Chapter 27

The Bronze Altar.  This was made of acacia wood, overlaid with bronze.  Given just how much heat this would have to endure over the years it amazes me that it could have wood in it at all. 

It is 7.5' square and 4.5' above the ground.  You couldn't exactly sacrifice a dozen calves at a time on such an altar.  How would you ever be able to keep the wood renewed...unless it was a grate, and the wood was located and replenished underneath.  Sacrificing animals would take a lot of fuel.  Where did it all come from?  Yep...it turns out this is how it was done:  4 You shall also make for it a grating, a network of bronze, and on the net you shall make four bronze rings at its four corners. [Exo 27:4 ESV]  Note that the grate could be taken off, likely to allow easier clean up of the ashes down below the grate.

The Court of the Tabernacle.  So this court encircled the main tent with the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies.  Probably only the very top of that inner tent could be seen from outside.  This court was 150' x 75'.  Still not a huge thing.  And only 7.5' high.  You couldn't see over it from nearby.

The people were to bring beaten oil.  Not sure what this was exactly - what was different about it - but there was to be a lamp in the Holy Place, outside the veil, that was kept lit by Aaron and his sons.  It was to be kept lit from evening to morning.  So...at night?  Even though this place would be pitch dark even in the daytime if I understand it right?  What did they use in the day?  Maybe they took light in with them during the day?