What connections exist between Exodus 39:38 and New Testament teachings on worship? Setting the Scene: A Quick Look at Exodus 39:38 “the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent;” The verse lists four finished pieces for the tabernacle—each a concrete, historical object that pointed ahead to patterns of worship fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Gold Altar and Incense: Prayer-Filled Worship • The golden altar stood right before the veil; priests burned incense there every morning and evening (Exodus 30:1–8). • New Testament writers draw a straight line from that fragrant cloud to the prayers of God’s people: – “Another angel… was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints” (Revelation 8:3–4). – “When the whole multitude of the people were praying outside, the hour of incense arrived” (Luke 1:10). • Therefore, Christian worship centers on continual, Spirit-borne prayer (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17), echoing the perpetual incense that rose from the altar. Anointing Oil: The Spirit’s Empowering Presence • The oil consecrated every tabernacle article (Exodus 30:22–30). Tangible oil set things apart for holy service. • Jesus was the One “anointed… with the Holy Spirit and with power” (Acts 10:38). • Believers share that anointing: – “He has anointed us, set His seal… and put His Spirit in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 1:21–22). – “The anointing you received from Him remains in you” (1 John 2:27). • New-covenant worship is Spirit-empowered, not merely ritual; yet the reality mirrors the symbolism of the oil. The Curtain (Veil): Access Granted in Christ • The curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, restricting direct access to God’s presence. • At Jesus’ death “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51), signaling opened access. • Hebrews unpacks the result: – “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near” (Hebrews 10:19–22). – Our High Priest “has gone into heaven itself, now to appear in God’s presence for us” (Hebrews 9:24). • Worship now flows from that unveiled, immediate fellowship with the Father (Hebrews 4:14–16). Putting It All Together: New Covenant Worship Shaped by Old Covenant Symbols • Incense reminds us that our gathered and private prayers are a sweet aroma to God (Revelation 5:8). • Anointing oil finds its fulfillment in the indwelling Holy Spirit, who equips every believer to serve (Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 2:5). • The curtain’s removal anchors our boldness; we worship “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23–24) because Christ opened the only way. The hardware of Exodus 39:38 was real, meticulously crafted, and precisely employed—and each piece now teaches the church how to approach God: prayerfully, Spirit-filled, and confident in the finished work of Jesus. |
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