“And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee.”
Context:Exodus 30 describes the construction of the altar of incense, which was to be placed inside the tabernacle. The tabernacle was a portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them during their wilderness journey. This sacred structure housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments and symbolized the presence of God among His people. Verse 6 is part of the detailed instructions given by God to Moses regarding the placement of the altar of incense. The altar was made of acacia wood and covered with pure gold (Exodus 30:1-5).
The Purpose of the Altar of Incense:The altar of incense was a significant element in the tabernacle’s inner court. It served the purpose of offering sweet-smelling incense to God. The burning incense symbolized the prayers of the people rising up to heaven (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8). The fragrance of the incense was a pleasing aroma to God, representing the worship and adoration of His people.
Location of the Altar:Verse 6 specifies the exact location for the placement of the altar of incense. It was to be positioned “before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat.” The vail (or veil) was a thick curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (also known as the Holy of Holies). Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and that too, only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2-14).
Meeting with God:The latter part of the verse states, “where I will meet with thee.” The Lord declared that He would meet with Moses at the place where the altar of incense was set up. This shows the significance of prayer and worship in establishing a direct and intimate connection with God. The tabernacle, with its various elements, including the altar of incense, was a physical representation of God’s dwelling among His people, and it emphasized the importance of seeking His presence and communion.
Application for Christians:As Christians, the symbolism and meaning of the altar of incense still hold relevance. While we no longer need to perform the specific rituals of the Old Testament, the principles underlying this passage carry spiritual truths for us today:
- Prayer and Worship: The altar of incense points to the importance of prayer and worship in our lives. We are encouraged to present our prayers and petitions before God, just as the incense was offered up in the tabernacle.
- Meeting with God: Just as God promised to meet with Moses at the altar, He desires to have a personal relationship with each one of us. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have direct access to God (Hebrews 4:16), and prayer is one of the ways we can experience His presence and guidance.
- Offering a Pleasing Aroma: The aroma of the incense was pleasing to God. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul uses similar language when describing the Christian life: “walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Ephesians 5:2 NKJV). Our lives should reflect the love and sacrifice of Christ, which is pleasing to God.
In conclusion, Exodus 30:6 teaches us about the importance of prayer, worship, and seeking God’s presence in our lives. Through prayer, we can meet with God and experience His guiding and comforting presence. As we offer our lives as living sacrifices, we become a pleasing aroma to God, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus Christ in everything we do.
