New International Version the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent; New Living Translation the gold altar; the anointing oil and fragrant incense; the curtain for the entrance of the sacred tent; English Standard Version the golden altar, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the entrance of the tent; Berean Standard Bible the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent; Berean Literal Bible and the gold altar, and the anointing oil, and the incense of spices, and the screen of the door of the tent; King James Bible And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door, New King James Version the gold altar, the anointing oil, and the sweet incense; the screen for the tabernacle door; New American Standard Bible and the gold altar, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the doorway of the tent; NASB 1995 and the gold altar, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the veil for the doorway of the tent; NASB 1977 and the gold altar, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the veil for the doorway of the tent; Legacy Standard Bible and the gold altar, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the veil for the doorway of the tent; Amplified Bible the golden altar [of incense], the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the [hanging] veil for the doorway of the tent; Berean Annotated Bible the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent; Christian Standard Bible the gold altar; the anointing oil; the fragrant incense; the screen for the entrance to the tent; Holman Christian Standard Bible the gold altar; the anointing oil; the fragrant incense; the screen for the entrance to the tent; American Standard Version and the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the screen for the door of the Tent; Contemporary English Version the gold-covered incense altar; the ordination oil and the sweet-smelling incense; the curtain for the entrance to the tent; English Revised Version and the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the screen for the door of the Tent; GOD'S WORD® Translation the gold altar, the anointing oil, the sweet-smelling incense, the screen for the entrance to the tent, Good News Translation the gold altar; the anointing oil; the sweet-smelling incense; the curtain for the entrance of the Tent; International Standard Version the altar of gold, anointing oil, aromatic incense, the screen for the doorway to the tent, NET Bible and the gold altar, and the anointing oil, and the fragrant incense; and the curtain for the entrance to the tent; New Heart English Bible the golden altar, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door of the Tent, Webster's Bible Translation And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle-door, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblethe gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent; World English Bible the golden altar, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door of the Tent, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the spice-incense, and the covering of the opening of the tent; Berean Literal Bible and the gold altar, and the anointing oil, and the incense of spices, and the screen of the door of the tent; Young's Literal Translation And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the spice-perfume, and the covering of the opening of the tent; Smith's Literal Translation And the altar of gold and the oil of anointing, and the incense of aromatics, and the covering for the door of the tent; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the hanging in the entry of the tabernacle: Catholic Public Domain Version and the tent at the entrance of the tabernacle, New American Bible the golden altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense; the curtain for the entrance of the tent, New Revised Standard Version the golden altar, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the entrance of the tent; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the altar of gold and oil of anointing, and incense of sweet spices, and the covering of the door of the Tabernacle, OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the screen for the door of the Tent; Brenton Septuagint Translation And they made the anointing oil, and the incense of composition, and the pure candlestick, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Moses Approves the Work…37the pure gold lampstand with its row of lamps and all its utensils, as well as the oil for the light; 38 the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent; 39the bronze altar with its bronze grating, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin with its stand;… Cross References the gold altar Numbers 4:11 Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with fine leather, and insert the poles. Exodus 30:1-10 “You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense. / It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece. / Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns, and make a molding of gold around it. … 1 Kings 7:48 Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was placed the Bread of the Presence; the anointing oil Exodus 30:22-33 Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half that amount (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, / 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. … Leviticus 8:10-12 Next, Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it; and so he consecrated them. / He sprinkled some of the oil on the altar seven times, anointing the altar and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand, to consecrate them. / He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him. Numbers 7:1 On the day Moses finished setting up the tabernacle, he anointed and consecrated it and all its furnishings, along with the altar and all its utensils. the fragrant incense Exodus 30:34-38 The LORD also said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense—in equal measures, / and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy. / Grind some of it into fine powder and place it in front of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you. … Leviticus 16:12-13 Then he must take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD, and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and take them inside the veil. / He is to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the cloud of incense will cover the mercy seat above the Testimony, so that he will not die. Numbers 16:46-48 Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, place fire from the altar in it, and add incense. Go quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, because wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has begun.” / So Aaron took the censer as Moses had ordered and ran into the midst of the assembly. And seeing that the plague had begun among the people, he offered the incense and made atonement for the people. / He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague was halted. and the curtain for the entrance to the tent Exodus 26:36-37 For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. / Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold, use hooks of gold, and cast five bronze bases for them. Exodus 36:37-38 For the entrance to the tent, he made a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, / together with five posts and their hooks. He overlaid the tops of the posts and their bands with gold, and their five bases were bronze. Numbers 3:25 The duties of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting were the tabernacle and tent, its covering, the curtain for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, Exodus 25:31-40 Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. / There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand. … Exodus 37:17-24 Then he made the lampstand out of pure hammered gold, all of one piece: its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches extended from the sides, three on one side and three on the other. / There were three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extended from the lampstand. … Numbers 8:1-4 Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to Aaron and tell him: ‘When you set up the seven lamps, they are to light the area in front of the lampstand.’” / And Aaron did so; he set up the lamps facing toward the front of the lampstand, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. … 1 Kings 7:49 the lampstands of pure gold in front of the inner sanctuary, five on the right side and five on the left; the gold flowers, lamps, and tongs; Treasury of Scripture And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door, sweet incense. Jump to Previous Altar Anointing Burning Covering Curtain Door Doorway Drugs Entrance Fragrant Gold Golden Hanging Holy Incense Oil Opening Perfume Screen Spice-Perfume Sweet Tabernacle Tabernacle-Door Tent VeilJump to Next Altar Anointing Burning Covering Curtain Door Doorway Drugs Entrance Fragrant Gold Golden Hanging Holy Incense Oil Opening Perfume Screen Spice-Perfume Sweet Tabernacle Tabernacle-Door Tent VeilExodus 39 1. The cloths of service and holy garments.2. The ephod 8. The breast-plate 22. The robe of the ephod 27. The coats, mitre, and girdle of fine linen 30. The plate of the holy crown 32. All is finished, reviewed, and approved by Moses the gold altar, The altar of incense stood in the Holy Place before the inner veil. Made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, it belonged to the holy furnishings of God’s dwelling. Aaron burned the prescribed incense on it morning and evening, portraying the continual prayers and intercession of God’s people rising before Him (Exodus 30:7–8; Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3–4). Num 4:11 Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth… the anointing oil, The sacred oil consecrated the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests for the Lord’s service (Exodus 30:22–33). Its unique composition was not to be reproduced for common use, teaching that what God sets apart must not be treated as ordinary. Anointing anticipated the work of the Holy Spirit and pointed forward to Christ, the Anointed One, who was empowered for His saving mission (Luke 4:18). Exo 30:22-33 Then the LORD said to Moses,… the fragrant incense, The incense was prepared according to God’s precise instruction and reserved solely for worship at the sanctuary (Exodus 30:34–38). Its pleasing fragrance represented prayer offered with reverence and purity. The regular burning of incense also foreshadowed the interceding ministry of Jesus Christ, who continually represents His people before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). Exo 30:34-38 The LORD also said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices—… and the curtain for the entrance to the tent; The embroidered screen marked the entrance into the Holy Place, separating the sanctuary from the courtyard. Its blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen displayed the beauty and majesty appropriate to the dwelling of the holy God (Exodus 26:36–37). Access to God’s presence was ordered and guarded, preparing for Christ, who opened the way for believers to draw near to God through His sacrifice (Hebrews 10:19–22). Exo 26:36-37 For the entrance to the tent, you are to make… Persons / Places / Events 1. The Gold AltarThis refers to the altar of incense, which was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It was placed in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. 2. The Anointing Oil A sacred mixture used to consecrate the priests and the Tabernacle, signifying the setting apart of people and objects for God's service. 3. The Fragrant Incense A special blend of spices burned on the gold altar, representing the prayers and worship of the Israelites rising to God. 4. The Curtain for the Entrance to the Tent This curtain separated the Holy Place from the outer court, symbolizing the barrier between God and humanity that was later torn at Christ's crucifixion. 5. The Tabernacle The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites, representing God's desire to dwell with His people. Teaching Points Symbolism of PrayerThe gold altar and incense remind us of the importance of prayer in our relationship with God. Just as incense was a pleasing aroma, our prayers are a sweet offering to the Lord. Consecration and Holiness The anointing oil signifies the need for holiness and being set apart for God's purposes. As believers, we are called to live consecrated lives, dedicated to His service. Access to God The curtain represents the separation that sin causes between humanity and God. Through Christ, this barrier is removed, and we have direct access to the Father. God's Presence The Tabernacle illustrates God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and God dwells within us. Worship and Reverence The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings teach us the importance of approaching God with reverence and worship. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 39:38?2. How does Exodus 39:38 demonstrate the importance of following God's detailed instructions? 3. What does the "golden altar" symbolize in the context of Exodus 39:38? 4. How can we apply the principle of obedience from Exodus 39:38 today? 5. What connections exist between Exodus 39:38 and New Testament teachings on worship? 6. How does the "fragrant incense" in Exodus 39:38 relate to our prayers to God? 7. What is the significance of the altar of incense in Exodus 39:38? 8. How does Exodus 39:38 reflect the importance of worship in ancient Israel? 9. Why is the construction of the altar detailed in Exodus 39:38 important for understanding biblical rituals? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 39? What Does Exodus 39:38 Mean the gold altar- Exodus 39:38 simply names the “gold altar”—the altar of incense already described in Exodus 30:1-10. Crafted of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, it stood “before the veil that is before the ark of the testimony” (Exodus 40:5). - The altar’s daily function was the burning of sweet incense, symbolizing prayer rising continually to God; compare Psalm 141:2, “May my prayer be set before You like incense,” and Revelation 8:3-4, where heavenly incense mingles with “the prayers of all the saints.” - Hebrews 9:3-4 recalls this altar in the tabernacle layout, linking it to the ministry of Christ, our great High Priest who “always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). - By including the gold altar in the inventory, Exodus 39:38 affirms that every piece God commanded had been fashioned exactly as instructed—a testimony to Israel’s obedience and God’s faithfulness. the anointing oil - Next comes “the anointing oil.” Exodus 30:22-33 details its sacred recipe of myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil. “This will be My holy anointing oil for the generations to come” (v. 31). - Moses used it to consecrate the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests (Exodus 40:9-15). First Samuel 16:13 later shows Samuel anointing David, a picture fulfilled when “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power” (Acts 10:38). - For believers today, the oil points to the Spirit who “anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22), equipping us for service just as the priests were set apart. the fragrant incense - Exodus 39:38 also lists “the fragrant incense.” Its blend of stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense (Exodus 30:34-38) was unique to the sanctuary; any attempt to duplicate it for personal use was forbidden. - Incense was burned morning and evening (Exodus 30:7-8) so that a continual aroma filled the holy place, foreshadowing ceaseless worship. Luke 1:9-10 pictures Zechariah offering incense while “the whole multitude of the people were praying outside,” linking incense and intercession. - Revelation 5:8 explains the symbolism: “golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” Christ’s work makes our prayers acceptable, turning ordinary petitions into a sweet fragrance before God. the curtain for the entrance to the tent - Finally, Exodus 39:38 mentions “the curtain for the entrance to the tent,” the embroidered screen that hung at the east side of the tabernacle courtyard (Exodus 26:36-37). Made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn with fine linen, it marked the single doorway into God’s dwelling. - This entrance underscores exclusivity and invitation: only one way in, yet open to any who approached with the appointed sacrifice. Jesus echoes the image when He declares, “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved” (John 10:9). - Hebrews 10:19-20 applies the picture to the new covenant: “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way… through the curtain, that is, His body.” The tabernacle screen therefore anticipates the torn veil at the cross, declaring full access to God through Christ alone. summary Exodus 39:38 is more than an inventory line. The gold altar, anointing oil, fragrant incense, and entrance curtain were real objects, crafted exactly as God commanded, confirming Israel’s obedience. Yet each piece also points forward: the altar to Christ’s intercession, the oil to the Spirit’s consecrating presence, the incense to unceasing prayer, and the curtain to the exclusive yet open way into God’s presence accomplished by Jesus. Together they invite us to faithful worship, confident prayer, and wholehearted devotion, assured that every detail of God’s plan is carried out with precision and purpose. Hebrew the goldהַזָּהָ֔ב (haz·zā·hāḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky altar, מִזְבַּ֣ח (miz·baḥ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4196: An altar the anointing הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה (ham·miš·ḥāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4888: Unction, a consecratory gift oil, שֶׁ֣מֶן (še·men) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness the fragrant הַסַּמִּ֑ים (has·sam·mîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5561: Spice (used in incense) incense, קְטֹ֣רֶת (qə·ṭō·reṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 7004: Smoke, odor of (burning) sacrifice, incense and the curtain מָסַ֖ךְ (mā·saḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4539: A covering, screen for the entrance פֶּ֥תַח (pe·ṯaḥ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6607: An opening, door, entrance way to the tent; הָאֹֽהֶל׃ (hā·’ō·hel) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 168: A tent Additonal Resources Exodus 39:38 Blue Letter BibleExodus 39:38 Bible Gateway Exodus 39:38 Bible.com Exodus 39:38 NIV |
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