What was the purpose of the altar of incense described here?

The altar of incense was a small, square altar covered with pure gold, placed in the holy place. On it, incense was burned every day. This incense pictured the prayers of God’s people rising up to him. It also pointed to the intercession of Christ, who makes those prayers pleasing and acceptable before God. The care, materials, and location of the altar all show that prayer is part of holy worship, and that our prayers only truly reach God because someone perfect stands between us and him.

Why is the altar of incense covered with pure gold and made so carefully?

The altar is made of shittim wood but fully overlaid with pure gold, with a gold crown, gold rings, and poles covered in gold. This shows how special this part of worship is. It stood in the holy place, close to where God’s presence was shown. The use of gold points to the worth of prayer and intercession in God’s sight. It also reminds us that God deserves the best we can offer. Even then, what people bring on earth is weak compared with the perfect worship that will be in God’s presence in heaven.

What do the holy anointing oil and pure incense of sweet spices represent?

The holy anointing oil and pure incense were not everyday items. They were made in a special way and used only in God’s service. The anointing oil set apart priests and objects for holy use, marking them as belonging to God. The incense of sweet spices, burned on the altar, pictured prayers going up as a sweet smell before God. Together they show that coming to God is not casual. Those who serve and what they use must be set apart, clean, and pleasing to him, according to his own pattern, not human ideas.

Why does the passage mention the work being like that of an apothecary?

The passage says the holy anointing oil and the pure incense were made "according to the work of the apothecary," meaning they were prepared like a skilled maker of perfumes and medicines would work. This shows that God gave wisdom and skill for very detailed tasks, even in mixing oils and spices. Bezaleel, though not trained in that trade before, was enabled to do this work exactly as required. It reminds us that when God gives a calling, he also provides the skill and wisdom needed to carry it out faithfully.

How does this description of the incense altar relate to prayer today?

The incense on this golden altar pictured the prayers of believers and the intercession that makes those prayers heard. While we no longer have this physical altar, the picture still helps us. It shows that prayer is to be regular, like daily incense, and that it is something pleasant to God when it comes through his appointed mediator. It also teaches that our prayers are not accepted because we are strong or worthy, but because Christ presents them. So when we pray, we can come humbly but also with confidence in him.

What does this passage teach about how we should serve God?

The care taken with the altar, the gold overlay, the rings and poles, and the careful mixing of oil and incense all show that God is not served in a careless way. The best materials are used, and every detail follows his pattern. This teaches that God is worthy of our best, in skill, in effort, and in heart. At the same time, the passage hints that even our best on earth still falls short of the perfect worship in heaven. So we offer our best, while trusting that God perfects what we bring through his grace.

Why were rings and staves made for the altar of incense?

The altar had gold rings under its crown, on two sides, with poles of shittim wood overlaid with gold placed through them. These were for carrying the altar when the people moved. The tabernacle was a tent that traveled with Israel, so even this special altar had to be moveable. The rings and poles let the priests carry it without touching the holy object itself. This shows both the holiness of God and his kindness in going with his people. He did not stay in one fixed place but traveled with them through the wilderness.

What does this passage show about God giving wisdom and skill?

The passage notes that the holy anointing oil and incense were made like the work of an apothecary, even though the craftsman had not been raised in that trade. God had given wisdom and skill so that he could do this work exactly as required. This shows that God does not only use natural training, but also gives ability for the tasks he calls people to do. When God sets out a pattern for service, he also provides what is needed so that his people can be "thoroughly furnished" for every good work he has given them.

Exod.37.25

Exodus 37:25

KJV

¶ And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same.

The Altar of Incense

¶ And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same.

And he overlaid it with pure gold, both the top of it, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns of it: also he made unto it a crown of gold round about.

And he made two rings of gold for it under the crown thereof, by the two corners of it, upon the two sides thereof, to be places for the staves to bear it withal.

And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.

¶ And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.