Exodus 40:26

And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail:

And he put {H7760} the golden {H2091} altar {H4196} in the tent {H168} of the congregation {H4150} before {H6440} the vail {H6532}:

He set the gold altar in the tent of meeting in front of the curtain

Moses placed the gold altar in the Tent of Meeting, in front of the veil,

And he put the golden altar in the tent of meeting before the veil:

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 40:26 (KJV)

Exodus 40:26: "And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail:"

Historical and Cultural Context

Exodus chapter 40 marks the culmination of the Tabernacle's construction and assembly, a monumental task meticulously carried out by Moses according to God's precise instructions. This verse describes the placement of the Altar of Incense, also known as the golden altar, within the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle, or "tent of the congregation," served as God's portable dwelling place among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, a sacred space where the divine presence was uniquely manifested and where atonement could be made for sins.

The placement of each item was critical, reflecting a divinely ordained order for worship. The Altar of Incense stood prominently in the Holy Place, the first main section of the Tabernacle accessible to priests, directly before the veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Obedience: This verse highlights Moses' faithful execution of God's detailed commands for the Tabernacle's construction and arrangement. Every piece of furniture, including the golden altar, was placed with divine precision, emphasizing the importance of obedience in worship and service to God.
  • Access to God's Presence: The Altar of Incense's position "before the vail" signifies its crucial role in worship. It stood as a bridge, conceptually and physically, between the daily ministry of the priests in the Holy Place and the awe-inspiring presence of God in the Most Holy Place.
  • Symbolism of Prayer and Intercession: The primary function of the golden altar was for burning incense, which symbolized the prayers of God's people rising to Him. Its placement directly before the veil underscores the idea that prayer is a means of approaching God's throne. This practice is detailed in Exodus 30:7-8.

Linguistic Insights

The term "golden altar" (Hebrew: mizbeach hazahav, ืžึดื–ึฐื‘ึทึผื— ื”ึทื–ึผึธื”ึธื‘) distinguishes this altar, overlaid with gold, from the larger bronze altar of burnt offering located outside the Tabernacle. The "vail" (Hebrew: parokhet, ืคึธึผืจึนื›ึถืช) was a thick, ornate curtain that served as a physical and symbolic barrier, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place where the Ark of the Covenant resided. This veil represented the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity.

Related Scriptures

  • The overall instructions for the Tabernacle's construction were given in Exodus 25:8-9, emphasizing God's desire to dwell among His people.
  • The significance of the veil is profoundly understood in the New Testament, particularly how it was torn in two at Christ's crucifixion, signifying open access to God's presence through His sacrifice.
  • The purpose of the Tabernacle was to facilitate God dwelling among the Israelites, fulfilling His covenant promise.

Practical Application

The meticulous arrangement of the Tabernacle reminds us of the reverence and intentionality required in our approach to God. The golden altar's symbolic connection to prayer teaches us the vital role of prayer and intercession in our spiritual lives. Just as the incense ascended, our prayers rise to God. Furthermore, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the symbolic veil of separation has been removed, granting believers direct and bold access to God's presence, as highlighted in Hebrews 10:19-22. We no longer need a physical altar or veil, but approach God through Christ, our great High Priest.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 40:5

    And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.

  • Matthew 23:19

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

  • Hebrews 10:1

    ยถ For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

  • 1 John 2:1

    ยถ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

  • Exodus 30:1

    ยถ 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.

  • John 17:1

    ยถ These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
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