen in the four cardinal directions. This suggests that the altar's purpose and the sacrificial system are intended for all of creation, pointing to the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.

of the mesh
The "mesh" (Hebrew: "מִכְבָּר" - mikbar) is reiterated here, emphasizing its importance. The mesh serves as a functional component of the altar, allowing the fire to consume the sacrifices fully. Spiritually, it represents the thoroughness of God's judgment and the necessity for complete purification through sacrifice. The mesh's design ensures that nothing is left unrefined, symbolizing the totality of atonement provided through the sacrificial system.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the Tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.

2. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the altar with the bronze grate was to be used.

3. Altar of Burnt Offering
The specific altar for which the bronze grate was constructed, used for sacrifices and offerings to God.

4. Israelites
The people of God, who were to follow these instructions as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

5. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Instructions
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the bronze grate, emphasize the importance of following God's commands precisely. This teaches us the value of obedience in our own lives.

Symbolism of Bronze
Bronze, being a strong and durable metal, symbolizes judgment and endurance. The use of bronze in the altar's construction can remind us of the enduring nature of God's justice and the need for atonement.

The Role of Sacrifice
The altar and its components were central to the sacrificial system, which pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. This underscores the importance of understanding the sacrificial system as a foreshadowing of Christ's work on the cross.

God's Presence Among His People
The Tabernacle, including the altar, was a means for God to dwell among His people. This reflects God's desire for a relationship with us and His provision for our spiritual needs.

Practical Worship
The construction and use of the altar demonstrate the practical aspects of worship, reminding us that our worship should be both spiritual and practical, involving our whole being.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the construction of the bronze grate reflect the importance of obedience to God's specific instructions in our lives today?

2. In what ways does the use of bronze in the altar's construction symbolize aspects of God's character, and how can we apply this understanding to our view of God's justice?

3. How does the sacrificial system of the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and what implications does this have for our faith?

4. What does the presence of the Tabernacle among the Israelites teach us about God's desire for a relationship with His people, and how can we cultivate that relationship in our daily lives?

5. How can we incorporate both spiritual and practical elements into our worship today, following the example of the Israelites' worship practices?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 38:4
This verse describes the actual construction of the bronze grate, showing the fulfillment of God's instructions.

Leviticus 1:9
Details the use of the altar for burnt offerings, highlighting the importance of the altar in the sacrificial system.

Hebrews 9:22
Connects the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the necessity of blood for atonement.

1 Peter 1:18-19
Relates the concept of sacrifice to the precious blood of Christ, drawing a parallel between the Old Testament sacrifices and the New Covenant.