Exodus 39:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 39:38
38 And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,
Chapter Context
Exodus 39 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, redemption, judgment. 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 21-43: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 39:38
38 And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,
Analysis
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).
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 30:7