Exodus 40:27

KJV

And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he burnt {H6999} sweet {H5561} incense {H7004} thereon; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and burned on it incense made from aromatic spices, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

and he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded him.

American Standard Version

and he burnt thereon incense of sweet spices; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 40:27 details Moses' penultimate act in the consecration of the Tabernacle: the burning of sweet incense upon the Golden Altar of Incense. This meticulously executed ritual, performed precisely "as the LORD commanded Moses," marked a crucial step in preparing the sacred space for God's indwelling glory, symbolizing the ascent of prayer and the establishment of a holy communion between God and His people in their wilderness journey. It underscores the paramount importance of divine obedience in establishing and maintaining sacred worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with Glory") serves as the grand climax of the entire book of Exodus, bringing to fruition the detailed divine blueprints for the Tabernacle first laid out in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions"). The chapter meticulously recounts the final assembly and furnishing of the Tabernacle and its courts, with Moses personally overseeing and executing each step precisely "as the LORD commanded." This phrase, or a close variation, appears no less than seven times in [Exodus 40:16-33](/exodus/40-16-33 "Exodus 40:16-33 - Moses Erects the Tabernacle"), underscoring the theme of perfect obedience to divine instruction. Exodus 40:27 specifically follows the placement of the Golden Altar of Incense before the veil ([Exodus 40:26](/exodus/40-26 "Exodus 40:26 - Placement of the Altar of Incense")), setting the stage for the dramatic filling of the Tabernacle with the glory of the LORD in [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle"). The burning of incense was a culminating act before the divine presence descended, signifying the readiness of the sanctuary for sacred communion and God's acceptance of the completed work.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred at the foot of Mount Sinai, approximately one year after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, during their nomadic journey through the wilderness. This portable sanctuary was God's designated dwelling place among His people, a unique concept in the ancient Near East, where deities were typically associated with fixed temples in specific locations. The rituals performed within the Tabernacle, including the burning of incense, were divinely prescribed and set Israel's worship apart from the pagan practices of surrounding nations. Incense was commonly used in ancient rituals to create a pleasant aroma, but in Israel, the "sweet incense" was a holy, exclusive compound ([Exodus 30:34-38](/exodus/30-34-38 "Exodus 30:34-38 - The Holy Incense Formula")) forbidden for common use, emphasizing the sanctity of God's presence and the seriousness of approaching Him. The act of burning incense daily on the Golden Altar, located just before the veil to the Most Holy Place, symbolized the ascending prayers of the people and served as a constant reminder of God's holy presence in their midst, mediating access to the divine. This context highlights the uniqueness of Yahweh's worship and His desire for a consecrated relationship with His chosen people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence and Dwelling**, as the Tabernacle's construction culminates in God's glory filling it, signifying His desire to reside among His people ([Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")). Closely related is the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, as every detail of the Tabernacle and its rituals, including the burning of holy incense, emphasizes the sacredness required to approach a holy God. The verse also powerfully reinforces the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**, with the repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" serving as a theological anchor throughout [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with Glory"), highlighting that acceptable worship and service are predicated upon strict adherence to God's revealed will. Finally, the burning of incense itself introduces the theme of **Prayer and Intercession**, symbolizing the ascent of the people's petitions and worship to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burnt (Hebrew, _qâṭar'_):** From H6999, this verb specifically means "to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)." It emphasizes the upward movement of the smoke, signifying the ascent of the offering from the earthly realm to the divine presence. Unlike mere combustion, _qâṭar_ denotes a sacred act of fumigation, making the offering acceptable and pleasing to God. This nuance highlights the communicative and mediatorial aspect of the ritual, bridging the gap between humanity and the divine.
* **Incense (Hebrew, _qᵉṭôreth'_):** From H7004, this noun refers to a "fumigation" or "perfume," specifically the "sweet incense" (H5561 _çam_) mentioned in the verse. This was not a common aroma but a divinely prescribed blend of aromatic spices detailed in [Exodus 30:34-38](/exodus/30-34-38 "Exodus 30:34-38 - The Holy Incense Formula"). Its sacred composition and exclusive use in the Tabernacle underscored the unique holiness of God and the reverence required in His worship. The pleasant aroma symbolized its acceptability and pleasing nature to God as an offering.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** From H6680, this primitive root means "(intensively) to constitute, enjoin; appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order." Its repeated use throughout [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with Glory") emphasizes the divine origin of the Tabernacle's design and rituals, as well as Moses' unwavering and meticulous obedience. It establishes the foundational principle that acceptable worship is not based on human invention but on strict adherence to God's revealed will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he burnt sweet incense thereon":** "He" refers to Moses, acting in his capacity as the one appointed by God to oversee the Tabernacle's construction and initial consecration. The act of burning the "sweet incense" was a specific ritual prescribed for the Golden Altar of Incense, which was placed "thereon," meaning upon the altar itself. This act was performed daily, morning and evening, signifying continuous worship and intercession before God's presence ([Exodus 30:7-8](/exodus/30-7-8 "Exodus 30:7-8 - Daily Incense Offering")). This was not merely an act of setting fire, but a sacred offering, causing the fragrant smoke to ascend towards the Holy of Holies.
* **"as the LORD commanded Moses":** This concluding phrase is a powerful affirmation of divine authority and human obedience. It serves as a theological anchor, reiterating that every detail of the Tabernacle's construction and every ritual performed within it was not of human ingenuity but was precisely according to God's explicit instructions. This emphasis highlights the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the absolute necessity of obedience in approaching and worshipping a holy God. It underscores that the efficacy and acceptability of the worship lay not in the act itself, but in its conformity to God's revealed will.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though brief, is rich in literary significance, particularly when viewed within the broader context of [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with Glory"). **Repetition** is the most prominent device, as the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" or its variants appears consistently throughout [Exodus 40:16-33](/exodus/40-16-33 "Exodus 40:16-33 - Moses Erects the Tabernacle"). This literary technique serves to underscore the meticulous obedience of Moses and, by extension, the divine origin and authority of the entire Tabernacle project. It reinforces the theological message that true worship and service to God must align perfectly with His revealed will. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is central to the verse. The "sweet incense" itself is a potent symbol of prayer, worship, and the pleasing aroma of an acceptable offering ascending to God. The act of burning it on the Altar of Incense, positioned before the veil to the Most Holy Place, symbolizes the access to God's presence that is granted through consecrated worship and intercession. The entire chapter functions as a **climax**, bringing the detailed instructions of the Tabernacle's construction, which began in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions"), to their ultimate fulfillment and completion, culminating in the descent of God's glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:27 encapsulates several profound theological themes central to the Old Testament revelation of God and His relationship with humanity. It underscores the absolute necessity of divine obedience in worship and service, demonstrating that acceptable worship is not a matter of human preference but of precise adherence to God's commands. The burning of sweet incense highlights the nature of prayer and intercession as a fragrant offering ascending to God, a vital means of communion and a symbol of His delight in His people's worship. This act, performed in the consecrated space of the Tabernacle, also emphasizes God's desire to dwell among His people, establishing a holy presence that requires reverence, purity, and a divinely ordained means of approach. The meticulous adherence to divine blueprint sets a precedent for all future encounters with the Holy One.

* [Psalm 141:2](/psalm/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense")
* [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3-4 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Incense with Prayers of Saints")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 40:27, though describing an ancient ritual, offers timeless lessons for believers today. Moses' meticulous obedience, repeatedly emphasized throughout [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with Glory"), challenges us to examine the depth of our own commitment to God's revealed will. Just as Moses followed every detail, we are called to a life of unwavering obedience, recognizing that true worship flows from a heart submitted to God's commands. The symbolism of the sweet incense as ascending prayer reminds us of the profound value and power of our own prayers. Our petitions, praises, and intercessions, offered in faith, are a fragrant aroma to God, delighting Him and drawing us into deeper communion. This verse also points to God's enduring desire to dwell among His people, a truth that shapes our understanding of the Church as His dwelling place today and our individual lives as temples of the Holy Spirit. We are called to live consecrated lives, reflecting His holiness and offering spiritual sacrifices of worship and service that are pleasing and acceptable in His sight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' meticulous obedience to God's commands in the Tabernacle's construction challenge our own approach to God's instructions in our lives?**
* **In what ways can our prayers today embody the "sweet incense" of pleasing worship and intercession to God?**
* **Considering God's desire to dwell among His people, how does this truth shape our understanding of the Church's role and our personal responsibility as believers?**

### FAQ
**What was the "sweet incense" made of, and why was it so special?**

Answer: The "sweet incense" (Hebrew: _qetoret sammim_) was a divinely prescribed mixture of four specific aromatic ingredients: stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense ([Exodus 30:34-38](/exodus/30-34-38 "Exodus 30:34-38 - The Holy Incense Formula")). It was considered "most holy" and was forbidden for any common or personal use. Its special nature stemmed from its divine origin—God Himself dictated its composition—and its exclusive purpose in the Tabernacle worship, symbolizing the holiness of God and the sacredness of the offerings and prayers made to Him. Any deviation or unauthorized use was a serious offense, underscoring the reverence due to God's commands and the unique sanctity of His presence.

**Why was it so important for Moses to follow God's commands precisely in setting up the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The meticulous adherence to God's commands, highlighted by the recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with Glory"), was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated absolute obedience to God's sovereign authority, establishing a pattern for all future worship and service. Secondly, the Tabernacle was God's dwelling place, and its design and rituals were meant to reflect His perfect holiness, order, and character. Any deviation could compromise its sacredness and the integrity of Israel's relationship with a holy God, potentially leading to divine judgment. Finally, the Tabernacle, in all its details, was a shadow of greater spiritual realities to come, ultimately pointing to Christ. Its precise construction ensured that these types and shadows accurately prefigured the perfect work of the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 40:27, with its emphasis on the burning of sweet incense as a divinely commanded act of worship, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, and specifically the Altar of Incense positioned before the Holy of Holies, pointed to the need for mediation and access to God's presence. Jesus, our Great High Priest, is the perfect fulfillment of this need, having entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The "sweet incense," symbolizing acceptable prayer and worship, is now offered through Him; our prayers ascend to God, made fragrant and acceptable by His perfect sacrifice and ceaseless intercession ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")). The recurring motif "as the LORD commanded Moses" finds its ultimate expression in Christ's perfect obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is the ultimate "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering")), through whom we, as a royal priesthood, can now offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and worship that are pleasing to God ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Holy Priesthood")). The Tabernacle's purpose—God dwelling among His people—is fully realized in the incarnation of Christ, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")), and continues through the indwelling Holy Spirit in believers, making us living temples of God ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple of the Holy Spirit")).

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 30:7

And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.