Exodus 35:15
the altar of incense with its poles; the anointing oil and fragrant incense; the curtain for the doorway at the entrance to the tabernacle;
the altar of incense with its poles;

Standing before the veil in the Holy Place, the gold-covered altar received the holy incense each morning and evening. Its smoke rising before the LORD portrayed the prayers of His people offered in worship and dependence. Its carrying poles allowed it to travel with Israel, declaring that God’s presence and the privilege of prayer belonged with His people throughout their wilderness journey. Christ fulfills this ministry as the risen High Priest who continually intercedes for those who draw near to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25).

Exo 30:1-10 You are also to make an altar of acacia wood…
Exo 37:25-28 He made the altar of incense out of acacia wood.…
Num 4:11 Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth…

the anointing oil and fragrant incense;

The sacred anointing oil consecrated the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests for the LORD’s service. It marked what belonged exclusively to God and anticipated the work of the Holy Spirit, who sets apart and empowers God’s people. The carefully prescribed incense could not be used for ordinary purposes; its pleasing fragrance testified that worship must be offered according to God’s command. In heaven, incense is associated with the prayers of the saints before God’s throne (Revelation 5:8).

Exo 30:22-33 Then the LORD said to Moses,…
Exo 30:34-38 The LORD also said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices—…
Lev 8:10-12 Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle…

the curtain for the doorway at the entrance to the tabernacle;

The embroidered screen marked the entrance into the tabernacle, separating the holy dwelling of God from the camp outside. Priests entered through this doorway to serve before the LORD, but access remained regulated because sinful people could not approach a holy God on their own terms. The screen pointed forward to Christ, the only way to the Father (John 14:6), through whom believers are welcomed into God’s presence.

Exo 26:36-37 For the entrance to the tent, you are to make…
Exo 36:37-38 For the entrance to the tent, he made a curtain…
Exo 40:28 Then he put up the curtain at the entrance…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle from God.

2. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary used by the Israelites as a place of worship during their journey through the wilderness.

3. The Altar of Incense
A sacred altar within the Tabernacle where incense was burned as an offering to God.

4. Anointing Oil
A specially prepared oil used for consecrating the priests and the sacred objects within the Tabernacle.

5. The Curtain
A veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place within the Tabernacle.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings remind us of the importance of obedience to God's commands. Just as the Israelites were called to follow God's instructions precisely, we too are called to live according to His Word.

Symbolism of Incense
The altar of incense symbolizes the prayers of the people rising to God. This teaches us about the importance of prayer in our spiritual lives and encourages us to maintain a consistent prayer life.

Consecration and Holiness
The use of anointing oil for consecration signifies the need for holiness and dedication in our service to God. We are reminded to set ourselves apart for His purposes.

Access to God
The curtain in the Tabernacle represents the separation between God and humanity due to sin. With the coming of Christ, this barrier has been removed, granting us direct access to God through Jesus.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the detailed construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings reflect the character of God, and what does this teach us about our approach to worship today?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of the altar of incense enhance our understanding and practice of prayer in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of consecration with anointing oil apply to our personal walk with God, and what steps can we take to live a life set apart for Him?

4. What significance does the curtain in the Tabernacle hold in light of the New Testament teachings about Jesus' sacrifice, and how does this impact our relationship with God?

5. How can we apply the principles of obedience and reverence found in Exodus 35:15 to our modern-day worship and service to God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 30:1-10
Provides detailed instructions for the construction and use of the altar of incense, emphasizing its role in worship and the importance of following God's commands precisely.

Leviticus 16:12-13
Describes the use of incense on the Day of Atonement, highlighting its significance in the atonement process and the presence of God.

Hebrews 9:3-4
Discusses the layout of the Tabernacle, including the placement of the altar of incense, and connects it to the new covenant through Christ.

Revelation 8:3-4
Illustrates the symbolic role of incense in the prayers of the saints, showing continuity between Old and New Testament worship practices.
The New StartJ. Orr
People
Aaron, Ahisamach, Aholiab, Bezaleel, Dan, Hur, Israelites, Moses, Shoham, Uri
Places
Sinai
Topics
Altar, Anointing, Anointing-oil, Burning, Covering, Curtain, Door, Doorway, Drugs, Entering, Entrance, Entrance-curtain, Fragrant, Hanging, Holy, Incense, Incense-altar, Oil, Opening, Perfume, Poles, Rods, Screen, Spice, Spices, Staffs, Staves, Sweet, Tabernacle
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 35:15

     7386   incense

Exodus 35:10-17

     7344   curtain

Library
An Old Subscription List
'And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work....' --EXODUS xxxv. 21. This is the beginning of the catalogue of contributions towards the erection of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. It emphasises the purely spontaneous and voluntary character of the gifts. There was plenty of compulsory work, of statutory contribution, in the Old Testament system of worship. Sacrifices and tithes and other things
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down in the Mishnah and the Jerusalem Talmud.
The terribly exaggerated views of the Rabbis, and their endless, burdensome rules about the Sabbath may best be learned from a brief analysis of the Mishnah, as further explained and enlarged in the Jerusalem Talmud. [6476] For this purpose a brief analysis of what is, confessedly, one of the most difficult tractates may here be given. The Mishnic tractate Sabbath stands at the head of twelve tractates which together from the second of the six sections into which the Mishnah is divided, and which
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Gifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Early Battles
Six months of joyous service amongst the Welsh miners was cut short by a telegram announcing to the sisters the serious illness of Mrs. Lee. Taking the news to their Divisional Commander, they were instructed to Headquarters. It was found that the illness was due to shock. The income from investments of the little estate left by Mr. Lee had dwindled; it now had disappeared altogether. Captain Lucy faced the matter with her usual practical decision. 'Mother, darling, there are two ways out. Either
Minnie L. Carpenter—The Angel Adjutant of "Twice Born Men"

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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