Exodus 40:27

and he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded him.

Study Bible

and he burned
The act of burning incense in the tabernacle was a significant ritual in ancient Israelite worship. The Hebrew word for "burned" is "קָטַר" (qatar), which means to offer up in smoke. This act symbolizes the prayers of the people ascending to God, as seen in Psalm 141:2, "May my prayer be set before You like incense." The burning of incense was a daily practice, signifying continual prayer and worship, and it was a reminder of the constant presence of God among His people.

fragrant incense
The incense used in the tabernacle was a specific blend of spices, as detailed in Exodus 30:34-38. The Hebrew word for "fragrant" is "סַמִּים" (samim), meaning spices or aromatic substances. This incense was considered holy and set apart for God, symbolizing purity and holiness. The fragrance represented the pleasing aroma of worship and obedience to God, and it was a sensory reminder of the divine presence.

on it
The "it" refers to the altar of incense, which was located in the Holy Place of the tabernacle, just before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. The altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, signifying its sacred purpose. The placement of the altar highlights the importance of prayer and worship as a means of approaching God, bridging the gap between the divine and the human.

just as the LORD had commanded him
This phrase underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions. The Hebrew word for "commanded" is "צָוָה" (tsavah), which means to give orders or to charge. Moses' adherence to God's commands reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience as a demonstration of faith and reverence. The construction and operation of the tabernacle were to be carried out precisely as God instructed, emphasizing that worship must align with divine revelation and order.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this context, Moses is following God's instructions to set up the Tabernacle.

2. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence of God among the Israelites. It was meticulously constructed according to God's specifications.

3. Altar of Incense
Located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, this altar was used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God.

4. Fragrant Incense
A special blend of spices used exclusively for worship in the Tabernacle, representing the prayers and worship of the Israelites.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, who commanded the construction and use of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

Teaching Points

Obedience in Worship
Moses' adherence to God's command to burn incense highlights the importance of obedience in our worship practices. True worship is not just about the act but about aligning with God's will.

Symbolism of Incense
The fragrant incense represents the prayers of the faithful. Our prayers should be a pleasing aroma to God, offered with sincerity and reverence.

Holiness and Reverence
The specific instructions for the Tabernacle and its rituals remind us of God's holiness and the reverence required in approaching Him. Our worship should reflect His holiness.

Consistency in Devotion
Just as the incense was to be burned regularly, our prayer life should be consistent and persistent, continually rising to God.

Christ as Our Mediator
The incense altar points to Christ, our ultimate mediator, whose sacrifice allows our prayers to be acceptable to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the act of burning incense in the Tabernacle relate to our modern-day practices of prayer and worship?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship is obedient and pleasing to God, as Moses demonstrated?

3. How does the symbolism of incense as prayers challenge or encourage you in your personal prayer life?

4. What can we learn from the detailed instructions given for the Tabernacle about God's nature and our approach to Him?

5. How does understanding Christ as our mediator enhance your understanding of the role of the altar of incense in the Tabernacle?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 16
Describes the Day of Atonement, where incense played a crucial role in the high priest's approach to God, symbolizing the need for purity and reverence in worship.

Revelation 8:3-4
Illustrates the prayers of the saints ascending to God like incense, connecting the Old Testament practice to New Testament worship.

Psalm 141:2
David's prayer for his prayers to be set before God as incense, showing the continuity of this symbol throughout Scripture.