Exodus 30:9
Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַעֲל֥וּ
Ye shall offer
H5927
תַעֲל֥וּ
Ye shall offer
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
2 of 11
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עָלָ֛יו
H5921
עָלָ֛יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
זָרָ֖ה
no strange
H2114
זָרָ֖ה
no strange
Strong's:
H2114
Word #:
5 of 11
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
וְעֹלָ֣ה
thereon nor burnt sacrifice
H5930
וְעֹלָ֣ה
thereon nor burnt sacrifice
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
6 of 11
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
וּמִנְחָ֑ה
nor meat offering
H4503
וּמִנְחָ֑ה
nor meat offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
7 of 11
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
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.