Exodus 40:26
And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail:
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֛שֶׂם
And he put
H7760
וַיָּ֛שֶׂם
And he put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
1 of 8
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַזָּהָ֖ב
the golden
H2091
הַזָּהָ֖ב
the golden
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
4 of 8
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
Historical Context
The incense altar stood directly before the veil (Exodus 30:6), closer to the Most Holy Place than any other furniture. The high priest burned incense twice daily (morning and evening), the smoke penetrating the veil into God's immediate presence. This altar's unique position emphasized prayer's priority in approaching God.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the incense altar's closest position to God's presence teach about prayer's supreme importance in worship?
- How does Christ passing through the veil as our Intercessor give believers confidence in prayer?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The golden altar's placement 'before the vail that is by the ark' positions prayer closest to God's presence (though still separated by the veil). The incense's fragrant smoke ascending symbolized prayers rising (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8), teaching that prayer brings believers nearest to God. The golden material signifies prayer's preciousness; the position 'before the vail' indicates prayer's intimacy. Christ, our Intercessor (Hebrews 7:25), stands perpetually 'before the veil,' having passed through it (Hebrews 6:19-20; 9:24), bringing believers' prayers to the Father.