Topical Encyclopedia The Altar of Incense, also known as the Golden Altar, holds significant importance in the worship practices of ancient Israel as described in the Old Testament. It was situated in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, directly in front of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The Altar of Incense was used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God.Biblical Description and Dimensions The dimensions and construction details of the Altar of Incense are provided in the Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 30:1-3 , the altar was to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. The passage states: "You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense. It is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece with it. Overlay with pure gold its top, all around its sides, and its horns, and make a gold molding around it." From this description, the altar was a square structure, measuring one cubit in length and one cubit in width, with a height of two cubits. In modern measurements, assuming a cubit is approximately 18 inches, the altar would be about 18 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 36 inches high. The altar featured horns at each of its four corners, which were integral to its design and also overlaid with gold. Additional Features The altar was adorned with a gold molding around its top edge, enhancing its sacred and ornate appearance. Exodus 30:4-5 further describes the practical elements of the altar: "Make two gold rings for the altar below the molding on two opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it. Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold." These rings and poles facilitated the transportation of the altar, allowing it to be carried by the Levites as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness. The portability of the altar was essential, given the nomadic nature of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Symbolic Significance The Altar of Incense played a crucial role in the daily rituals of the Tabernacle. The incense burned on this altar was a special blend, as prescribed in Exodus 30:34-38, and was considered holy. The fragrant smoke represented the prayers and intercessions of the people, rising before God as a pleasing aroma. The altar's placement before the veil signified the closeness of these prayers to the divine presence, yet also the separation that existed between God and humanity, a separation that would later be bridged through the work of Jesus Christ. In summary, the Altar of Incense was a meticulously crafted and symbolically rich element of the Tabernacle, reflecting the holiness and reverence due to God in worship. Its dimensions and design were divinely ordained, underscoring the importance of obedience and precision in the worship practices of ancient Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 30:1,2And you shall make an altar to burn incense on: of shittim wood shall you make it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 37:25 Library The Copies of Things in the Heavens Books of the Hebrew Canon. A Description of the Temple. The Survival of the Fittest. A Discourse Church Fabrics and Services. The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea A Little Sanctuary In common with the Roman Church, the Greek Church has seven ... The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued) Resources What does the Bible say about altar calls? Are altar calls biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org Why was the fire in the altar to burn continuously (Leviticus 6:13)? | GotQuestions.org Altar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altar in Solomon's Temple in Second Temple Altar in Solomon's Temple: Cleansed by Hezekiah Altar in Solomon's Temple: Description of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Ezekiel's Vision of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Furniture of, Taken to Babylon Altar in Solomon's Temple: Removed by Ahaz, and One of Idolatrous Fashion Substituted Altar in Solomon's Temple: Renewed by Asa Altar in Solomon's Temple: Repaired by Manasseh Altar in the Tabernacle: A Place of Refuge Altar in the Tabernacle: Constructed by Bezaleel Altar in the Tabernacle: Furniture of Altar in the Tabernacle: Horns of Altar in the Tabernacle: How Sanctified Altar in the Tabernacle: Location of Altar in the Tabernacle: Pattern of Altar in the Tabernacle: Sanctified Everything That Touched It Altar in the Tabernacle: Uses of the Horns Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of God Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of the Lord Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Brazen Altar Altar of Incense in Solomon's Temple Altar of Incense: A Cover Made For, of the Censers of Korah Altar of Incense: A Type of Christ Altar of Incense: Altar Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Altar of Sweet Incense Altar of Incense: Anointed With Holy Oil Altar of Incense: Atonement Made For, by the High Priest Once Every Year Altar of Incense: Called the Golden Altar Altar of Incense: Carried by Kohathites Altar of Incense: Covered by the Priest Before Removal from the Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: Dimensions of Altar of Incense: had Four Rings of Gold Under the Crown for the Staves Altar of Incense: How Prepared for Carrying Altar of Incense: No Strange Incense Nor Any Sacrifice to be offered On Altar of Incense: Placed Before the Vail in the Outer Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Offering Strange Fire On Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Unauthorised offering On Altar of Incense: Said to be Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Seen in John's Vision Altar of Incense: Staves of, Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: The Blood of all Sin offerings Put on the Horns of Altar of Incense: The Priest Burned Incense on Every Morning and Evening Altar of Incense: Top of, Surrounded With a Crown of Gold Altar used in Idolatrous Worship Altar: Built by the Reubenites and Gadites Altar: Mosaic Commandments Prescribing the Construction of The Altar of Burnt-Offering was Most Holy The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Net-Working Grate of Brass Placed In The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Type of Christ The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Ahaz Removed and Profaned The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Gifts to be Presented At The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Its Vessels of Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Sacrifices to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Anointed and Sanctified With Holy Oil The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Brazen Altar The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Cleansed and Purified With Blood The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Covered With Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Dimensions of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Furnished With Rings and Staves The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Horns on the Corners of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Made After a Divine Pattern The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Nothing Polluted or Defective to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Offering at the Dedication of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Placed in the Court Before the Door of the Tabernacle The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sacrifices Bound to the Horns of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified by God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified Whatever Touched It The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Blood of Sacrifices Put on the Horns and Poured at The The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon was Continually Burning The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Came from Before the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Consumed the Sacrifices The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Jews Condemned for Swearing Lightly By The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Alone to Serve The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Derived Support From Related Terms Burnt-sacrifice (13 Occurrences) Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) Meat-offerings (10 Occurrences) |
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