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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.
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Summary
Exodus 30:2 provides the precise divine specifications for the Altar of Incense, a sacred furnishing located within the Tabernacle's Holy Place. This verse meticulously outlines its compact dimensions—one cubit in length and breadth, forming a perfect square, and two cubits in height—along with the crucial detail that horns were to be integral to its structure. These exact measurements and features underscore God's demand for order, holiness, and perfection in all aspects of His worship and the design of His dwelling among His people.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 30:2 is an integral part of a larger block of divine instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, which commences in Exodus 25. Specifically, this verse immediately follows the initial command to construct the Altar of Incense in Exodus 30:1, initiating the detailed blueprint for this particular object. It is crucial to distinguish this Altar of Incense from the much larger Altar of Burnt Offering, whose specifications were given earlier in Exodus 27:1-8 and which stood in the Tabernacle's outer court. The Altar of Incense, strategically positioned directly before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, served a unique and distinct function related to daily prayer and intercession, setting the stage for its prescribed use outlined in subsequent verses such as Exodus 30:7-8.
Historical & Cultural Context
The practice of constructing temples and altars according to precise, often divinely revealed, instructions was a common feature of ancient Near Eastern cultures, where such structures were considered dwelling places for deities. However, the unparalleled meticulousness and detail of Yahweh's instructions for the Tabernacle, including the Altar of Incense, set it apart from typical human designs, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, holiness, and the unique nature of His covenant with Israel. The "cubit" (approximately 18 inches or 45 cm) was a widely accepted standard unit of measurement, derived from the human forearm. Its application here by divine command underscores God's authority over even the most minute details of His worship. The inclusion of "horns" on altars was also a known architectural feature in various ancient cultures, often symbolizing strength, power, or providing a place of refuge. For Israel, these horns held profound significance, serving as a point of refuge for those seeking sanctuary, as illustrated by Adonijah's desperate act in 1 Kings 1:50, and as a critical element in atonement rituals, with blood being applied to them on the Day of Atonement, as detailed in Leviticus 16:18.
Key Themes
Exodus 30:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. The theme of Divine Presence and Dwelling is central, as the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, including this altar, are all geared toward creating a holy space where God could "dwell among" His people (Exodus 25:8). The meticulousness of the dimensions reinforces the theme of Divine Order and Holiness, demonstrating that God's character demands precision and purity in all approaches to Him. Furthermore, the Altar of Incense, with its specific purpose of offering fragrant smoke, introduces the theme of Prayer and Intercession, highlighting its vital role in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The inclusion of "horns" subtly foreshadows the theme of Atonement and Refuge, connecting the daily offering of incense to the broader sacrificial system necessary for maintaining fellowship with a holy God.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H520) refers to a standard unit of length in the ancient world, derived from the forearm (elbow to fingertip), typically ranging from 18 to 22 inches. Its repeated use throughout the Tabernacle instructions, including here for the Altar of Incense, emphasizes the divine precision and exactitude required in constructing God's dwelling place. Every dimension was divinely ordained, leaving no room for human improvisation or approximation, reflecting God's orderly and holy character.
This word (H7251), derived from a root meaning "to be four-sided," describes something perfectly square or quadrilateral. In the context of the Altar of Incense, it signifies perfect symmetry, stability, and completeness from all sides. The "foursquare" design is also notably seen in the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus 28:16) and later in the description of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:16), often symbolizing perfection, divine order, and universal accessibility or presence.
These projections (H7161) from the four corners of the altar were made of the same material as the altar itself. In biblical thought and ancient Near Eastern cultures, horns universally symbolized strength, power, dignity, and authority. On an altar, they could also represent refuge (as those seeking asylum might grasp them) and were crucial for atonement rituals, as blood was applied to them on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 4:7). Their presence on the Altar of Incense connected the ascending prayers with the concept of divine power and the necessity of atonement.
Verse Breakdown
"A cubit [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be:"
This clause establishes the horizontal dimensions of the Altar of Incense. By specifying identical length and breadth, the text dictates a perfectly square base, signifying a compact and stable foundation. The explicit "foursquare" description highlights its symmetry and completeness, suggesting that its function—the offering of incense and, by extension, prayer—was to be whole, balanced, and complete in all directions before God.
"and two cubits [shall be] the height thereof:"
This phrase specifies the vertical dimension, making the altar twice as tall as it was wide or long. This relative height would have made the altar stand out, elevating the incense offering. The overall dimensions (1x1x2 cubits) indicate a relatively small, intimate piece of furniture, emphasizing its specific and focused purpose within the Holy Place, which was distinct from the large, imposing Altar of Burnt Offering in the outer court.
"the horns thereof [shall be] of the same."
This final phrase indicates that the horns, which projected from each of the four corners, were not merely decorative additions but were to be integral to the altar's structure, fashioned from the same acacia wood and overlaid with gold, as specified in Exodus 30:3. This signifies that the power, authority, and atoning symbolism associated with the horns were intrinsically linked to the altar's very being and purpose, making them inseparable from its function.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Exodus 30:2 is Symbolism. The precise dimensions themselves are deeply symbolic: the "foursquare" design represents completeness, stability, and divine order, suggesting that God's presence and the prayers offered to Him are perfectly balanced and encompassing. The "horns" are potent symbols of strength, power, and authority, but also of refuge and atonement, subtly linking the efficacy of prayer to divine power and the necessity of sacrificial reconciliation. Furthermore, the Precision of the measurements (cubit, foursquare, specific height) serves as a literary device highlighting God's meticulousness and His demand for absolute adherence to His divine blueprint. This emphasis on exactitude underscores the sacredness and holiness of the Tabernacle and all its components, conveying the profound reverence required in approaching a holy God.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The precise description of the Altar of Incense in Exodus 30:2 reveals profound theological truths about God's character and the nature of worship. God is a God of order, precision, and holiness, demanding that His dwelling place and the means of approaching Him reflect His perfect nature. The "foursquare" design speaks to the completeness and stability of His divine presence, while the "horns" subtly introduce the themes of power, refuge, and the necessity of atonement, even on an altar primarily associated with prayer. This altar, though small, was strategically placed before the veil, emphasizing the centrality and importance of prayer and intercession in drawing near to God, and connecting the daily ascending incense to the broader system of atonement.
Reflection and Application
The detailed instructions for the Altar of Incense, down to its exact dimensions and the presence of horns, offer rich lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our approach to God should be marked by reverence, intentionality, and a profound understanding of His holy character. Just as the altar was "foursquare," symbolizing completeness and stability, our lives of worship and prayer should strive for integrity and consistency, reflecting the wholeness found in Christ. The altar's central placement in the Holy Place, before the veil, underscores the vital and central role of prayer in our spiritual lives. Our prayers, like the ascending incense, are a fragrant offering to God, and they are empowered by the atoning work of Christ, subtly symbolized by the horns. This passage encourages us to cultivate a disciplined and continuous prayer life, recognizing that through Christ, we have constant, privileged access to the very presence of God, and our prayers are made acceptable through Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the primary difference between the Altar of Incense and the Altar of Burnt Offering?
The primary difference lay in their location, size, material, and purpose. The Altar of Burnt Offering (Exodus 27:1-8) was a much larger bronze altar located in the outer court of the Tabernacle, primarily used for animal sacrifices to atone for sin. In contrast, the Altar of Incense (Exodus 30:1-10) was a smaller, gold-overlaid acacia wood altar situated in the Holy Place, just before the veil to the Most Holy Place. Its purpose was solely for burning fragrant incense morning and evening, symbolizing the ascending prayers of God's people (Psalm 141:2).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The Altar of Incense, with its precise dimensions and integral horns, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the altar itself was designed for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the saints ascending to God, the horns pointed to the necessity of atonement and the divine power associated with God's presence. Jesus, as our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), is the one through whom our prayers ascend to God, made fragrant and acceptable by His perfect sacrifice on the cross. He is the ultimate "foursquare" reality, embodying divine perfection, unwavering stability, and spiritual completeness, providing the sole and sufficient means by which we can approach a holy God. The symbolism of the horns, representing both power and atonement, is perfectly realized in Christ's shed blood, which provides true refuge and complete forgiveness for sin (Colossians 1:20). Through His continuous intercession at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34), Jesus ensures that our prayers are heard and answered, transforming the shadow of the Altar of Incense into the glorious reality of direct, confident access to God's throne of grace (Hebrews 10:19-22).