Exodus 30:1-10

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;^[a] it must be 36 inches high.^[b] Its horns must be of one piece.^[c]

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^[d] on the horns of the altar. Throughout your generations he is to perform the purification rite^[e] for^[f] it once a year, with the blood of the sin offering for atonement.^[g] The altar is especially 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.

Footnotes

• [a] Lit one cubit its length and one cubit its width
• [b] Lit wide; and two cubits its height
• [c] Lit piece with it
• [d] Or to make atonement
• [e] Or to make atonement
• [f] Or on
• [g] Lv 16:18