Exodus 30:3
And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
Original Language Analysis
וְצִפִּיתָ֙
And thou shalt overlay
H6823
וְצִפִּיתָ֙
And thou shalt overlay
Strong's:
H6823
Word #:
1 of 16
to sheet over (especially with metal)
אֹת֜וֹ
H853
אֹת֜וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
זָהָ֖ב
gold
H2091
זָהָ֖ב
gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
3 of 16
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
טָה֗וֹר
it with pure
H2889
טָה֗וֹר
it with pure
Strong's:
H2889
Word #:
4 of 16
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
H5439
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
9 of 16
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קַרְנֹתָ֑יו
and the horns
H7161
קַרְנֹתָ֑יו
and the horns
Strong's:
H7161
Word #:
11 of 16
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ
thereof and thou shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ
thereof and thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
זֵ֥ר
unto it a crown
H2213
זֵ֥ר
unto it a crown
Strong's:
H2213
Word #:
14 of 16
a chaplet (as spread around the top), i.e., (specifically) a border moulding
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.