What was the primary function of the incense altar mentioned in this verse?

The incense altar, often referred to as the golden altar, was a key piece of furniture located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, positioned directly before the veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place. Its primary function was for the daily burning of "sweet incense" by the priests, both in the morning and evening. This practice was deeply symbolic, representing the prayers and worship of the Israelites ascending to God, serving as a continuous reminder of the people's communion and devotion to their Creator. Unlike the larger bronze altar of burnt offering in the outer courtyard, the incense altar was not used for animal sacrifices but exclusively for the offering of fragrant smoke, signifying devotion, intercession, and the pleasing aroma of God's people's prayers. Detailed instructions for its construction and use are found in Exodus 30:1-10.

What did the anointing oil symbolize in the Tabernacle's context?

The anointing oil was a specially prepared, holy oil, whose unique recipe was divinely prescribed. Its use was central to the consecration of the Tabernacle, all its furnishings, and the priests (Aaron and his sons), setting them apart exclusively for sacred service to Yahweh. The anointing symbolized sanctification, divine appointment, and the impartation of God's Spirit and authority for a specific, holy purpose. By being anointed, objects and individuals were made holy, dedicated solely to God and His sacred purposes, signifying their separation from common use and their dedication to His will. The composition and sacredness of this holy anointing oil are detailed in Exodus 30:22-33, emphasizing its unique and consecrated nature.

35:14 35:14

Exodus 35:15

35:16 35:16

Bible Versions

And the incense altar, and his staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle,

And the incense {H7004} altar {H4196}, and his staves {H905}, and the anointing {H4888} oil {H8081}, and the sweet {H5561} incense {H7004}, and the hanging {H4539} for the door at the entering in {H6607} of the tabernacle {H4908},

the incense altar with its poles; the anointing oil; the fragrant incense; the screen for the entranceway at the entrance to the tabernacle;

the altar of incense with its poles; the anointing oil and fragrant incense; the curtain for the doorway at the entrance to the tabernacle;

and the altar of incense, and its staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the screen for the door, at the door of the tabernacle;

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Exodus 30:1

¶ And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: [of] shittim wood shalt thou make it.
Exodus 30:10

And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it [is] most holy unto the LORD.
Exodus 37:25

¶ And he made the incense altar [of] shittim wood: the length of it [was] a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; [it was] foursquare; and two cubits [was] the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same.
Exodus 37:28

And he made the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.
Exodus 36:37

And he made an hanging for the tabernacle door [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of needlework;
Exodus 36:38

And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets [were of] brass.
Exodus 30:22

¶ Moreover the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Bible Versions

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