Exodus 35:15

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:15 details specific items required for the Tabernacle's construction and furnishing, namely the incense altar with its staves, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door of the Tabernacle. This verse is part of Moses' comprehensive call to the Israelites for freewill offerings and skilled craftsmanship, emphasizing the meticulous divine blueprint for God's sacred dwelling place among His people in the wilderness. Each item served a distinct, holy purpose, contributing to the Tabernacle's function as a locus of worship, atonement, and divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 35:15 is situated within a pivotal section of the book of Exodus, specifically from [Exodus 35:4-19](/exodus/35-4 "Exodus 35:4-19 - Call for Offerings and Workers"). Following the detailed divine instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and its furnishings given on Mount Sinai (as recorded in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions")), Moses now relays these commands to the entire congregation of Israel. This passage marks the transition from divine decree to human execution, as Moses calls upon the people to bring their freewill offerings and for those with skilled hearts to come forward and build everything according to God's precise specifications. Verse 15 is part of a comprehensive list of materials and finished articles, reiterating the items previously commanded, underscoring the importance of each component for the Tabernacle's functionality and symbolic meaning. The meticulous enumeration here ensures that nothing is overlooked in the sacred task of creating a dwelling place for God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, recently delivered from Egyptian bondage and having received the Law at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai"), were a nomadic people journeying through the wilderness. The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, was God's chosen means of dwelling among them, symbolizing His continued presence, guidance, and covenant faithfulness. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples and sacred spaces were meticulously constructed to honor deities, often reflecting the cosmic order or the specific attributes of the god. For Israel, the Tabernacle was unique in its portability and its emphasis on a holy God who condescended to dwell among His people. The items listed in [Exodus 35:15](/exodus/35-15 "Exodus 35:15 - Tabernacle Items") were not arbitrary; they were divinely designed, each carrying profound theological significance related to worship, atonement, and access to God. The call for freewill offerings also reflects the communal responsibility and participation in the sacred task, a common practice in ancient temple building, but here imbued with a unique covenantal dimension.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Incense Altar (Hebrew, _mizbaḥ haqqəṭōret_):** This refers to the small, gold-overlaid altar located in the Holy Place, just before the veil leading to the Most Holy Place. Unlike the bronze altar of burnt offering in the courtyard, this altar was specifically for burning "sweet incense" daily, morning and evening. Its placement and material (gold) indicated its sacredness and proximity to God's presence, symbolizing the prayers and worship of the people ascending to God. The "staves" (poles) associated with it, like other Tabernacle furnishings, emphasized its portability, signifying God's dynamic presence moving with His people.
* **Anointing Oil (Hebrew, _šemen hammašḥâ_):** This was a specially prepared, holy oil, whose recipe was divinely prescribed in [Exodus 30:22-33](/exodus/30-22 "Exodus 30:22-33 - The Holy Anointing Oil"). It was used to consecrate the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests (Aaron and his sons), setting them apart exclusively for sacred service to Yahweh. The act of anointing symbolized sanctification, divine appointment, and the impartation of God's Spirit and authority for a specific purpose. Its sacredness was such that its unauthorized duplication or use was strictly forbidden.
* **Hanging (Hebrew, _māsāḵ_):** This term refers to the curtain or screen that served as the entrance to the Tabernacle proper, separating the Holy Place from the outer courtyard. It was distinct from the veil (_paroket_) that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. This "hanging for the door" controlled access to the sacred space, visually marking the threshold between the common outer court and the holy interior where God's presence was more intensely manifested. Its design and material would have been specified elsewhere, contributing to the overall beauty and symbolic meaning of the Tabernacle's access points.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the incense altar, and his staves":** This refers to the altar of incense, a crucial piece of furniture located in the Holy Place. Made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, it was where the priests burned sweet incense daily. The "staves" were poles inserted into rings on the altar, allowing it to be carried by the Levites during Israel's wilderness journeys, emphasizing the portable nature of God's dwelling.
* **"and the anointing oil":** This was a sacred, specially compounded oil used for the consecration of the Tabernacle, all its furnishings, and the priests. Its purpose was to set these persons and objects apart as holy, dedicated exclusively for God's service, symbolizing divine appointment and sanctification.
* **"and the sweet incense":** This refers to the specific, divinely prescribed blend of aromatic spices and resins that was burned on the incense altar. Its pleasant fragrance was a symbol of acceptable worship and the prayers of God's people ascending to Him, and it was to be kept holy, not for common use.
* **"and the hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle":** This describes the curtain that served as the main entrance to the Tabernacle structure itself, distinguishing it from the outer courtyard. This "hanging" controlled access to the Holy Place, signifying the transition from the common to the sacred and emphasizing the holiness of the space within.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 35:15, and indeed throughout [Exodus 35:4-19](/exodus/35-4 "Exodus 35:4-19 - Call for Offerings and Workers"), is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. The verse presents a precise list of items required for the Tabernacle, reflecting the meticulous detail of God's instructions. This serves to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the divine blueprint and the importance of each component. Furthermore, there is significant **Symbolism** embedded within each item. The incense altar symbolizes prayer and worship, the anointing oil signifies consecration and the Holy Spirit, the sweet incense represents acceptable worship and God's presence, and the hanging for the door marks the boundary between the common and the holy, controlling access to God's dwelling. The repetition of "and" (polysyndeton) linking these items reinforces their collective importance as integral parts of a unified, divinely ordained sanctuary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:15, by listing these essential Tabernacle items, underscores several profound theological themes. It highlights God's absolute holiness and His demand for a sacred, consecrated space for His dwelling among His people. The meticulous detail in the divine instructions reveals God's intentionality in establishing a system of worship that both honored Him and provided a means for humanity to approach Him. The items themselves point to the necessity of prayer (incense altar), divine empowerment and setting apart for service (anointing oil), and the regulated access to God's presence (the hanging). These elements collectively teach that approaching a holy God requires specific, divinely ordained means and a posture of reverence and consecration, foreshadowing the ultimate provision for access through Christ.

* [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense")
* [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Incense and Prayers of Saints")
* [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as a Spiritual House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, as seen in Exodus 35:15, serve as a profound reminder of God's holiness and His desire for intentional, reverent worship. For us today, while we no longer build physical tabernacles, the principles endure. Our lives, as temples of the Holy Spirit, are called to be consecrated spaces where God dwells. The "incense altar" reminds us of the constant need for prayer and intercession, a sweet aroma rising to God. The "anointing oil" points to the Holy Spirit's work in setting us apart for God's purposes, empowering us for service and sanctifying our lives. The "hanging for the door" signifies the boundary between the sacred and the profane, urging us to maintain a holy distinction in our walk, recognizing that access to God is a privilege, not a right, and requires a reverent approach. We are called to offer spiritual sacrifices, living lives that reflect the holiness of the God who dwells within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's instructions for the Tabernacle challenge my approach to worship and service today?**
* **In what ways can my daily prayers become more like "sweet incense" rising to God?**
* **How do I practically live out my identity as someone "anointed" and set apart by the Holy Spirit for God's purposes?**
* **Where are the "hangings" or boundaries in my life that distinguish between the sacred and the common, reflecting God's holiness?**

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

Answer: The incense altar, also known as the golden altar, was located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, just before the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place. Its primary function was for burning "sweet incense" daily, in the morning and evening, by the priests. This practice symbolized the prayers and worship of the Israelites ascending to God, serving as a constant reminder of the people's communion with their Creator. Unlike the bronze altar of burnt offering in the courtyard, the incense altar was not for animal sacrifices but for the offering of fragrant smoke, signifying devotion and intercession. Its detailed instructions are found in [Exodus 30:1-10](/exodus/30-1 "Exodus 30:1-10 - The Altar of Incense").

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

Answer: The anointing oil was a specially prepared, holy oil used to consecrate the Tabernacle, all its furnishings, and the priests (Aaron and his sons), setting them apart exclusively for God's service. Its use symbolized sanctification, divine appointment, and the impartation of God's Spirit and authority for a specific purpose. By anointing, objects and individuals were made holy, dedicated solely to Yahweh and His sacred purposes. The recipe for this holy anointing oil is given in [Exodus 30:22-33](/exodus/30-22 "Exodus 30:22-33 - The Holy Anointing Oil"), emphasizing its unique and sacred nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The items listed in Exodus 35:15 find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The **incense altar** and the **sweet incense**, symbolizing the ascending prayers and acceptable worship, are fully realized in Christ, who is our great High Priest and intercessor. His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and ongoing intercession for us make our prayers acceptable to God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession"); [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes")). He is the true fragrance of Christ, a pleasing aroma to God ([2 Corinthians 2:15](/2_corinthians/2-15 "2 Corinthians 2:15 - The Aroma of Christ")). The **anointing oil**, signifying consecration and the Holy Spirit, points directly to Christ, the "Anointed One" (Messiah), upon whom the Spirit descended without measure ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Anointed by the Spirit"); [John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Spirit Without Measure")). He was perfectly set apart for God's service, and through Him, we too are consecrated and receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit ([1 John 2:20](/1_john/2-20 "1 John 2:20 - Anointing from the Holy One")). Finally, the **hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle**, which regulated access to God's presence, is superseded by Christ Himself. Jesus declared, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")). His crucifixion, which tore the temple veil from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Torn Veil")), signifies that through His body, broken for us, direct access to the Most Holy Place, to God's very presence, is now freely available to all believers ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, every item in Exodus 35:15 ultimately directs our gaze to the person and work of Jesus Christ, the perfect fulfillment of all that the Tabernacle foreshadowed.

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.