The Incense Altar
1 "You are to make an altar for the burning of incense; make it of acacia wood.
2
It must be square, 18 inches long and 18 inches wide; it must be 36 inches high. Its horns must be of one piece.
3
Overlay its top, all around its sides, and its horns with pure gold; make a gold molding all around it.
4
Make two gold rings for it under the molding on two of its sides; put these on opposite sides of it to be holders for the poles to carry it with.
5
Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.
6
"You are to place the altar in front of the veil by the ark of the testimony-in front of the mercy seat that is over the testimony-where I will meet with you.
7
Aaron must burn fragrant incense on it; he must burn it every morning when he tends the lamps.
8
When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn incense. There is to be an incense [offering] before the Lord throughout your generations.
9
You must not offer unauthorized incense on it, or a burnt or grain offering; you are not to pour a drink offering on it.
10
"Once a year Aaron is to perform the purification rite on the horns of the altar. Throughout your generations he is to perform the purification rite for it once a year, with the blood of the sin offering for atonement. The altar is especially holy to the Lord."