Exodus 30:2
A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of the same.
Original Language Analysis
וְאַמָּתַ֖יִם
A cubit
H520
וְאַמָּתַ֖יִם
A cubit
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
וְאַמָּתַ֖יִם
A cubit
H520
וְאַמָּתַ֖יִם
A cubit
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
יִֽהְיֶ֔ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֔ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְאַמָּתַ֖יִם
A cubit
H520
וְאַמָּתַ֖יִם
A cubit
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
Historical Context
The high priest burned incense on this altar twice daily (morning and evening) when tending the lampstand. The fragrant smoke ascending into the Holy Place symbolized prayers rising to God's throne.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's intercession make your prayers acceptable to God?
- Why must sacrifice (bronze altar) precede prayer (golden altar)?
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Analysis & Commentary
The golden altar of incense stands before the veil, closest to God's presence. Daily incense offerings represent prayer ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The altar's position—after the bronze altar (sacrifice) but before the Most Holy Place (God's throne)—teaches that prayer is based on atonement and leads to intimacy. Christ, our intercessor, causes our prayers to ascend acceptably, adding His perfect intercession to our imperfect petitions.