“And thou shalt put the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.”– Exodus 40:5 (KJV)
“Place the altar of pure gold for burning incense in front of the Ark of the Covenant. Place the curtain at the entrance of the Tabernacle.”– Exodus 40:5 (NLT)
“Put the incense altar in front of the chest containing the Covenant. And place the screen at the entrance of the tent.”– Exodus 40:5 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 40:5 Mean?
Exodus 40:5 describes an important instruction given by God regarding the construction and arrangement of the tabernacle. The tabernacle served as the spiritual dwelling place for the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. God provided detailed guidelines to Moses on how to set up this sacred space. The passage emphasizes the significance of placement, indicating where the altar of incense should be located in relation to the Ark of the Covenant. This arrangement isn’t just about organization; it actually highlights the connection between prayer, worship, and the presence of God.
In the context of the tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant represented the very presence of God among His people. It housed the tablets containing the Ten Commandments, a jar of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded. By placing the altar of incense right before the Ark, God emphasized that prayer (symbolized by the incense) would rise up to Him from His holy dwelling. This act created a direct link between the people and God, reminding them that prayer and worship were essential parts of their relationship with Him.
Exodus 40:5 Explanation and Commentary
As we unpack Exodus 40:5, we recognize that this verse is not merely about architectural design. It speaks volumes about God’s desire for a relationship with His people. Each element of the tabernacle had a purpose. The altar of incense was specifically created for the burning of incense, which contributed to the act of worship. Incense symbolizes the prayers of the people, rising up to God. This illustration becomes clearer when we look at other scriptures such as Psalm 141:2, which states, “Let my prayer be set before you as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” Here we observe the connection between prayer and incense, highlighting the intimate relationship between worship and God’s presence.
Furthermore, the altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, symbolizing the humanity of Christ, represented by the wood, and His deity, represented by the gold. This duality enhances our understanding that Jesus became the perfect mediator between God and humanity, thus making our prayers acceptable to God. In light of this, the mention of placing the altar right in front of the Ark indicates that through Christ, our prayers now have direct access to God’s holy presence.
The establishment of the curtain at the entrance of the tabernacle also holds weight. It served as a barrier, signifying that God is holy, and people were approaching Him with reverence. The reality that only certain individuals could enter the most sacred areas reminds us of the need for holiness in our relationship with God. As believers today, we can appreciate that through Jesus’ sacrifice, we now have access to God. Just as the incense was to rise continually, our lives of prayer and worship should be a constant fragrant offering to God, as indicated in Romans 12:1, where we are urged to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.
Context of Exodus 40:5
To grasp the full impact of Exodus 40:5, it’s essential to look at the surrounding chapters and understand the context in which these instructions were given. In Exodus, the Israelites were journeying through the desert after being freed from slavery in Egypt. God was establishing a new identity for them as His chosen people. The tabernacle represented this new beginning—a sacred space where God would dwell among them, guiding them in their walk of faith.
Leading up to this verse, God had provided Moses with intricate details on how to construct the tabernacle, including the dimensions of each piece, the materials to use, and the order in which they should be arranged. This shows God’s careful planning for ensuring worship and relationship with His people. The previous chapters emphasize God’s desire for accessibility. Even though the barrier of the curtain existed, God provided a means for people to come close through priests, symbolizing the mediated access to Him.
The placement of the altar of incense before the Ark reinforces the essence of continued communication with God’s presence. This instruction occurred after the Israelites had received both the law and the covenant, highlighting the need for an ongoing relationship based on obedience and worship. As they would gather around the tabernacle, they would witness the flames of burning incense ascending, and this visual would serve as a daily reminder of their duty to worship and pray.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 40:5
Examining Exodus 40:5 more closely, we can draw out some key components. The verse begins by emphasizing the action: placing the altar of gold for incense. This act is significant—it is not just about setting something down; it symbolizes a commitment to worship and reverence for God. Incense was typically reserved for sacred occasions, implying that worship should be our priority each day as we set our hearts on Him.
The altar being made of gold is a direct reflection of value and purity. Gold signifies something precious, and placing the altar before the Ark of the Covenant provides insight into the worth of our prayers and worship to God. This aligns with Hebrews 4:16, where we are encouraged to approach the throne of grace boldly so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Then we read that the altar is to be positioned in front of the Ark of the testimony. The term “testimony” refers to the commandments written on the tablets. By placing the altar before it, we are reminded that our prayers and worship should align with God’s commandments. He desires our hearts to be in tune with His will.
The next phrase indicates the placement of the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. This screen serves as a physical reminder that while we have access to God’s presence, we approach Him with reverence and awe. This principle becomes significant in our spiritual lives as we reflect on how we enter into a time of prayer and worship. Are we approaching with a heart fully committed to honoring Him? As illustrated throughout Scripture, we should be diligent to approach God not casually, but with the attitude of devotion He deserves.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 40:5
The instructions found in Exodus 40:5 teach us several valuable lessons about worship, prayer, and our relationship with God. One prominent lesson is the importance of having a structured approach to our worship. Just as God provided a detailed plan for the tabernacle, we can benefit from being intentional in how we engage in worship and prayer. This intentionality isn’t about being ritualistic; rather, it reflects a heart that seeks to honor God in all things, as illustrated in 1 Corinthians 14:40, where Paul advises that all things should be done decently and in order.
Another lesson is related to the significance of incense representing our prayers. This metaphor highlights the notion that our prayers are both a sweet aroma to God and an act of drawing near to Him. We should cultivate a regular practice of prayer, recognizing that it deepens our connection to God, similar to John 15:7, which states, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Our prayers become the very breath of our relationship with God.
Moreover, we see that access to God should not be taken lightly. The curtain reminds us of God’s holiness, encouraging us to come with reverence. We can learn to cherish our times of prayer and worship, treating them as sacred moments to connect with our Creator. As Romans 12:1 explains, our lives should represent living sacrifices that are holy and pleasing to God, offering all we are as an act of worship.
Final Thoughts
While Exodus 40:5 reveals specific instructions about the tabernacle, it holds timeless truths about our relationship with God. Understanding the significance of worship, the power of prayer, and the importance of holiness gives us a broader perspective on how we are to engage with God in our daily lives. We are called to cultivate our relationship with Him, knowing that our prayers rise as a fragrant offering in His sight. Just as the Israelites were reminded of God’s presence through the tabernacle, we have the privilege of inviting His presence into our lives through our acts of worship and prayer. Let us, therefore, approach Him with hearts full of worship and reverence, eager to connect with the Holy One who desires an intimate relationship with us.
If you are curious about other biblical themes and stories, take a moment to explore more passages, such as Genesis 1:26-27 or Matthew 11:28-30. Each scripture offers unique insights into our faith journey.