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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 30:1–10. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
I.The orders given concerning the altar of incense are,
1.That it was to be made of wood, and covered with gold, pure gold, about a yard high and half a yard square, with horns at the corners, a golden cornice round it, with rings and staves of gold, for the convenience of carrying it, Exo 30:1-5. It does not appear that there was any grate to this altar for the ashes to fall into, that they might be taken away; but, when they burnt incense, a golden censer was brought with coals in it, and placed upon the altar, and in that censer the incense was burnt, and with it all the coals were taken away, so that no coals nor ashes fell upon the altar. The measure of the altar of incense in Ezekiel's temple is double to what it is here (Eze 41:22), and it is there called an altar of wood, and there is no mention of gold, to signify that the incense, in gospel times, should be spiritual, the worship plain, and the service of God enlarged, for in every place incense should be offered, Mal 1:11.
2.That it was to be placed before the veil, on the outside of that partition, but before the mercy-seat, which was within the veil, Exo 30:6. For though he that ministered at the altar could not see the mercy-seat, the veil interposing, yet he must look towards it, and direct his incense that way, to teach us that though we cannot with our bodily eyes see the throne of grace, that blessed mercy-seat (for it is such a throne of glory that God, in compassion to us, holds back the face of it, and spreads a cloud upon it), yet we must in prayer by faith set ourselves before it, direct our prayer, and look up.
3.That Aaron was to burn sweet incense upon this altar, every morning and every evening, about half a pound at a time, which was intended, not only to take away the ill smell of the flesh that was burnt daily on the brazen altar, but for the honour of God, and to show the acceptableness of his people's services to him, and the pleasure which they should take in ministering to him, Exo 30:7, Exo 30:8. As by the offerings on the brazen altar satisfaction was made for what had been done displeasing to God, so, by the offering on this, what they did well was, as it were, recommended to the divine acceptance; for our two great concerns with God are to be acquitted from guilt and accepted as righteous in his sight.
4.That nothing was to be offered upon it but incense, nor any incense but that which was appointed, Exo 30:9. God will have his own service done according to his own appointment, and not otherwise.
5.That this altar should be purified with the blood of the sin-offering put upon the horns of it, every year, upon the day of atonement, Exo 30:10. See Lev 16:18, Lev 16:19. The high priest was to take this in his way, as he came out from the holy of holies. This was to intimate to them that the sins of the priests who ministered at this altar, and of the people for whom they ministered, put a ceremonial impurity upon it, from which it must be cleansed by the blood of atonement.
II.This incense-altar typified,
1.The mediation of Christ. The brazen altar in the court was a type of Christ dying on earth; the golden altar in the sanctuary was a type of Christ interceding in heaven, in virtue of his satisfaction. This altar was before the mercy-seat; for Christ always appears in the presence of God for us; he is our advocate with the father (Jo1 2:1), and his intercession is unto God of a sweet-smelling savour. This altar had a crown fixed to it; for Christ intercedes as king. Father, I will, Joh 17:24.
2.The devotions of the saints, whose prayers are said to be set forth before God as incense, Psa 141:2. As the smoke of the incense ascended, so much our desires towards God rise in prayer, being kindled with the fire of holy love and other pious affections. When the priest was burning incense the people were praying (Luk 1:10), to signify that prayer is the true incense. This incense was offered daily, it was a perpetual incense (Exo 30:8); for we must pray always, that is, we must keep up stated times for prayer every day, morning and evening, at least, and never omit it, but thus pray without ceasing. The lamps were dressed or lighted at the same time that the incense was burnt, to teach us that the reading of the scriptures (which are our light and lamp) is a part of our daily work, and should ordinarily accompany our prayers and praises. When we speak to God we must hear what God says to us, and thus the communion is complete. The devotions of sanctified souls are well-pleasing to God, of a sweet-smelling savour; the prayers of saints are compared to sweet odours (Rev 5:8), but it is the incense which Christ adds to them that makes them acceptable (Rev 8:3), and his blood that atones for the guilt which cleaves to our best services. And, if the heart and life be not holy, even incense is an abomination (Isa 1:13), and he that offers it is as if he blessed an idol, Isa 66:3.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
An altar to burn incense: This burning of incense was an emblem of prayer, ascending to God from an inflamed heart. See Ps. 140. 2; Apoc. 5. 8, and 8. 4.
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Summary
Exodus 30:1 introduces the divine command for the construction of the Altar of Incense, a distinct and sacred piece of furniture within the Tabernacle's Holy Place. Crafted from durable shittim wood, this altar was specifically designated for the daily burning of fragrant incense, symbolizing the ascending prayers, worship, and intercessions of God's people. Its strategic placement directly before the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place underscored its vital role in facilitating intimate communion and continuous access to the divine presence.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 30:1 is situated within the meticulously detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, which began in Exodus 25. Prior chapters have outlined the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altar of Burnt Offering, along with the Tabernacle's structure itself. The command for the Incense Altar, along with the Laver, anointing oil, and other regulations in the subsequent verses of Exodus 30, completes the primary furnishings for the Holy Place and the courtyard. This precise ordering, moving from the most holy objects within the Most Holy Place outward, yet reserving the Incense Altar for a distinct instruction, emphasizes its unique and intimate function in daily worship, serving as a constant intercessory link to God's immediate presence.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Israelites, recently liberated from Egyptian servitude, were a nomadic people journeying through the wilderness. Their worship, previously informal, was now being formalized and centralized around a portable sanctuary, the Tabernacle, designed to house God's presence among them. The specified material, shittim wood (acacia), was highly practical for this desert environment, being readily available and renowned for its extreme durability, resistance to decay, and hardness. This choice of material ensured the sacred objects could withstand the rigors of travel and time, symbolizing the enduring nature of God's covenant and the permanence of His commands amidst a transient existence. While the concept of altars and offerings was common in the ancient Near East, the precise design and unique function of the Incense Altar distinguished Israel's worship as divinely ordained and set apart from pagan practices, with the daily burning of incense exclusively linked to the worship of Yahweh, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to a holy God, as echoed in later biblical texts like Psalm 141:2.
Key Themes
Exodus 30:1 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of Divine Presence and Access, showing God's desire to dwell among His people and provide a structured means for them to approach Him. The altar's placement at the threshold of the Most Holy Place underscores the intimacy of this access. Secondly, it highlights the theme of Holy Worship and Obedience, emphasizing that worship is not arbitrary but must conform precisely to God's revealed will, down to the materials and dimensions. This meticulous instruction underscores God's holiness and the reverence due to Him. Finally, it develops the theme of Intercession and Communion, as the burning incense symbolizes the continuous prayers and praises of the people ascending to God, establishing a dynamic and ongoing relationship between the Creator and His covenant people. This theme is further developed in passages like Exodus 30:7-8.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From זָבַח; an altar. This term, derived from a root meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice," generally refers to a raised structure for offerings. In this specific context, while sharing the same root as the sacrificial altar, it denotes a structure exclusively for burning incense. This highlights a distinct dimension of worship—not atonement through blood, but adoration, intercession, and fellowship through fragrant smoke, subtly suggesting that even prayer is an offering to God.
From קָטָר; a fumigation; (sweet) incense, perfume. This word refers to the fragrant, aromatic mixture that was burned on the altar. Its very nature—producing a rising, pleasant smoke—is central to its symbolic meaning, representing the prayers and praises of God's people ascending to Him as a pleasing aroma, a concept echoed in Revelation 5:8.
Feminine of a derivative (only in the plural שִׁטִּים; meaning the sticks of wood) from the same as שֹׁטֵט; the acacia (from its scourging thorns); shittah, shittim. This refers to acacia wood, a hard, dense, and remarkably durable timber common in the Sinai peninsula. Its resistance to insects and decay made it an ideal material for the sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle, symbolizing the enduring, incorruptible, and steadfast nature of God's presence, His covenant, and the divine commands given to Israel.
Verse Breakdown
"And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon:"
This opening clause conveys a direct, authoritative divine command from God to Moses. The instruction to "make an altar" immediately establishes its purpose and sacred function. The specific qualifier "to burn incense upon" is crucial, distinguishing this altar from the larger Altar of Burnt Offering in the outer courtyard. This altar's exclusive purpose was for the continuous offering of fragrant smoke, signifying a unique and intimate aspect of communion with God: the ascending prayers, praises, and intercessions of His people.
"[of] shittim wood shalt thou make it."
This specifies the precise material for the altar's construction. The deliberate choice of shittim (acacia) wood, known for its exceptional durability and resistance to decay in the harsh desert environment, underscores the permanence and sacredness of the object. It implies that the worship and prayers represented by this altar were intended to be enduring and steadfast, a perpetual offering before the Lord. The divine specification of material, like all other Tabernacle details, signifies that human worship must align with God's revealed will and is not left to human discretion.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device evident in Exodus 30:1, and indeed throughout the Tabernacle instructions, is Symbolism. The Incense Altar itself is a profound symbol. Its strategic placement within the Holy Place, directly before the veil leading to the Most Holy Place, symbolizes the close proximity of prayer to God's immediate presence and the means by which humanity can draw near to the divine. The act of burning incense, producing a continuous, ascending aroma, symbolizes the prayers, praises, and intercessions of God's people rising to Him as a pleasing fragrance (Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 5:8). Furthermore, the consistent use of Shittim Wood across key Tabernacle furnishings is symbolic of durability, incorruptibility, and the enduring nature of God's commands and the worship offered to Him. The meticulous Divine Instruction itself, with its precise details for construction, emphasizes God's sovereignty over worship and the importance of reverent obedience in approaching Him.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 30:1, in commanding the construction of the Incense Altar, reveals profound theological truths about access to God, the nature of prayer, and the sanctity of divine worship. The altar's placement at the very threshold of the Most Holy Place signifies that prayer is the divinely ordained means of drawing near to God's presence, a privilege granted to His covenant people. The continuous burning of incense underscores the importance of persistent, fervent, and heartfelt prayer, not as a mere ritual, but as a vital expression of dependence, adoration, and intercession. This act of worship, pleasing to God, foreshadows the ultimate access provided through Christ. Theologically, it teaches that true worship is not haphazard or human-centric but must conform precisely to God's revealed will, emphasizing His holiness and the reverence due to Him in all approaches.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 30:1, though detailing an ancient ritual object, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers, illuminating the profound significance of prayer in our spiritual lives. The Incense Altar, positioned as a gateway to God's presence, serves as a powerful reminder that prayer is not an optional add-on to our faith but a central and indispensable discipline for cultivating intimate communion with the Divine. Just as the incense ascended continually, our prayers should be a regular, persistent, and heartfelt offering to God, a "pleasing aroma" in His nostrils. The inherent durability of the shittim wood, chosen for its incorruptibility, serves as a powerful metaphor for the steadfastness required in our spiritual walk and the enduring nature of our relationship with the Lord. This verse calls us to intentionality and reverence in our prayer lives, recognizing that our access to God is a sacred privilege, not to be taken lightly. It encourages us to cultivate a consistent practice of bringing our petitions, praises, confessions, and intercessions before God, trusting that He hears and delights in the sincere prayers of His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was there a separate altar for incense, distinct from the Altar of Burnt Offering?
The two altars served distinct, yet complementary, functions within the Tabernacle. The Altar of Burnt Offering, located in the outer courtyard, was for animal sacrifices, symbolizing atonement for sin and consecration, addressing the problem of human guilt. The Incense Altar, however, was placed in the Holy Place, inside the Tabernacle, directly before the veil to the Most Holy Place. Its purpose was solely for burning fragrant incense, which symbolized the prayers and worship of the people ascending to God. This distinction highlights that while atonement (through sacrifice) is foundational for approaching God, ongoing communion, adoration, and intercession (through prayer) are also essential and distinct aspects of a living relationship with Him. The Incense Altar represented the sweet aroma of devotion that continually rose before the Lord, signifying the vital role of prayer in maintaining fellowship with a holy God.
What is the significance of "shittim wood" in the construction of the Incense Altar?
"Shittim wood" refers to acacia wood, a material readily available in the Sinai desert. Its significance lies in its remarkable properties: it is exceptionally hard, dense, and highly resistant to decay and insects. This made it an ideal and practical choice for the sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle, which needed to be durable for transport and long-lasting in a harsh environment. Symbolically, the use of such incorruptible wood for the Incense Altar, as well as for the Ark of the Covenant and other key elements, represented the enduring, unchanging, and incorruptible nature of God's presence, His covenant, and the divine commands given to His people. It underscored the permanence of the spiritual realities associated with the Tabernacle and the steadfastness of God's relationship with Israel.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The Incense Altar, with its daily offering of fragrant smoke ascending before God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in the person and mediatorial work of Jesus Christ. While the altar symbolized the prayers of God's people, it also powerfully pointed to the inherent human inability to perfectly approach a holy God and the desperate need for a perfect intercessor. Our own prayers, tainted by sin, could not perfectly ascend to a holy God. Christ, however, is our Great High Priest, who "always lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). His perfect life, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and victorious resurrection provide the ultimate "pleasing aroma" to God, making our imperfect prayers acceptable in His sight. Just as the incense was burned on an altar overlaid with pure gold, symbolizing divinity and purity, Christ's intercession is pure, perfect, and eternally effective. He is the "new and living way" through the torn veil, granting us direct and confident access to the very presence of God (Hebrews 10:19-20), so that our prayers, offered in His name and through His merit, rise as a spiritual sacrifice, a "fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God" (Philippians 4:18). He is the true altar, the true incense, and the true High Priest, enabling genuine communion between God and humanity.