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Exodus 30:3

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And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.

And thou shalt overlay {H6823} it with pure {H2889} gold {H2091}, the top {H1406} thereof, and the sides {H7023} thereof round about {H5439}, and the horns {H7161} thereof; and thou shalt make {H6213} unto it a crown {H2213} of gold {H2091} round about {H5439}.

Overlay it with pure gold - its top, all around its sides, and its horns; and put around it a molding of gold.

Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns, and make a molding of gold around it.

And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.

Commentary

Exodus 30:3 (KJV) details the precise divine instructions for constructing the Altar of Incense, a crucial piece of furniture in the Tabernacle. This verse specifically describes the luxurious and sacred finishing of the altar: "And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about."

Context of the Altar of Incense

This verse is part of God's detailed blueprint given to Moses on Mount Sinai for the Tabernacle, Israel's portable sanctuary. The Altar of Incense, crafted from acacia wood (Exodus 30:1), stood in the Holy Place, directly before the veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. Its primary function, as described later in Exodus 30:7-8, was for burning fragrant incense daily, morning and evening.

Key Themes and Symbolism

  • Holiness and Purity: The command to overlay the altar with "pure gold" (Hebrew: zahab tahor) emphasizes the absolute holiness and purity required in God's presence. Gold throughout the Tabernacle's design (e.g., the Ark of the Covenant) consistently symbolizes divine glory, preciousness, and incorruptibility.
  • Divine Presence and Access: Positioned before the veil, the Altar of Incense represented the Israelites' access to God through prayer and intercession. The rising smoke of the incense was a visible representation of the prayers of the saints ascending to God, a theme echoed in Revelation 5:8.
  • The Horns: The altar had "horns" on its four corners. These were not merely decorative; in ancient Near Eastern and biblical contexts, horns often symbolized strength, power, and salvation. They were also crucial in atonement rituals, where the blood of sin offerings was applied to them (Leviticus 4:7), signifying the power of sacrifice to cleanse and reconcile.
  • The Crown of Gold: The "crown of gold" (Hebrew: zer, a border or molding) around the top of the altar marked it as set apart for sacred use and signified its exalted status in worship. It served as a protective barrier and an emblem of honor, distinguishing it as a holy vessel dedicated solely to God's service.

Practical Application and Reflection

The meticulous design of the Altar of Incense, particularly its gold overlay, speaks volumes about the value God places on pure worship and communication with Him. It reminds believers today that our prayers and intercessions are precious in God's sight, likened to a sweet-smelling aroma (Psalm 141:2). Just as the altar was carefully constructed and consecrated, so too should our approach to God be characterized by reverence, purity of heart, and intentionality. Ultimately, this altar foreshadows the perfect intercession of Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, who continually presents our prayers before the Father.

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

Cross-References

  • Exodus 25:11 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.

  • Exodus 25:24 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, and make thereto a crown of gold round about.