Exodus 37:26
And he overlaid it with pure gold, both the top of it, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns of it: also he made unto it a crown of gold round about.
Original Language Analysis
אֹת֜וֹ
H853
אֹת֜וֹ
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)
זָהָ֖ב
gold
H2091
זָהָ֖ב
gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
3 of 16
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
טָה֗וֹר
it with pure
H2889
טָה֗וֹר
it with pure
Strong's:
H2889
Word #:
4 of 16
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
H5439
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
9 of 16
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קַרְנֹתָ֑יו
and the horns
H7161
קַרְנֹתָ֑יו
and the horns
Strong's:
H7161
Word #:
11 of 16
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
of it also he made
H6213
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
of it also he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
זֵ֥ר
unto it a crown
H2213
זֵ֥ר
unto it a crown
Strong's:
H2213
Word #:
14 of 16
a chaplet (as spread around the top), i.e., (specifically) a border moulding
Historical Context
The incense altar measured approximately 1.5' × 1.5' × 3' high (1 × 1 × 2 cubits), smaller in base but taller than the bronze altar. Its horns (projections at four corners) were places where blood was applied on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:18), connecting prayer with atonement.
Questions for Reflection
- What does overlaying all parts of the altar with gold teach about prayer requiring complete purification through divine righteousness?
- How do golden horns (symbolizing power) illustrate that effective prayer draws authority from God's character, not human ability?
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Analysis & Commentary
Overlaying the altar with pure gold (זָהָב טָהוֹר, zahav tahor)—its top, sides, and horns—demonstrates that every aspect of prayer must be purified through divine righteousness. The horns (קַרְנֹתָיו, karnotav) represent power and authority; golden horns teach that effective prayer draws power from God's character, not human eloquence. The crown of gold round about emphasizes that prayer is royal privilege, not beggarly petition—believers approach as children of the King, clothed in Christ's righteousness.