Exodus 39:38
And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַזָּהָ֔ב
And the golden
H2091
הַזָּהָ֔ב
And the golden
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
3 of 13
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
H8081
שֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
5 of 13
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה
and the anointing
H4888
הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה
and the anointing
Strong's:
H4888
Word #:
6 of 13
unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֵ֕ת
H853
וְאֵ֕ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The incense altar stood before the veil (Exodus 30:6), closest to God's presence except for the ark behind the veil. The high priest burned incense twice daily (morning and evening), filling the Holy Place with fragrant smoke. The anointing oil's unique recipe (Exodus 30:23-25) could not be replicated for common use.
Questions for Reflection
- How does incense symbolizing prayer teach that prayer is precious, fragrant offering to God?
- What does believers' prayers ascending through Christ reveal about the necessity of His mediation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The golden altar (מִזְבַּח הַזָּהָב, mizbach haZahav, altar of incense), anointing oil (שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה, shemen haMishchah), and sweet incense (קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים, qetoret haSamim) enabled prayer and consecration. The incense's fragrant smoke ascending symbolized prayers rising to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8). The golden material and Holy Place location (near the veil) emphasized prayer's preciousness. The anointing oil consecrated priests and implements (Exodus 30:22-33). Christ, our Intercessor (Hebrews 7:25), offers perfect prayer; believers' prayers ascend through Him (John 14:13-14).