Exodus 30:1-9

1 "Make an altar out of acacia wood, for burning incense.

2 It is to be square, 18 inches long and 18 inches wide, and it is to be 36 inches high. Its projections at the four corners are to form one piece with it.

3 Cover its top, all four sides, and its projections with pure gold, and put a gold border around it.

4 Make two gold carrying rings for it and attach them below the border on two sides to hold the poles with which it is to be carried.

5 Make these poles of acacia wood and cover them with gold.

6 Put this altar outside the curtain which hangs in front of the Covenant Box. That is the place where I will meet you.

7 Every morning when Aaron comes to take care of the lamps, he is to burn sweet-smelling incense on it.

8 He must do the same when he lights the lamps in the evening. This offering of incense is to continue without interruption for all time to come.

9 Do not offer on this altar any forbidden incense, any animal offering, or any grain offering, and do not pour out any wine offering on it.

Exodus 30:1-9 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 30

This chapter treats of the altar of incense, its form and use, Ex 30:1-10 of the ransom of the Israelites, with the half shekel when numbered, Ex 30:11-16 of the laver for the priests to wash their hands and feet at before service, Ex 30:17-21 of the anointing oil, the ingredients of it, and what was to be done with it, Ex 30:22-33, and of the perfume, the composition and use of it, Ex 30:34-38.