Exodus 30:4
And two golden rings shalt thou make to it under the crown of it, by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it shalt thou make it; and they shall be for places for the staves to bear it withal.
Original Language Analysis
טַבְּעֹ֨ת
rings
H2885
טַבְּעֹ֨ת
rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
זָהָ֜ב
golden
H2091
זָהָ֜ב
golden
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
3 of 20
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה
of it shalt thou make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה
of it shalt thou make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִתַּ֣חַת
H8478
מִתַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
6 of 20
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
לְזֵר֗וֹ
to it under the crown
H2213
לְזֵר֗וֹ
to it under the crown
Strong's:
H2213
Word #:
7 of 20
a chaplet (as spread around the top), i.e., (specifically) a border moulding
עַ֚ל
H5921
עַ֚ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
צַלְעֹתָ֔יו
corners
H6763
צַלְעֹתָ֔יו
corners
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
10 of 20
a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה
of it shalt thou make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה
of it shalt thou make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְהָיָה֙
H1961
וְהָיָה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
15 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְבָתִּ֣ים
it and they shall be for places
H1004
לְבָתִּ֣ים
it and they shall be for places
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
16 of 20
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לְבַדִּ֔ים
for the staves
H905
לְבַדִּ֔ים
for the staves
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
לָשֵׂ֥את
to bear
H5375
לָשֵׂ֥את
to bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
18 of 20
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
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)?
Related Resources
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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.