What is the meaning of Exodus 40:5? Place the gold altar of incense “Place the gold altar of incense…” (Exodus 40:5) • God instructs Moses to put the altar exactly where He wants it, showing that worship is never left to guesswork. Compare the earlier blueprint in Exodus 30:1-10. • This altar is fashioned of pure gold—fit for a holy God—used morning and evening for the continual burning of fragrant incense (Exodus 30:7-8). • Incense pictures prayers rising to the Lord (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4). The scene is a daily reminder that God delights in the intercession of His people. • Obedience to the placement order underscores that right worship must always follow God’s revealed pattern (Leviticus 10:1-3). In front of the ark of the Testimony “…in front of the ark of the Testimony…” • The ark houses the covenant tablets, Aaron’s rod, and manna—tangible witnesses of God’s faithfulness (Exodus 25:16; Hebrews 9:4). • By positioning the incense altar immediately before the ark (though still outside the inner veil), God pictures mediation: priests minister on behalf of the people, their prayers wafting toward His very throne (Exodus 30:6; Hebrews 4:14-16). • Nearness to the ark highlights reverence; one cannot approach God casually. The placement declares both invitation and boundary—close, yet not presumptuous. Hang the curtain “…and hang the curtain…” • This “veil” (Exodus 26:31-33) separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, marking the line between daily ministry and the concentrated glory of God. • Only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, may the high priest pass the veil with sacrificial blood (Leviticus 16:2-34; Hebrews 9:6-7). • The curtain proclaims that sin still blocks full access; later, its tearing at Christ’s death (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19-20) will declare the way open through the ultimate sacrifice. At the entrance to the tabernacle “…at the entrance to the tabernacle.” • The “screen for the entrance” (Exodus 26:36-37) forms the first doorway into sacred space, distinguishing everyday life from divine fellowship. • Only priests may cross that threshold, emphasizing holiness (Numbers 1:50-53). • The arrangement foreshadows the one true Door—Jesus—through whom we gain access to the Father (John 10:9; Ephesians 2:18). • Every layer—gate, outer court, inner curtain—teaches that approach to God is graciously granted yet carefully ordered. summary Exodus 40:5 records two precise commands: set the golden incense altar right before the ark and hang the separating curtain at the tabernacle’s entrance. Literally, Moses is to finish arranging the sanctuary exactly as God designed. Spiritually, the verse weaves together key truths: worship arises continually through divinely appointed intercession; fellowship with God is both invited and protected by boundaries of holiness; and every curtain, altar, and placement points forward to the flawless mediation of Christ, who fulfills and surpasses the tabernacle’s patterns. |
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