Exodus 39:38 – “The gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 39:38 describes the completion and presentation of several important items used in the worship of God within the Tabernacle: the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent. Each of these items held significant roles in the rituals and practices that defined Israel’s worship of God.
The gold altar, often referred to as the altar of incense, was placed inside the Holy Place, just in front of the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. This altar was used for burning incense, which symbolized the prayers of the people rising to God. The anointing oil was a special blend used to consecrate the priests and the various furnishings of the Tabernacle, setting them apart as holy and dedicated to God. The fragrant incense, made from a specific recipe given by God, was used exclusively in the Tabernacle, adding a sensory element to worship that represented the pleasing aroma of Israel’s prayers and sacrifices. Finally, the curtain for the entrance to the tent served as a barrier, marking the entrance to the sacred space where God’s presence dwelled.
Historical Context
The items mentioned in Exodus 39:38 were integral to the worship practices established by God for the Israelites during their time in the wilderness. The Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary where God’s presence dwelled among His people, and every detail of its construction and the items within it was designed according to God’s specific instructions.
The gold altar of incense was a crucial element in the daily worship of the Israelites. Incense was burned on this altar every morning and evening by the priests as a continual offering before the Lord. The anointing oil and incense were made from specific ingredients and were considered sacred, set apart for use only in the Tabernacle. The curtain at the entrance to the tent of meeting marked the boundary between the common area of the camp and the holy space where God’s presence was manifest.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 39:38 highlights the importance of holiness, worship, and access to God. The gold altar represents the prayers of the people, which are pleasing to God when offered with a pure heart. The anointing oil symbolizes the consecration of people and objects for God’s service, signifying that they are set apart for a holy purpose. The fragrant incense enhances this symbolism, representing the idea that true worship is a pleasing aroma to God.
The curtain for the entrance to the tent signifies the separation between the holy and the common, reminding us of the reverence required when approaching God. Theologically, these items underscore the importance of purity, dedication, and the proper approach to worship. They also point to the reality that access to God is a sacred privilege, not to be taken lightly.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 39:38 is part of the broader narrative detailing the construction and preparation of the Tabernacle. The verse lists specific items that were integral to the worship practices of Israel, emphasizing their completion and readiness for use. The structure of the verse connects these items to their respective roles within the Tabernacle, highlighting their collective importance in the worship of God.
The repetition of specific terms like “gold,” “anointing oil,” and “fragrant incense” throughout the surrounding passages adds to the sense of sanctity and careful preparation that characterized the construction of the Tabernacle. The focus on these items in this verse serves to remind readers of the detailed care taken to ensure that every aspect of worship was done according to God’s commands.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 30:1-10: These verses provide the original instructions for making the altar of incense and describe its use in the daily worship of the Israelites.
- Exodus 30:22-33: This passage details the recipe for the sacred anointing oil and its exclusive use for consecrating the priests and the furnishings of the Tabernacle.
- Revelation 8:3-4: “Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” This New Testament passage connects the incense offering to the prayers of the saints, showing its enduring symbolic significance.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 39:38 serves as a reminder of the importance of intentionality and reverence in worship. The items mentioned in this verse were not just functional; they were symbolic of the deeper spiritual realities of prayer, consecration, and access to God. This verse challenges us to approach our worship with the same level of care and reverence, recognizing that our prayers and acts of worship are a pleasing aroma to God when offered with sincerity and devotion.
The anointing oil and incense remind us of the need for purity and dedication in our spiritual lives. Just as these items were set apart for holy use, we are called to live lives that are consecrated to God, dedicated to His service, and pleasing in His sight.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in His desire to have a close and personal relationship with His people. By establishing the Tabernacle and the specific practices of worship, God provided a way for the Israelites to approach Him and experience His presence. The use of incense, the anointing oil, and the carefully crafted items within the Tabernacle shows God’s attention to detail and His desire for His people to engage with Him in meaningful and reverent worship.
God’s love is also evident in the way He made provision for the Israelites to come into His presence. The curtain at the entrance to the tent symbolizes the boundary between the holy and the common, yet it also serves as an invitation to enter into a sacred space where God’s love and presence could be experienced.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The elements mentioned in Exodus 39:38—particularly the altar of incense and the curtain—point forward to the work of Jesus Christ. The incense offering, which represented the prayers of the people, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who is our mediator and intercessor before God. Hebrews 7:25 says, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
The curtain at the entrance to the tent also has deep symbolic meaning. When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain in the temple was torn in two, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. Through Jesus, we now have direct access to God, no longer needing to approach Him through intermediaries or rituals. Jesus has fulfilled the role of the High Priest, making it possible for us to enter into God’s presence with confidence.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the detailed care given to the construction and use of the altar of incense, anointing oil, and curtain challenge you to approach your worship with greater reverence?
- In what ways can you ensure that your prayers and acts of worship are a “pleasing aroma” to God?
- How does understanding Jesus as our mediator and intercessor influence your approach to prayer and your relationship with God?
- What steps can you take to live a life that is consecrated to God, reflecting the dedication symbolized by the anointing oil in the Tabernacle?
- How can you incorporate the themes of reverence, consecration, and access to God into your daily walk with Him, ensuring that your worship and relationship with God are marked by sincerity and devotion?
This exploration of Exodus 39:38 encourages believers to reflect on the importance of reverence in worship, the significance of consecration in our spiritual lives, and the fulfillment of these practices in the person of Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest and mediator.