Exodus 30:1-10

The Altar of Incense

1 “You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense. ¹

2 It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. ^[a] Its horns must be of one piece.

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

4 And make two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it.

5 Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.

6 Place the altar in front of the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony ^[b]—before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you.

7 And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps.

8 When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, ^[c] he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come.

9 On this altar you must not offer unauthorized ^[d] incense or a burnt offering or grain offering; nor are you to pour a drink offering on it.

10 Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on the horns of the altar. Throughout your generations he shall make atonement on it annually with the blood of the sin offering ^[e] of atonement. The altar is most holy to the LORD.”

Exodus 30:1-10 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.

Cross References

• 1. (Exodus 37:25–29)

Footnotes

• [a] The altar was approximately 1.5 feet in length and width, and 3 feet high (45.7 centimeters in length and width, and 91.4 centimeters high).
• [b] That is, the ark of the covenant; also in verse 26
• [c] Hebrew between the two evenings
• [d] Or strange
• [e] Or purification offering