Exodus 30:6
And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָֽתַתָּ֤ה
And thou shalt put
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֤ה
And thou shalt put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֹתוֹ֙
H853
אֹתוֹ֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 17
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
9 of 17
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַכַּפֹּ֗רֶת
the mercy seat
H3727
הַכַּפֹּ֗רֶת
the mercy seat
Strong's:
H3727
Word #:
10 of 17
a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
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.