Exodus 40:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 40:5
5 And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.
Chapter Context
Exodus 40 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, worship, covenant. 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 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 40:5
5 And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.
Analysis
The golden incense altar 'before the ark' (לִפְנֵי אֲרוֹן, lifnei aron) positioned prayer closest to God's presence (though separated by the veil). The 'hanging for the door' (מָסַךְ הַפֶּתַח, masakh haPetach, screen of entrance) separated the Holy Place from the courtyard, creating graduated holiness—courtyard, Holy Place, Most Holy Place. This teaches that approaching God involves increasing consecration. The incense altar's position teaches that prayer brings believers nearest to God. Christ, our Intercessor (Hebrews 7:25), stands perpetually 'before the ark,' pleading our case.
Historical Context
The incense altar stood directly before the veil (Exodus 30:6), closer to the ark than any other furniture. When the high priest burned incense, its fragrant smoke filled the Holy Place and penetrated the veil into the Most Holy Place. The door's hanging screened the Holy Place from common view.
Reflection
- What does the incense altar's position (closest to God's presence) teach about prayer's supreme importance?
- How do graduated holiness zones illustrate the believer's progressive sanctification?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: John 14:6, Hebrews 9:24