Exodus 30:1
And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it.
Original Language Analysis
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Revelation 8:3And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.Exodus 40:5And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.Leviticus 4:7And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Historical Context
Unlike the bronze altar (for sacrifice) in the outer court, this golden altar stood inside the Holy Place, closest to the Most Holy Place. Its position emphasized that prayer follows sacrifice—we pray based on atoning blood.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ add His 'incense' to your prayers, making them acceptable to God?
- Why must the sacrifice altar (atonement) precede the incense altar (prayer)?
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Analysis & Commentary
The golden altar for burning incense, made of acacia wood overlaid with gold—again the pattern of humanity (wood) and deity (gold) united. This altar stands in the Holy Place before the veil, representing prayer and worship ascending to God. The Hebrew קְטֹרֶת (qetoret, incense) symbolizes prayer (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8). Christ, our intercessor, causes our prayers to ascend acceptably to God, adding His incense (perfect prayer) to ours.