Exodus 37:25

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} the incense {H7004} altar {H4196} of shittim {H7848} wood {H6086}: the length {H753} of it was a cubit {H520}, and the breadth {H7341} of it a cubit {H520}; it was foursquare {H7251}; and two cubits {H520} was the height {H6967} of it; the horns {H7161} thereof were of the same.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made the altar on which to burn incense of acacia-wood, eighteen inches square and three feet high; its horns were a single unit.

Berean Standard Bible

He made the altar of incense out of acacia wood. It was square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns were of one piece.

American Standard Version

And he made the altar of incense of acacia wood: a cubit was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, foursquare; and two cubits was the height thereof; the horns thereof were of one piece with it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 37:25 provides a meticulous record of the construction of the incense altar, a vital furnishing for the Tabernacle, fashioned by Bezaleel according to precise divine specifications. This sacred altar, distinct from the brazen altar of burnt offering, was crafted from durable shittim wood, overlaid with pure gold, and dimensioned as a compact, foursquare structure with prominent horns at its corners. Its strategic placement within the Holy Place, directly before the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place, underscored its profound significance in the daily worship, prayer, and intercession of ancient Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 37:25 is situated within the latter portion of the book of Exodus, specifically in the detailed account of the Tabernacle's construction (chapters 35-40). This section serves as the fulfillment and faithful execution of the divine commands given to Moses on Mount Sinai, particularly those outlined in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions"). Following the instructions for the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and the Lampstand, the specific blueprint for the incense altar was given in [Exodus 30:1-10](/exodus/30-1-10 "Exodus 30:1-10 - Instructions for the Altar of Incense"). Chapters 36-39 then describe the skilled artisans, led by Bezaleel and Aholiab, faithfully executing these divine blueprints, demonstrating Israel's obedience and the meticulous nature of God's design for worship. The construction account systematically moves from the most holy objects to the outer furnishings, emphasizing the centrality of God's presence and the progression of access to Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle itself served as God's portable dwelling place among His people, symbolizing His immanent presence and establishing a divinely ordained means for humanity to approach a holy God. In the ancient Near East, altars were common features in religious worship, often varying in size, material, and purpose. However, the Tabernacle's furnishings, including the incense altar, were unique in their precise divine specifications, distinguishing Israelite worship from pagan practices. The use of "shittim wood" (acacia) was practical for the desert environment due to its exceptional durability and resistance to decay, but it also held symbolic weight. The concept of horns on altars was prevalent in the region, typically signifying strength, power, and often serving as a place of refuge for those seeking asylum (cf. [1 Kings 1:50](/1_kings/1-50 "1 Kings 1:50 - Adonijah takes hold of the horns of the altar")). For the incense altar, these horns were uniquely touched with the blood of the sin offering on the annual Day of Atonement, as prescribed in [Exodus 30:10](/exodus/30-10 "Exodus 30:10 - Atonement for the Altar of Incense"), signifying cleansing and the efficacy of atonement for the altar itself.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Obedience**, as the construction is a direct response to God's detailed instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, highlighting the importance of precise adherence to God's revealed will in worship. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Presence Among His People**, as the Tabernacle, with the incense altar as a key component, was designed as the dwelling place for God's glory, making Him accessible to Israel. Thirdly, the altar's function speaks to the theme of **Worship and Atonement**, particularly the role of prayer and intercession as a "sweet aroma" to the Lord ([Exodus 30:7-8](/exodus/30-7-8 "Exodus 30:7-8 - Daily Incense Offering")), and the necessity of atonement for sin to maintain communion with a holy God, as seen in the annual ritual for the altar on the Day of Atonement ([Exodus 30:10](/exodus/30-10 "Exodus 30:10 - Atonement for the Altar")). Finally, the meticulous craftsmanship and precious materials highlight the theme of **Holiness and Sacred Space**, emphasizing that God's dwelling and the means of approaching Him are set apart and consecrated.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Incense (Hebrew, _qᵉṭôreth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to fumigate," this term refers specifically to the fragrant mixture burned on the altar. It signifies a "sweet incense" or "perfume," highlighting the sensory aspect of worship intended to be pleasing to God. In a broader sense, it represents the prayers and intercessions of God's people ascending to Him.
* **Shittim (Hebrew, _shiṭṭâh'_):** This word refers to the acacia tree, known for its hard, durable, and decay-resistant wood, which was readily available in the desert environment. Its selection for the Tabernacle's most sacred furnishings, including the Ark and this altar, symbolizes permanence, incorruptibility, and the earthly yet resilient nature of the sanctuary's components.
* **Foursquare (Hebrew, _râbaʻ'_):** This term, meaning "to be four-sided" or "quadrate," describes the altar's perfectly square base. In biblical symbolism, the number four often represents universality, completeness, or the earth (e.g., the four corners of the earth). A "foursquare" object thus conveys stability, perfection, and a comprehensive reach, suggesting that the prayers offered upon it were intended to encompass all aspects of life and reach the entirety of God's domain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And he made the incense altar [of] shittim wood:"** This opening clause attributes the construction to Bezaleel, the chief artisan, acting under divine inspiration and supervision, emphasizing the faithfulness of the execution. The specific mention of "incense altar" immediately distinguishes its unique purpose, and "shittim wood" highlights the divinely prescribed material, chosen for its durability and symbolic significance in the desert environment.
* **"the length of it [was] a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; [it was] foursquare;"** These precise dimensions (approximately 18 inches or 45 cm on each side) emphasize the altar's compact nature, perfectly suited for its placement within the Holy Place. The description "foursquare" reiterates its perfect symmetry and stability, a design choice often associated with completeness, divine order, and comprehensiveness in sacred architecture.
* **"and two cubits [was] the height of it;"** At two cubits (approximately 36 inches or 90 cm), the altar stood at a convenient height for the priests to perform their daily duties. This height, double its length and breadth, gave it a distinct, elevated presence within the Holy Place, drawing attention to its sacred and elevated function in worship.
* **"the horns thereof were of the same."** The inclusion of "horns" on each corner, made of the same material (shittim wood overlaid with gold, as implied by the general description of the altar's finish in earlier instructions), signifies strength, power, and a point of contact for atonement rituals. These horns were integral to the altar's design and its ritualistic use, particularly on the Day of Atonement, where blood was applied to them.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 37:25 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. Primarily, the entire description of the Tabernacle and its furnishings is rich in **Symbolism**, where physical objects convey profound spiritual truths. The "shittim wood" symbolizes incorruptibility, permanence, and the earthly yet divinely chosen nature of the Tabernacle's components, while the implied "pure gold overlay" (from earlier instructions for the altar in [Exodus 30:3](/exodus/30-3 "Exodus 30:3 - Overlaying the Incense Altar with Gold")) symbolizes divine glory, purity, and holiness. The "foursquare" design is symbolic of stability, completeness, and the universal reach of God's presence and the prayers offered before Him. The "horns" symbolize strength, power, and the efficacy of atonement. Furthermore, the meticulous recounting of the construction, mirroring the earlier divine instructions (e.g., [Exodus 30:1-5](/exodus/30-1-5 "Exodus 30:1-5 - Instructions for the Incense Altar")), is a powerful example of **Repetition**. This serves to emphasize the faithfulness of the builders to God's precise commands, underscoring the importance of obedience in worship and the divine origin of the Tabernacle's design. The detailed dimensions and materials also contribute to **Verisimilitude**, lending a sense of historical accuracy and tangible reality to the sacred space.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The construction of the incense altar underscores several profound theological and thematic truths. It highlights God's desire for a specific, divinely ordained form of worship, emphasizing that communion with a holy God must occur on His terms. The altar, strategically positioned before the veil to the Most Holy Place, signifies the paramount importance of prayer and intercession as a means of drawing near to God's immediate presence. The daily burning of incense was a perpetual act of worship, symbolizing the continuous ascent of the prayers of God's people, a "sweet aroma" to the Lord, and a tangible reminder of His constant availability to hear. This altar, therefore, is a powerful testament to God's gracious provision for His people to engage with Him in intimate and acceptable ways, bridging the gap between the earthly and the divine through consecrated means.

* [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense")
* [Revelation 5:8](/revelation/5-8 "Revelation 5:8 - Prayers of the Saints as Incense")
* [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3-4 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Angel Offering Incense with Prayers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The incense altar, though a physical structure from ancient times, continues to offer profound insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a vivid reminder of the centrality, power, and necessity of prayer in our relationship with God. Just as the incense was a continuous offering, so too should our prayers be regular, persistent, and heartfelt—a constant communion with our Heavenly Father. This altar's placement, drawing near to God's presence, encourages us to approach God with reverence, humility, and expectation, knowing that He desires to hear from us and delights in our petitions. It reminds us that prayer is not merely a human endeavor but a divinely ordained means of access and intimacy, through which we can present our petitions, praises, and intercessions to the One who listens, responds, and sustains us. Our lives, offered in worship and consecrated service, can become a spiritual "incense," a pleasing aroma to God, rising continually before His throne.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous design and placement of the incense altar inform your understanding of the importance and reverence due to prayer in your own life?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a more consistent and intentional practice of "burning incense"—offering prayer and intercession—in your daily routine?**
* **Considering the symbolism of the ascending smoke, how does the idea of your prayers rising to God encourage you in moments of doubt or struggle?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the incense altar in the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the incense altar was for the daily burning of sacred incense by the priests, typically in the morning and evening, before the Lord. This act, as prescribed in [Exodus 30:7-8](/exodus/30-7-8 "Exodus 30:7-8 - Daily Incense Offering"), symbolized the prayers of God's people ascending to Him, creating a perpetual offering of a "sweet aroma" in His presence. It was distinct from the brazen altar, which was used for animal sacrifices, and served as a focal point for communion and intercession.

**Why was the incense altar made of shittim wood and overlaid with gold?**

Answer: The use of shittim wood (acacia) was practical due to its exceptional durability and resistance to decay in the arid desert environment, ensuring the altar's longevity and portability. Symbolically, the wood represented the earthly or human element, the physical foundation of God's dwelling among His people. The overlay of pure gold, as described in [Exodus 30:3](/exodus/30-3 "Exodus 30:3 - Gold Overlay for the Incense Altar"), symbolized divine glory, purity, and holiness, signifying that while the altar was earthly in its construction, its function and purpose were entirely sacred and divine, connecting the human and divine realms in worship.

**What is the significance of the "horns" on the incense altar?**

Answer: The "horns" on the corners of the altar symbolized strength, power, and a consecrated point of contact. In the context of the incense altar, they also played a crucial role in the annual Day of Atonement. On this solemn day, the high priest would apply the blood of the sin offering to these horns, as commanded in [Exodus 30:10](/exodus/30-10 "Exodus 30:10 - Atonement for the Altar's Horns"), signifying the cleansing and atonement of the altar itself from any defilement. This ritual ensured the altar's continued efficacy in facilitating access to God's holy presence, highlighting the necessity of purification even for sacred objects.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The incense altar, with its precise construction and sacred function, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the altar symbolized the ascending prayers of God's people, Christ Himself is our ultimate and perfect High Priest, who "always lives to intercede" for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Perpetual Intercession")). We no longer need a physical altar or an earthly priest to mediate our prayers; through Christ, we have direct, unhindered access to the Father, boldly approaching the "throne of grace" to receive mercy and find grace in time of need ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). The daily incense, a "sweet aroma" to God, foreshadows Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross, which was "a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering")). The shittim wood, representing incorruptible humanity, points to Christ's sinless human nature, while the gold overlay speaks of His inherent divine glory. The "foursquare" perfection of the altar speaks to the completeness and universality of Christ's redemptive work, reaching all corners of the earth to reconcile humanity to God. The horns, touched with atoning blood, find their reality in the precious blood of Christ, which cleanses us from all sin ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")) and makes both our prayers and our very lives acceptable to God. He is the true and living Tabernacle, the very presence of God among us, through whom all our spiritual "incense"—our prayers, praises, and lives of worship—ascends to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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 30:1

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

Exodus 30:5

And thou shalt make the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.

Revelation 8:3

And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

Revelation 8:4

And the smoke of the incense, [which came] with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Matthew 23:19

[Ye] fools and blind: for whether [is] greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?