Exodus 37:25
And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֛עַשׂ
And he made
H6213
וַיַּ֛עַשׂ
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
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)
וְאַמָּתַ֙יִם֙
and two cubits
H520
וְאַמָּתַ֙יִם֙
and two cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
וְאַמָּתַ֙יִם֙
and two cubits
H520
וְאַמָּתַ֙יִם֙
and two cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
וְאַמָּתַ֙יִם֙
and two cubits
H520
וְאַמָּתַ֙יִם֙
and two cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
מִמֶּ֖נּוּ
H4480
מִמֶּ֖נּוּ
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
Cross References
Hebrews 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.1 Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.Hebrews 13:10We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.Exodus 40:5And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.Matthew 23:19Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?2 Chronicles 26:16But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.
Historical Context
The golden incense altar stood in the Holy Place directly before the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place. Its position emphasized prayer's proximity to God's presence. The high priest burned incense on it twice daily (morning and evening, Exodus 30:7-8), filling the Holy Place with fragrant smoke.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the incense altar's position (before the veil, between Holy Place and God's presence) illustrate prayer's access through mediation?
- In what ways does Christ as our incense altar transform believers' prayers into acceptable worship before God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The incense altar (מִזְבַּח קְטֹרֶת, mizbach ketoret) of shittim wood—continuing the pattern of acacia overlaid with gold—demonstrates that prayer and worship (symbolized by incense, Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8) also require humanity clothed in divinity. This altar's position before the veil, between Holy Place and Most Holy Place, represents prayer's access to God's presence through the mediator. Christ is our incense altar—His intercession carries believers' prayers to the Father like fragrant smoke ascending.