Exodus 30:7
And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.
Original Language Analysis
יַקְטִירֶֽנָּה׃
he shall burn incense
H6999
יַקְטִירֶֽנָּה׃
he shall burn incense
Strong's:
H6999
Word #:
1 of 11
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
עָלָ֛יו
H5921
עָלָ֛יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בַּבֹּ֗קֶר
every morning
H1242
בַּבֹּ֗קֶר
every morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
בַּבֹּ֗קֶר
every morning
H1242
בַּבֹּ֗קֶר
every morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
בְּהֵֽיטִיב֛וֹ
when he dresseth
H3190
בְּהֵֽיטִיב֛וֹ
when he dresseth
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
8 of 11
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
1 Samuel 2:28And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?1 Chronicles 23:13The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.Luke 1:9According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
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.