the anointing oil
The anointing oil was a sacred mixture used to consecrate the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests (Exodus 30:22-33). This oil was a blend of olive oil and specific spices, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment. Anointing with oil set apart individuals and objects for God's service, indicating sanctification and divine approval. The use of oil in anointing foreshadows the anointing of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whose title means "Anointed One" (Luke 4:18).

the fragrant incense
The fragrant incense was a specific blend of spices used exclusively for worship in the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:34-38). Its aroma was pleasing to God, symbolizing the acceptable prayers and worship of His people. The incense was burned on the gold altar, and its smoke represented the prayers of the saints rising to heaven. This practice highlights the importance of purity and devotion in worship, as well as the role of Christ as our intercessor (Hebrews 7:25).

and the curtain for the entrance to the tent;
The curtain for the entrance to the tent, also known as the screen, was made of fine linen and embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn (Exodus 26:36-37). This curtain served as the entrance to the Holy Place, symbolizing the separation between the sacred and the common. The colors and craftsmanship reflect the glory and majesty of God. The curtain's function as a barrier points to the need for a mediator between God and humanity, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who through His sacrifice, tore the veil and granted believers direct access to God (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19-20).

- Exodus 39:38 simply names the “gold altar”—the altar of incense already described in Exodus 30:1-10. Crafted of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, it stood “before the veil that is before the ark of the testimony” (Exodus 40:5).

- The altar’s daily function was the burning of sweet incense, symbolizing prayer rising continually to God; compare Psalm 141:2, “May my prayer be set before You like incense,” and Revelation 8:3-4, where heavenly incense mingles with “the prayers of all the saints.”

- Hebrews 9:3-4 recalls this altar in the tabernacle layout, linking it to the ministry of Christ, our great High Priest who “always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

- By including the gold altar in the inventory, Exodus 39:38 affirms that every piece God commanded had been fashioned exactly as instructed—a testimony to Israel’s obedience and God’s faithfulness.

- Next comes “the anointing oil.” Exodus 30:22-33 details its sacred recipe of myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil. “This will be My holy anointing oil for the generations to come” (v. 31).

- Moses used it to consecrate the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests (Exodus 40:9-15). First Samuel 16:13 later shows Samuel anointing David, a picture fulfilled when “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power” (Acts 10:38).

- For believers today, the oil points to the Spirit who “anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22), equipping us for service just as the priests were set apart.

- Exodus 39:38 also lists “the fragrant incense.” Its blend of stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense (Exodus 30:34-38) was unique to the sanctuary; any attempt to duplicate it for personal use was forbidden.

- Incense was burned morning and evening (Exodus 30:7-8) so that a continual aroma filled the holy place, foreshadowing ceaseless worship. Luke 1:9-10 pictures Zechariah offering incense while “the whole multitude of the people were praying outside,” linking incense and intercession.

- Revelation 5:8 explains the symbolism: “golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” Christ’s work makes our prayers acceptable, turning ordinary petitions into a sweet fragrance before God.

- Finally, Exodus 39:38 mentions “the curtain for the entrance to the tent,” the embroidered screen that hung at the east side of the tabernacle courtyard (Exodus 26:36-37). Made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn with fine linen, it marked the single doorway into God’s dwelling.

- This entrance underscores exclusivity and invitation: only one way in, yet open to any who approached with the appointed sacrifice. Jesus echoes the image when He declares, “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved” (John 10:9).

- Hebrews 10:19-20 applies the picture to the new covenant: “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way… through the curtain, that is, His body.” The tabernacle screen therefore anticipates the torn veil at the cross, declaring full access to God through Christ alone.

Exodus 39:38 is more than an inventory line. The gold altar, anointing oil, fragrant incense, and entrance curtain were real objects, crafted exactly as God commanded, confirming Israel’s obedience. Yet each piece also points forward: the altar to Christ’s intercession, the oil to the Spirit’s consecrating presence, the incense to unceasing prayer, and the curtain to the exclusive yet open way into God’s presence accomplished by Jesus. Together they invite us to faithful worship, confident prayer, and wholehearted devotion, assured that every detail of God’s plan is carried out with precision and purpose.

Parallel Commentaries ...