Exodus 40:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt set {H5414} the altar {H4196} of gold {H2091} for the incense {H7004} before {H6440} the ark {H727} of the testimony {H5715}, and put {H7760} the hanging {H4539} of the door {H6607} to the tabernacle {H4908}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Set the gold altar for incense in front of the ark for the testimony, and set up the screen at the entrance to the tabernacle.

Berean Standard Bible

Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony, and hang the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 40:5 meticulously details the final placement of two critical furnishings within the newly consecrated Tabernacle: the golden Altar of Incense and the hanging that served as the entrance to the sacred Tent of Meeting. This verse signifies the completion of the inner arrangements of the Holy Place and the establishment of the divinely ordained boundaries for access, preparing the Tabernacle for the indwelling glory of God and setting the stage for Israel's prescribed system of worship and communion with their holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus chapter 40 serves as the climactic conclusion to the extensive narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, meticulously detailed from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Construction of Priestly Garments and Tabernacle"). This final chapter recounts the actual erection and furnishing of the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month of the second year after the Exodus, precisely as commanded by God. Verses 1-4 outline the initial setup of the Tent of Meeting, the Ark of the Testimony, the table of showbread, and the lampstand, establishing the core elements of the sanctuary. Verse 5 then specifically focuses on the placement of the Altar of Incense within the Holy Place and the installation of the hanging that marked the Tabernacle's entrance, completing the internal arrangement and the enclosure of the sacred space. This systematic, inside-out completion of the sanctuary is immediately followed by instructions for the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Laver in the outer court in [Exodus 40:6-8](/exodus/40-6-8 "Exodus 40:6-8 - Outer Court Furnishings"), demonstrating a divine order and meticulous adherence to God's blueprint before the consecration of the Tabernacle and its priests. The entire chapter underscores the profound importance of divine obedience and the sanctity of the Tabernacle as the tangible dwelling place of God among His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Exodus 40 is the Israelite encampment in the wilderness of Sinai, approximately one year after their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage. Having received the Law and the covenant at Mount Sinai, the Israelites were now formally constituted as God's chosen people, and the Tabernacle was to be the tangible manifestation of God's promise to "let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them" ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")). In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, temples were common, often viewed as the abodes of deities, but the Israelite Tabernacle was unique in its portability, reflecting their nomadic journey and God's dynamic, accompanying presence. The precise, divinely revealed instructions for its construction and arrangement, including the specific placement of the Altar of Incense and the door hanging, emphasized the absolute holiness of Yahweh and the regulated, reverent approach required for His presence. This sacred structure served as the theological and physical center of Israel's worship, national identity, and communal life throughout their wilderness wanderings, a constant visual and spiritual reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate, yet holy, communion with His people.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 40:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes present throughout the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Presence and Dwelling**, as the Tabernacle's completion signifies God's readiness to dwell among His people, fulfilling His covenant promise. The meticulous detail in this verse, like the entire Tabernacle account, highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Obedience**, emphasizing that access to and communion with a holy God must occur on His terms, according to His precise instructions ([Exodus 39:32](/exodus/39-32 "Exodus 39:32 - All Done as Commanded")). The placement of the Altar of Incense "before the ark of the testimony" underscores the theme of **Intercession and Worship**, portraying prayer as a vital and continuous offering ascending to God's presence. Finally, the "hanging of the door" reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, establishing a clear boundary between the sacred and the common, and signifying that access to God's presence is not casual but requires a divinely appointed pathway and priestly mediation, a concept deeply explored in later books like Leviticus and Hebrews.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_ H4196):** Derived from a root meaning "to sacrifice," this term refers to a raised structure used for offerings. In this context, it specifically denotes the "Altar of Incense," distinguishing it from the larger bronze altar for burnt offerings. Its function was not for animal sacrifice but for the burning of fragrant incense, symbolizing prayer and adoration. The meticulous construction of this altar, as detailed in [Exodus 30:1-10](/exodus/30-1-10 "Exodus 30:1-10 - The Altar of Incense"), underscores its sacred purpose in facilitating communion with God.
* **Incense (Hebrew, _qᵉṭôreth'_ H7004):** This word refers to a fumigation or a fragrant offering, specifically the sacred blend of spices commanded by God for use on the golden altar. As a "sweet incense" or "perfume," its ascending smoke symbolized the prayers and intercessions of the people rising to God as a pleasing aroma ([Psalm 141:2](/psalm/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - My Prayer as Incense")). The daily burning of this incense was a continuous act of worship, signifying the ongoing communion between God and His people.
* **Hanging (Hebrew, _mâçâk'_ H4539):** This term denotes a "cover," "veil," "curtain," or "hanging." In Exodus 40:5, it refers specifically to the ornate curtain that served as the entrance to the Tabernacle proper, separating the outer court from the Holy Place. Unlike the inner veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, this hanging was the primary point of access for the priests. Its presence emphasized the sacred boundary and the regulated, divinely prescribed nature of entry into God's dwelling, highlighting the holiness of the sanctuary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense":** This command instructs Moses to place the golden altar, specifically designated for the burning of incense, within the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. This altar, distinct from the bronze altar of burnt offering, was a crucial element for daily worship, symbolizing the continuous offering of prayer and intercession before God. Its golden composition underscored its extreme sacredness and its proximity to the Most Holy Place.
* **"before the ark of the testimony":** This clause precisely defines the location of the Altar of Incense: directly in front of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Testimony resided. The Ark, containing the tablets of the Law, represented God's immediate presence, His covenant faithfulness, and the very throne of His divine authority. The Altar of Incense's proximity to the Ark underscored the vital role of prayer and intercession in approaching and communing with a holy God who condescends to dwell among His people.
* **"and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle":** This final instruction directs Moses to install the outermost curtain, which served as the entrance to the Tabernacle structure itself. This "door" completed the enclosure of the sacred space, marking the boundary between the common outer court and the holy interior. Its placement signified that entry into God's dwelling was not open to all but was restricted and governed by divine permission and prescribed rituals, emphasizing the sanctity and exclusivity of the Tabernacle's inner chambers and the reverent approach required.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device powerfully employed in Exodus 40:5, and indeed throughout the entire Tabernacle narrative, is **Symbolism**. Each element mentioned—the Altar of Incense, the Ark of the Testimony, and the hanging of the door—is imbued with profound theological meaning. The **Altar of Incense** symbolizes the prayers of God's people ascending to Him, a fragrant offering of devotion, praise, and intercession. Its golden material and its placement before the Ark underscore the preciousness and efficacy of prayer in God's presence. The **Ark of the Testimony** functions as a potent symbol of God's covenant presence, His absolute holiness, and the divine law He has given to His people. The phrase "before the ark of the testimony" utilizes **Synecdoche**, where the Ark, as a part, represents the whole of God's immediate, indwelling presence, indicating that the incense (prayers) was offered directly to Him. The **hanging of the door** symbolizes regulated access and the sacred boundary between the profane and the holy, emphasizing that approach to God is not casual or arbitrary but requires a divinely ordained pathway and a reverent posture. Together, these meticulously placed elements form a cohesive symbolic system designed to instruct Israel about the nature of God, the pathway to communion with Him, and the profound sanctity of His dwelling place.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:5 powerfully reinforces the foundational themes of divine order, the sanctity of God's presence, and the prescribed means of approaching Him. The meticulous placement of the Altar of Incense directly before the Ark of the Testimony highlights that prayer and intercession are not peripheral but central to communion with a holy God, serving as a continuous, pleasing aroma before Him. The completion of the Tabernacle's structure, marked by the hanging of the door, teaches that access to God is not arbitrary but is granted according to His divine will and through specific, sacred channels, emphasizing His holiness and the need for reverent mediation. This intricate system of worship, with its carefully designated spaces and rituals, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect access provided through Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the Tabernacle's purpose by making true and continuous communion with God possible for all believers.

* [Psalm 141:2](/psalm/141-2 "My Prayer as Incense")
* [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3-4 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Incense with the Prayers of the Saints")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1-5 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 40:5, in its profound and meticulous detail, calls us to consider the immense privilege and sacredness of our access to God. Just as the Altar of Incense was positioned directly before the Ark, symbolizing prayers ascending into God's very presence, so too are our prayers meant to be a constant, fragrant offering before Him. This verse encourages us to approach God with reverence, intentionality, and a deep appreciation for the pathway He has graciously provided. It reminds us that our worship is not merely a ritualistic exercise but a sacred encounter, and our prayers are not just words but a vital means of intimate communion with the Creator of the universe. In a world that often trivializes the sacred and promotes casual approaches to spiritual matters, this passage reorients our hearts to the awe-inspiring reality of God's holy presence and the profound honor of drawing near to Him through the new and living way established by Christ. It challenges us to cultivate a prayer life that reflects this sacred privilege, offering our petitions, praises, and intercessions with humility and faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the Tabernacle's construction and the precise placement of its furnishings, as seen in Exodus 40:5, deepen your understanding of God's character and His desire for order in worship?**
* **In what ways does the symbolism of the Incense Altar, representing ascending prayers, encourage or challenge the intentionality and consistency of your own prayer life?**
* **Considering the regulated access to the Tabernacle, how do you appreciate the "new and living way" we have to God through Christ today, and what does that mean for your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of placing the Altar of Incense "before the ark of the testimony"?**

Answer: The placement of the Altar of Incense "before the ark of the testimony" was profoundly significant, symbolizing the direct ascent of prayers into God's immediate presence. The Ark of the Testimony, located in the Most Holy Place behind the veil, represented the very dwelling place of God and the tangible manifestation of His covenant with Israel ([Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10-22 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant")). By positioning the Altar of Incense in the Holy Place directly in front of this veil, it conveyed that the daily burning of incense—symbolizing the prayers and intercessions of the people—was ascending directly to God's throne. This arrangement underscored the continuous nature of communion with a holy God and highlighted prayer as the primary means by which His people could symbolically draw near to Him, emphasizing its vital role in maintaining their relationship with the divine.

**What was the purpose of the "hanging of the door to the tabernacle"?**

Answer: The "hanging of the door to the tabernacle" served as the primary entrance curtain for the Tabernacle structure itself, separating the common outer court from the sacred Holy Place. Its purpose was multifaceted: it completed the physical enclosure of the sacred space, clearly defining the boundary between the profane and the holy. More importantly, it regulated access to the Tabernacle. Entry was not open to everyone but was strictly restricted to the priests, and even for them, it required adherence to specific rituals and a reverent approach. This hanging symbolized the sanctity of God's dwelling and the principle that access to His presence is not casual but is granted according to His divine order and through prescribed means ([Exodus 27:16](/exodus/27-16 "Exodus 27:16 - The Gate of the Court")). It served as a constant visual reminder of God's holiness and the necessary separation between Him and sinful humanity, highlighting the need for a divinely appointed mediator and pathway.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 40:5, with its detailed focus on the Altar of Incense and the regulated access to God's dwelling, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The daily burning of incense, symbolizing the prayers of God's people ascending as a pleasing aroma, powerfully foreshadows Christ's perfect and continuous intercession on our behalf. He is our great High Priest, who "always lives to intercede for them" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")), presenting our prayers to God in a way that is always acceptable because of His own perfect sacrifice. Moreover, the Altar of Incense's placement "before the ark of the testimony" pointed to the inherent need for a mediator to approach God's holy presence, a need perfectly and eternally met in Christ, who declares Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way")). The "hanging of the door to the tabernacle," along with the inner veil ([Exodus 26:31-33](/exodus/26-31-33 "Exodus 26:31-33 - The Veil")), symbolized a significant barrier to God's immediate presence, a barrier that was dramatically and supernaturally torn in two from top to bottom at the moment of Christ's death on the cross ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")). This profound event signified that His atoning sacrifice provided direct, unhindered, and permanent access for all believers into the "Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus" ([Hebrews 10:19](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Access to the Holy Place")). Thus, the meticulous arrangements of Exodus 40:5 ultimately point to Christ as the one who perfectly mediates our prayers, grants us direct and confident access to God, and is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, making true communion possible.

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

Hebrews 10:19

¶ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

1 John 2:1

¶ 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:

1 John 2:2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

Hebrews 9:24

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Exodus 26:36

And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.