Directions for the Incense Altar

In ancient Israel, the ark of the covenant was placed in the Most Holy Place of first the tabernacle and then the temple. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and then only once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Ex. 26:34; Lev. 16). The other major room of Israel’s sanctuary was the Holy Place, wherein other priests could go as well, at least on occasion (see, e.g., 2 Chron. 35:1–6; Luke 1:5–9). Exodus 26:35 indicates that the lampstand was placed in the Holy Place on the south side of the tabernacle and the table of showbread on the north side. This left a space in the middle of the Holy Place, directly in front of the veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place. Yet this space was not empty, for as we see in today’s passage, an altar of incense was put there (Ex. 30:6).

Like the table of showbread, the altar of incense was made from acacia wood and covered with gold, having a decorative molding and four gold rings through which poles could be inserted for carrying the piece of furniture (Ex. 30:1–5; see Ex. 25:23–30). Like the bronze altar, the altar of incense also had horns, extensions at each of its four corners that helped prevent the burning incense from falling to the ground (Ex. 30:3; see Ex. 27:2). Furthermore, the top of the altar of incense was a perfect square, one cubit (eighteen inches) on each side, and the altar stood two cubits (three feet) tall (Ex. 30:2).

What is the significance of the altar of incense? First, it improved the atmosphere of the sanctuary, giving it a sweet odor. This was fitting since the tabernacle and temple were the place where God made His special presence to reside under the old covenant (see, e.g., Ex. 40:34–38), and the Lord deserves the best environment where He dwells.

Second, Scripture associates prayer with incense (Ps. 141:2), so the altar of incense marked out the old covenant sanctuary as a place of prayer, reminding the Israelites that God would hear them and answer them from His abode when they prayed. Incense was burned twice a day on the altar, once in the morning and once at twilight (Ex. 30:7–8), indicating that prayer is something that the Lord hears morning and evening—that is, all day. This incense had to be specifically authorized and atonement had to be offered for the altar once a year. These truths point to the fact that prayer is vitally important, to be directed by God’s Word, and that our prayers are acceptable to God only in and through the atoning work of Jesus (Heb. 10:19–22).