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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Context

Exodus chapter 40 marks the culmination of the detailed instructions God gave Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle. This chapter describes the precise setting up and consecration of the portable sanctuary, exactly as commanded by the Lord. Verse 5 focuses on two critical elements within the Tabernacle's structure and furnishings: the placement of the Incense Altar and the final hanging of the Tabernacle's entrance door. This final stage of setup fulfills God's initial command to Moses to build a sanctuary so He might dwell among them, making Israel ready for divine presence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Precision: The meticulous instructions for every component and its exact placement emphasize God's holy nature and the importance of orderly, reverent worship.
  • Access to God: The arrangement of the Tabernacle elements, particularly the Incense Altar before the Ark of the Testimony, highlights the prescribed pathway for approaching a holy God.
  • Symbolism of Worship: Each piece of the Tabernacle served a significant symbolic purpose, pointing to deeper spiritual truths about God's character and humanity's relationship with Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "altar of gold for the incense" (ืžึดื–ึฐื‘ึทึผื— ื”ึทืงึฐึผื˜ึนืจึถืช, mizbeach haqqetoret) specifically identifies this sacred piece by its material and primary function, distinguishing it from the larger bronze altar of burnt offering in the outer court. The term "hanging" (ืžึธืกึธืšึฐ, masakh) for the door refers to a screen or curtain, emphasizing its role as a boundary and a controlled point of entry into the sacred space.

Understanding the Elements

  • The Altar of Gold for the Incense: This altar was situated in the Holy Place, directly in front of the veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place. Aromatic incense was burned upon it daily, symbolizing the prayers of God's people ascending as a pleasing aroma to Him. This act represented continuous intercession and devotion before the Lord. Detailed instructions for this sacred piece are found in Exodus 30:1-10.
  • Before the Ark of the Testimony: This precise placement was critical. The Ark of the Covenant, containing the tablets of the Law, represented God's immediate presence and His covenant with Israel. The Incense Altar's proximity to the Ark underscored that prayer and intercession were vital for communion with a holy God. The Ark of the Covenant, central to the Tabernacle's purpose, is first described in Exodus 25:10-22.
  • The Hanging of the Door to the Tabernacle: This was the outermost curtain, serving as the entrance to the Holy Place from the outer court. Its placement completed the enclosure of the sacred space, signifying that entry was not arbitrary but by divine permission and according to prescribed rituals.

Practical Application

Exodus 40:5 reminds believers today of the profound significance of prayer as a constant and fragrant offering before God. Just as the incense ascended, our prayers rise to Him. This symbolism of prayers ascending as incense is beautifully echoed in Revelation 8:3-4. The Tabernacle's precise arrangement, including the Incense Altar, ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest and the perfect sacrifice, providing true access to God's presence. Our access to God is not arbitrary but through the divine order established by Christ, who is our new and living way into the holiest. This verse encourages us to approach God with reverence, understanding the privilege and sacredness of communion with Him.

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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

  • Hebrews 10:19

    ยถ 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

    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:

  • 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.
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