Exodus 35:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 35:15
15 And the incense altar, and his staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle,
Chapter Context
Exodus 35 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, prayer, mercy. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 35:15
15 And the incense altar, and his staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle,
Analysis
The ark of testimony (אֲרוֹן הָעֵדֻת, aron ha-edut) was the covenant chest containing the law tablets, representing God's throne on earth and the foundation of His dwelling among Israel. The mercy seat (כַּפֹּרֶת, kapporet, from כָּפַר, kaphar, 'to atone') covered the law with blood once yearly, demonstrating that mercy triumphs over judgment through substitutionary sacrifice. This is the purest Old Testament picture of propitiation, fulfilled when Christ became our mercy seat (Romans 3:25, ἱλαστήριον, hilasterion).
Historical Context
The ark measured approximately 3.75' × 2.25' × 2.25', overlaid with pure gold inside and out. It contained the stone tablets (Deuteronomy 10:2), Aaron's rod (Numbers 17:10), and a pot of manna (Exodus 16:33-34). God's presence manifested between the cherubim on its lid.
Reflection
- How does the mercy seat covering the law illustrate the relationship between God's justice and His mercy?
- In what ways does the ark's contents (law, manna, Aaron's rod) testify to God's covenant faithfulness?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice