Exodus 27:5 - You shall put it under the ledge around the altar beneath, that the net may reach halfway up the altar.

Generated Verse: Exodus 27:5

What does "Exodus 27:5" mean?


Exodus 27:5 describes a specific instruction for building the altar of burnt offering in the Tabernacle. Let's break down the verse and its meaning:

"You shall put it under the ledge around the altar beneath...": This refers to a bronze grating or net that was to be placed under a ledge that encircled the altar. This ledge was likely a decorative or functional feature partway up the altar's height. The "beneath" indicates the grating was positioned below the ledge, closer to the ground.

"...that the net may reach halfway up the altar.": This specifies the height to which the bronze grating should extend. It should go approximately halfway up the altar's overall height.

Here's what this likely meant and why it was important:

Bronze Grating as a Support: The bronze grating acted as a support for the sacrifices being offered on the altar. It provided a surface for the wood to be placed upon and for the fire to burn.

Airflow and Combustion: The net-like structure allowed for airflow beneath the fire. This provided oxygen to the flames, aiding in efficient combustion and ensuring the sacrifices were thoroughly burned. The "net" part is key here – it wasn't a solid plate.

Collection of Ashes: It's possible the space beneath the net (between the net and the ground) was used as a place to collect ashes from the burnt offerings. Other verses mention the disposal of ashes, so having a designated area would be practical.

Functional Design: By positioning the net halfway up the altar, it achieved a balance between supporting the sacrifice, allowing for airflow, and potentially managing ash collection.

In short, Exodus 27:5 provides a precise instruction for the construction of the altar, ensuring it was built in a way that facilitated effective burning of sacrifices, and likely helped with ash management, and the net's placement halfway up the altar's height was a functional design choice.

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