Exodus 40:27
And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּקְטֵ֥ר
And he burnt
H6999
וַיַּקְטֵ֥ר
And he burnt
Strong's:
H6999
Word #:
1 of 9
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
thereon as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
thereon as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The sweet incense's unique recipe (Exodus 30:34-38) included stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense, tempered together—replication for common use carried the death penalty. The twice-daily burning (morning and evening) established prayer rhythms, teaching consistent devotion rather than sporadic spirituality.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the incense's prescribed recipe teach that acceptable prayer aligns with God's revealed will?
- What does Christ's intercession perfectly conforming to the Father's will teach about praying in Jesus' name?
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Analysis & Commentary
'He burnt sweet incense thereon' (וַיַּקְטֵר עָלָיו קְטֹרֶת סַמִּים, vayaqter alav qetoret samim, caused fragrant incense to ascend)—the Hebrew קָטַר (qatar, to burn incense/cause smoke to ascend) emphasizes upward motion toward God. The 'sweet incense' (קְטֹרֶת סַמִּים, qetoret samim, fragrant spice incense) followed a specific recipe (Exodus 30:34-38), teaching that prayer must be according to God's will, not selfish desire (1 John 5:14). The 6th 'as the LORD commanded Moses' underscores obedience. Christ's intercession, perfectly aligned with the Father's will (John 17), is our fragrant offering.