Exodus 30:3

KJV

And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt overlay {H6823} it with pure {H2889} gold {H2091}, the top {H1406} thereof, and the sides {H7023} thereof round about {H5439}, and the horns {H7161} thereof; and thou shalt make {H6213} unto it a crown {H2213} of gold {H2091} round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Overlay it with pure gold - its top, all around its sides, and its horns; and put around it a molding of gold.

Berean Standard Bible

Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns, and make a molding of gold around it.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 30:3 meticulously outlines God's divine instructions for the construction of the Altar of Incense, a pivotal furnishing within the Tabernacle's Holy Place. This verse specifically commands that the altar's top, sides, and horns be overlaid with pure gold, and that a golden crown or molding be fashioned around its perimeter. These precise specifications underscore the altar's profound sacredness, symbolizing the unblemished holiness of God's presence, the preciousness and efficacy of prayer and intercession, and the divine glory inherent in drawing near to the Almighty. The lavish golden covering signifies the altar's set-apart status and its indispensable role in the daily worship life of Israel, emphasizing the reverence, purity, and honor required in communion with a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The command in Exodus 30:3 is situated within a broader, highly detailed series of divine blueprints given to Moses on Mount Sinai for the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle, Israel's portable sanctuary. This section of Exodus (chapters 25-31) systematically describes each component, moving from the innermost and most sacred elements outward. Following the intricate designs for the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-10-22 "Exodus 25:10-22 - The Ark of the Covenant"), the [Table of Showbread](/exodus/25-23-30 "Exodus 25:23-30 - The Table of Showbread"), and the [Golden Lampstand](/exodus/25-31-40 "Exodus 25:31-40 - The Golden Lampstand") in previous chapters, [Exodus 30](/exodus/30 "Exodus 30 - The Altar of Incense and Other Instructions") introduces the Altar of Incense. Verses [Exodus 30:1-2](/exodus/30-1-2 "Exodus 30:1-2 - Dimensions and Construction of the Altar of Incense") first detail its acacia wood construction and dimensions, establishing its physical form before verse 3 specifies its opulent gold overlay. This meticulous attention to material and ornamentation highlights God's demand for perfection, purity, and holiness in all aspects of worship, setting the stage for the altar's sacred function of burning incense, which is elaborated upon in [Exodus 30:7-8](/exodus/30-7-8 "Exodus 30:7-8 - Daily Burning of Incense"), where Aaron is commanded to burn fragrant incense daily, morning and evening, a perpetual offering before the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, the Tabernacle served as the tangible epicenter of Israelite worship during their wilderness wanderings, embodying God's covenantal presence among His chosen people. The consistent use of "pure gold" for the Altar of Incense, as well as for other supremely sacred vessels like the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-11 "Exodus 25:11 - The Ark Overlaid with Gold") and the [Lampstand](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25:31 - The Golden Lampstand"), was not merely for aesthetic grandeur but carried profound symbolic weight. In the ancient Near East, gold was universally revered as a precious, incorruptible, and enduring metal, signifying royalty, divinity, purity, and immense value. Its application here underscores the supreme worth and inherent holiness of the divine presence and the acts of worship performed before Him. Furthermore, the "horns" on the altar's corners held significant cultural and religious meaning. In many ancient cultures, including Israel's, horns symbolized strength, power, and often served as points of refuge or atonement, as seen in the practice of applying blood to them during sin offerings ([Leviticus 4:7](/leviticus/4-7 "Leviticus 4:7 - Blood on the Altar Horns")). The entire design, divinely revealed, distinguished Israelite worship from surrounding pagan practices while utilizing universally understood symbols to convey profound theological truths about God's nature and the proper approach to Him.
* **Key Themes:** The instructions for the Altar of Incense in [Exodus 30](/exodus/30 "Exodus 30 - The Altar of Incense and Other Instructions") contribute to several overarching themes present throughout the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Divine Holiness and Presence**, emphasized by the pure gold overlay and the altar's proximity to the Most Holy Place. This highlights God's absolute transcendence and His demand for purity in all approaches to Him, a concept foundational to the entire Tabernacle design. Closely related is the theme of **Worship and Atonement**, as the altar facilitates the offering of incense, symbolizing prayer and intercession, which is intrinsically linked to the sacrificial system that atones for sin. The meticulous details of its construction also underscore the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Exact Obedience**, demonstrating that God dictates the terms of worship, leaving no room for human improvisation. Finally, the altar anticipates the theme of **Mediation and Access to God**, as it serves as a point of communion where humanity can draw near to the divine, foreshadowing the ultimate mediator. The daily burning of incense, as commanded in [Exodus 30:7-8](/exodus/30-7-8 "Exodus 30:7-8 - Daily Burning of Incense"), also reinforces the theme of **Perpetual Communion** and the ongoing need for intercession.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pure (Hebrew, _ṭâhôwr'_ H2889):** This word signifies a state of being clean, unblemished, or undefiled, whether in a physical, chemical, ceremonial, or moral sense. When applied to gold, as here, it emphasizes the highest quality and absolute purity of the material, free from any alloy or impurity. In the context of the Tabernacle, "pure" consistently underscores the sacredness and holiness required for anything associated with God's presence, signifying that only the most unblemished and set-apart elements are suitable for divine service and communion.
* **Horns (Hebrew, _qeren'_ H7161):** Derived from a root meaning "to project," this term refers to the four projections extending from the corners of the altar. Beyond their literal meaning, horns in biblical and ancient Near Eastern contexts are powerful symbols of strength, power, and authority. They also held crucial ritualistic significance, serving as points for the application of sacrificial blood in atonement ceremonies, signifying the power of the sacrifice to cleanse and reconcile. Their golden overlay on the Altar of Incense further elevates their symbolic meaning, connecting divine power, authority, and atonement with the act of prayer and intercession.
* **Crown (Hebrew, _zêr'_ H2213):** This word refers to a molding, border, or chaplet that encircles the top of the altar. While often translated "crown," implying royalty, its primary function here is to define and delineate the sacred space of the altar's top surface, potentially preventing incense from falling off and clearly marking it as set apart. It symbolizes the altar's exalted status, honor, and consecrated purpose as a holy vessel dedicated exclusively to God's service, distinguishing it from common objects and emphasizing its unique and vital role in the Tabernacle's worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold":** This is a direct, imperative divine command to Moses, specifying the material for the altar's outer covering. The choice of "pure gold" is paramount, communicating the immense value, incorruptibility, and sacredness of the altar's function in facilitating communion with God. It implies that only the most precious, untainted, and refined material is suitable for an object so intimately connected with divine worship, reflecting the perfection and holiness of the God being approached.
* **"the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof":** This clause provides comprehensive and meticulous instructions, ensuring that the pure gold overlay covers every significant external surface of the altar. The explicit inclusion of the "horns" highlights their importance beyond mere structural elements, indicating that their symbolic power, representing strength, authority, and atonement, is also to be enveloped in divine glory and purity. This precise detailing underscores God's demand for perfection, completeness, and thoroughness in the Tabernacle's construction and the worship conducted within it.
* **"and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about":** This final instruction specifies an additional golden adornment—a molding or border encircling the altar's top surface. This "crown" serves both a practical purpose (e.g., containing the incense) and a profound symbolic one, further distinguishing the altar as a consecrated item of honor, authority, and sanctity within the Holy Place. It sets the altar apart for its unique and vital role in the daily worship of Israel, emphasizing its exalted status as a vessel for communion with the divine.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. **Symbolism** is preeminent, with "pure gold" serving as a powerful symbol of divine glory, absolute holiness, preciousness, and incorruptibility. Its presence emphasizes the sacredness and purity required in approaching God. The "horns" are symbolic of strength, power, and atonement, linking the act of prayer and intercession to God's mighty intervention and the efficacy of sacrifice. The "crown" symbolizes honor, distinction, and the altar's consecrated, exalted status. The **precision** and **meticulous detail** of the divine instructions themselves function as a literary device, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty, His divine order, and His demand for exact obedience in worship. This exhaustive attention to every surface and feature of the altar underscores the profound theological truth that every aspect of humanity's approach to God matters and must align with His divine, unblemished standard. The **repetition** of "round about" (Hebrew: *çâbîyb*) further emphasizes the complete and encompassing nature of the golden overlay and the crown, reinforcing the idea of total consecration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Altar of Incense, meticulously overlaid with pure gold and positioned in the Holy Place before the veil, powerfully communicates the themes of divine holiness, the preciousness of prayer, and the privileged access believers have to God. Its placement signifies that prayer is the primary means by which humanity draws near to the divine presence. The rising smoke of incense, a "sweet-smelling aroma" before God, symbolizes the ascent of the prayers of the saints, accepted and cherished by the Almighty. This altar, therefore, is a tangible reminder that genuine, pure-hearted intercession is not only heard but is deeply valued in the heavenly courts, serving as a vital conduit for communion between God and His people, a perpetual offering that brings delight to the divine.

* [Revelation 5:8](/revelation/5-8 "Revelation 5:8 - Prayers of the Saints as Incense")
* [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed construction of the Altar of Incense, particularly its covering of pure gold, offers profound insights and challenges for contemporary believers. It serves as a potent reminder that our communion with God, primarily expressed through prayer and intercession, is an incredibly sacred, precious, and privileged act. Just as the altar was set apart, purified, and adorned with the most valuable material, so too should our hearts, intentions, and words be when we approach the divine throne. This calls for intentionality, sincerity, reverence, and a continuous pursuit of purity in our prayer lives, recognizing that our prayers ascend as a "sweet aroma" to God, not based on their eloquence, but on the purity of heart and the mediation of Christ. The altar's golden splendor challenges us to consider the immense value we place on our spiritual disciplines and to offer our best to the Lord, knowing that our petitions are not trivial but are esteemed and cherished in His sight, playing a vital role in the unfolding of His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the holiness symbolized by the pure gold altar inform and transform our approach to God in prayer today?**
* **In what practical ways can we cultivate greater purity, intentionality, and reverence in our personal and corporate prayer lives?**
* **Considering the Altar of Incense's perpetual function, how does it encourage us to be persistent and fervent in our prayer and intercession for others and for God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Altar of Incense made of gold, unlike the Altar of Burnt Offering in the courtyard?**

Answer: The significant distinction in materials for the two altars—pure gold for the Altar of Incense versus bronze for the Altar of Burnt Offering—reflects their differing locations, functions, and proximity to God's immediate presence within the Tabernacle. The Altar of Incense stood in the Holy Place, directly before the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant resided, symbolizing God's throne. Its purpose was to offer fragrant incense, which biblically symbolizes the ascending prayers of the saints ([Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3-4 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Incense with the Prayers of the Saints")). Because it was so intimately connected with the divine presence and the spiritual act of communion, it needed to be covered in "pure gold," signifying the absolute holiness, preciousness, incorruptibility, and divine glory associated with direct, unblemished access to God. In stark contrast, the Altar of Burnt Offering, located in the outer courtyard ([Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - The Altar of Burnt Offering")), was made of bronze. Its function was to offer animal sacrifices for atonement, dealing with sin, blood, and judgment. Bronze, while durable and resistant to the elements, was a less precious metal, suitable for the more public, messy, and blood-stained work of atonement in the outer court, whereas gold was reserved for the inner sanctuary, emphasizing purity, glory, and the spiritual act of worship and intercession before God's immediate presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous design of the Altar of Incense, particularly its pure gold overlay and its function in presenting acceptable fragrance before God, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the earthly altar facilitated the prayers of Israel, it profoundly foreshadowed the one, true High Priest who would forever bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. Jesus, our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), does not merely offer incense; He *is* the perfect, pure, and unblemished offering, and He continually lives to make [intercession for us](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Perpetual Intercession") before the Father's throne. His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, symbolized by the blood applied to the altar's horns, grants us [bold and confident access](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest") to the heavenly sanctuary, not through an earthly veil, but through the [new and living way](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - The New and Living Way") opened by His torn body. Our prayers, offered in His name and through His perfect mediation, become a "sweet-smelling aroma" to God ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")), perfectly acceptable because they are presented by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who has already taken away the sin of the world. Thus, the golden Altar of Incense points profoundly to Christ as the sole means by which humanity can truly draw near to a holy God, in purity, power, and everlasting acceptance.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 25:11

And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.

Exodus 25:24

And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, and make thereto a crown of gold round about.