1
[The LORD continued,] "Build an altar out of acacia wood for burning incense.
2
Make it 18 inches square and 36 inches high. The horns and altar must be made out of one piece [of wood].
3
Cover all of it with pure gold--the top, the sides, and the horns. Put a gold molding around it.
4
Make two gold rings, and put them below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles for carrying it.
5
Make the poles out of acacia wood, and cover them with gold.
6
Put the altar in front of the canopy which [hangs] over the ark containing the words of my promise. I will meet with you there in front of the throne of mercy that is on the ark.
7
"Aaron must burn sweet-smelling incense on this altar every morning when he takes care of the lamps.
8
Also, when Aaron lights the lamps at dusk, he must burn incense. For generations to come an incense offering must burn constantly in the LORD's presence.
9
"Never burn any unauthorized incense on this altar or any burnt offerings or grain offerings. Never pour a wine offering on it.
10
Once a year Aaron must make peace with the LORD by putting blood on its horns. Once a year--for generations to come--blood from the offering must be placed on the altar to make peace with the LORD. It is most holy to the LORD."