Exodus 40:5 – “Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the covenant law and put the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Exodus 40:5 contains specific instructions from God to Moses about the placement of the golden altar of incense within the Tabernacle. The altar of incense was to be placed in front of the Ark of the Covenant, but separated by the curtain that marked the entrance to the Most Holy Place. The altar of incense played a crucial role in the worship practices of Israel, as incense was burned on it regularly as a symbol of the prayers of the people ascending to God. The verse highlights the importance of the correct placement of sacred objects within the Tabernacle, reflecting the order and structure that God desired in His worship.
Historical Context
The historical context of Exodus 40:5 is set during the final stages of the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. By this point, the Tabernacle had been constructed according to the detailed instructions given by God, and now Moses was commanded to set it up. The altar of incense, made of gold, was an essential part of the Tabernacle’s furnishings. It stood just outside the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The incense burned on this altar was a continual offering before God, representing the prayers and worship of the people. The placement of the altar in front of the Ark, yet behind the curtain, signified the connection between the people’s prayers and the presence of God, while still respecting the holiness and separateness of the divine.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 40:5 speaks to the idea of mediation and intercession in worship. The altar of incense, placed directly before the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Tabernacle, symbolizes the prayers of the people being offered to God through an intermediary. This reflects the understanding that access to God’s presence requires mediation, which in the Old Testament was conducted by the priests. The incense, representing prayers, signifies that God is attentive to the cries of His people, but that approaching Him requires holiness and respect. This verse also underscores the importance of order in worship, as each element of the Tabernacle had a specific place and purpose according to God’s design.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 40:5 is part of the detailed narrative describing the assembly of the Tabernacle, marking a transition from instruction to execution. The verse is specific and precise, reflecting the care with which God’s instructions were to be carried out. The placement of the altar of incense “in front of the ark of the covenant law” and “put the curtain at the entrance” is not just about physical arrangement but also conveys deep symbolic meaning about the nature of worship and the presence of God. The verse reinforces the idea that the Tabernacle was a carefully ordered space where each item held significant spiritual meaning.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 30:1-10 – These verses detail the instructions for building the altar of incense, its purpose, and its use in the Tabernacle.
- Revelation 8:3-4 – In these verses, the prayers of the saints are symbolized by incense offered before God, connecting the practice of burning incense in the Tabernacle to the ongoing practice of prayer in the New Testament.
- Psalm 141:2 – “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” This verse highlights the symbolic nature of incense as representing prayer.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 40:5 serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer and how it connects us to God. The altar of incense, placed before the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizes the prayers of God’s people rising up to Him. This encourages believers to maintain a consistent and reverent prayer life, recognizing that our prayers are heard by God and are an essential part of our worship. The careful placement of the altar also teaches that our approach to God should be done with thoughtfulness and respect, following the pattern He has laid out in Scripture.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 40:5 reveals God’s love in that He desires to hear the prayers of His people and has provided a means for those prayers to be received. The altar of incense represents the access that believers have to God through prayer. God’s instructions for its placement show His care in ensuring that there is a way for His people to communicate with Him. This verse reminds us that God is not distant or indifferent; rather, He invites His people into a relationship where their prayers are meaningful and significant.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. In the Old Testament, the altar of incense symbolized the prayers of the people being offered up to God, mediated by the priests. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills this role as our High Priest, making intercession for us before God. Hebrews 7:25 states that Jesus “always lives to intercede for them,” meaning that our prayers are now offered through Him. The curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Tabernacle was torn at Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 27:51), signifying that through Christ, we now have direct access to God’s presence.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the placement of the altar of incense in the Tabernacle challenge you to consider the importance of prayer in your own life?
- What does the connection between incense and prayer teach you about the nature of your relationship with God?
- How can you cultivate a more reverent and consistent prayer life, recognizing that your prayers are heard by God?
- In what ways does understanding Jesus as our mediator deepen your appreciation for the access we have to God through prayer?
- How does the tearing of the curtain at Jesus’ death influence your understanding of the direct access we now have to God, and how does that shape your approach to prayer and worship?