### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term **miqṭâr**, `{{H4729}}`, refers to a place for fuming incense, specifically defining the act **to burn** it upon a hearth. Derived from the root קָטַר, this word appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, highlighting its highly specific use within the instructions for tabernacle worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical use of `{{H4729}}` occurs in the Lord's commands for constructing the altar of incense. In [[Exodus 30:1]], the instruction is given: "And thou shalt make an altar **to burn** incense upon." This context establishes `{{H4729}}` not as a physical object itself, but as the designated function of the altar, which was to be crafted from **shittim wood** `{{H7848}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H4729}}` is enriched by several related words that define the elements of worship:
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (altar): The central fixture where the action takes place. Altars served as the location for sacrifice, atonement, and drawing near to God ([[Leviticus 17:11]], [[Genesis 12:7]]).
* `{{H7004}}` **qᵉṭôreth** ((sweet) incense, perfume): This is the substance to be burned. The offering of incense is presented as a type of prayer being set before the Lord [[Psalms 141:2]].
* `{{H7848}}` **shiṭṭâh** (shittah, shittim): The acacia wood specified for the altar's construction. This same material was commanded for other sacred items, including the altar of burnt offering and the boards of the tabernacle ([[Exodus 38:1]], [[Exodus 26:15]]).
* `{{H6213}}` **ʻâsâh** (to do or make): This verb, used twice in the verse, signifies the act of creation and fulfillment. It underscores that these items of worship were to be made precisely according to divine command ([[Exodus 30:1]], [[Isaiah 44:2]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4729}}` is tied to its role in the prescribed system of worship.
* **A Place of Prayer:** The act of burning incense upon this specific altar is directly connected to the offering of **incense** `{{H7004}}`, which is symbolically linked with prayer ascending to God [[Psalms 141:2]].
* **Divine Instruction:** The word is found within a detailed command to **make** `{{H6213}}` a specific type of **altar** `{{H4196}}` from designated materials. This emphasizes that approaching God was to be done on His terms, following His precise instructions.
* **Sanctified Purpose:** The function **to burn** `{{H4729}}` incense sets this altar apart. While other altars were for animal sacrifices, this one had the unique and holy purpose of offering incense, an act so sacred that offering "strange fire" was a fatal transgression [[Leviticus 10:1]].
### Summary
In summary, **miqṭâr** `{{H4729}}` is a highly specific term whose single appearance defines the primary function of the golden altar of incense. While rare, it is a crucial component in understanding the detailed nature of tabernacle worship. It demonstrates that the manner of approaching God, including the specific action of burning incense, was not left to human invention but was explicitly commanded, embedding the act of prayer within a physical and symbolic ritual.
TRV