“And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.”
Context:Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah, which includes the first five books of the Old Testament. The book of Exodus primarily focuses on the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses. During their journey through the wilderness, God instructs Moses to build the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where the Israelites could worship Him and offer sacrifices.
Exodus 30:3 is part of the detailed instructions God gives to Moses for constructing the “Altar of Incense.” This altar was to be placed in the Holy Place inside the Tabernacle.
Meaning and Lessons:
- Symbolism of Gold:The use of pure gold to overlay the Altar of Incense holds significant symbolism. Gold is a precious metal, often representing divine and incorruptible qualities. In the Bible, gold is associated with purity, holiness, and God’s glory. By using pure gold to cover the altar, God emphasizes the sacred nature of this piece of furniture and its significance in the worship of Him. Lesson: We should approach worship with reverence and purity of heart, acknowledging God’s holiness and glory.
- The Altar of Incense:The Altar of Incense was used for burning fragrant incense, which produced a pleasant aroma that ascended to God. The incense represents the prayers and intercessions of the people going up to God. This altar was positioned in the Holy Place, just before the curtain that separated it from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), where God’s presence dwelt. Lesson: Prayer and intercession are essential aspects of our relationship with God. Our prayers are like sweet incense before Him, and we can approach Him confidently through Jesus Christ, who intercedes on our behalf.
- The Crown of Gold:God instructs Moses to make a crown of gold around the Altar of Incense. This crown served both practical and symbolic purposes. Practically, it likely helped secure the altar’s corners and edges, keeping the gold overlay intact. Symbolically, the crown represents the sovereignty and kingship of God. It serves as a reminder that He is the King of kings and the center of worship. Lesson: God’s sovereignty should be central in our lives. He is the King of our hearts, and we should acknowledge His authority in all aspects of our worship and daily living.
- Application in Christ:As Christians, we can find spiritual significance in this passage beyond the literal construction of the Tabernacle. In the New Testament, the book of Hebrews refers to the Tabernacle and its furnishings as “copies of the heavenly things” (Hebrews 9:23). Jesus Christ is the ultimate High Priest, and through His sacrifice, we now have direct access to God. The Altar of Incense foreshadows Christ’s role as our intercessor before the Father. Lesson: In Christ, we have direct access to God, and our prayers are heard because of His mediation. We can approach God boldly and with confidence, knowing that Christ’s sacrifice has made a way for us.
Conclusion:Exodus 30:3 highlights the importance of worship, prayer, and God’s sovereignty. The use of pure gold and the crown of gold emphasize the sacredness of worship and the centrality of God’s authority in our lives. As we reflect on this passage, let us approach God with reverence, praying with a pure heart, and acknowledging His sovereign rule over all creation. Additionally, let us remember the privilege we have as Christians to approach God directly through Jesus Christ, who intercedes on our behalf.
