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 a grate of bronze mesh
The instruction to construct a grate of bronze mesh is part of the detailed design for the altar of burnt offering in the Tabernacle. Bronze, a durable and resistant metal, symbolizes judgment and endurance. The use of bronze in the altar's construction signifies the enduring nature of God's judgment against sin, which the sacrifices on the altar were meant to atone for. The mesh design allows for the efficient burning of sacrifices, ensuring that the offerings are fully consumed by fire, symbolizing the complete surrender and purification required for atonement. This grate can be seen as a type of Christ, who fully endured the judgment of God on behalf of humanity.

and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the mesh
The four corners of the mesh with bronze rings indicate the altar's mobility, as the rings were used to insert poles for carrying. This reflects the nomadic nature of the Israelites during their wilderness journey, emphasizing God's presence and guidance with them wherever they went. The number four often represents universality in the Bible, suggesting that the provision for atonement through sacrifice was available to all. The use of rings and poles for transport also prefigures the universal reach of Christ's sacrifice, which is not confined to one place or people but is available to all who believe.

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.