Antonio Mcgowan
The altar of incense was constructed with gold and acacia wood and was approximately 18 inches square and 36 inches high. It was portable and could be transported using poles that were slipped through its rings. The task of carrying the altar fell to the Kohathites, who were responsible for moving the vessels of the Tabernacle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Gold and acia wood |
| Shape | Square |
| Size | 18 inches square by 36 inches high |
| Transport | Poles, staves |
| Carriers | Aaron, Kohathites |
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What You'll Learn
The altar was constructed with rings to enable transport
The altar of incense was constructed with rings to enable transport. The altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It was not large, measuring about 18 inches square by 36 inches high. The altar had four "horns", one at each corner, and rings of gold were built into the altar so that it could be carried with poles, typically made of acacia wood, slipped through the rings. The placement of these rings has been a subject of discussion, with some suggesting they were at diagonal corners, leading to the altar being carried cornerwise, rather than square.
The altar was constructed following God's instructions, who stipulated that it should be movable. The Kohathites were entrusted with carrying the vessels of the Tabernacle, including the golden altar of incense. The altar was to be covered with a cloth of blue and a covering of badgers’ skins before being carried with staves. The poles or staves used to carry the altar were also used to transport other sacred items, such as the table of showbread.
The altar of incense was placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The sweet-smelling smoke from the incense symbolized the people's prayers rising to God. The altar was a reminder to the Israelites that prayer should be central to their lives.
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It was carried by the Kohathites
The responsibility of carrying the vessels of the Tabernacle was given to the Kohathites. The vessels were covered with a blue cloth and a covering of badgers’ skins. The text from Num.4.11 reads:
> "And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers’ skins, and shall put it to the staves thereof".
The golden altar of incense was entrusted to these men, who were expected to feel the weight of the altar and their responsibility. The text further clarifies:
> "Think not upon the fewness of the men, but on the greatness of their privilege and the value of that which it typifies".
The altar of incense was made of acia wood and overlaid with gold. It had four "horns", one at each corner, and rings of gold built into it so that it could be carried with acacia wood poles that were slipped through the rings. The altar was relatively small, about 18 inches square and 36 inches high. The rings were placed on both sides, and the poles were used to carry the altar when the entire tabernacle was moved.
The Kohathites presumably moved in careful step over untraversed terrain, working in close fellowship with each other to ensure the stability of the altar, which symbolized intercession, worship, and prayer.
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Poles were used to carry the altar
The altar of incense was constructed from acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It was relatively small, measuring about 18 inches square and 36 inches high. The altar was designed to be portable, with golden rings placed on both sides, which would accept poles to carry it when the entire tabernacle was moved.
The poles used to carry the altar were made of acacia wood and slipped through the golden rings. This allowed the altar to be transported safely and securely, ensuring that it remained level and stable during movement. The use of poles allowed multiple people to carry the altar, distributing the weight and making it easier to navigate through spaces.
The portability of the altar of incense was important as it needed to be moved regularly. The altar was placed in the Holy Place, outside the Holy of Holies, and required daily attention by priests. By being portable, the altar could be conveniently relocated as needed, ensuring that it was accessible and tended to according to religious rituals and practices.
The altar of incense played a significant role in religious ceremonies and symbolized the prayers of God's people. The sweet-smelling smoke from the incense represented the people's prayers ascending to God, emphasizing the importance of prayer in their spiritual practices. The altar was considered a sacred object, constructed and placed according to detailed instructions provided by God to Moses.
The design and construction of the altar of incense, including its portability through the use of poles, reflect the religious and spiritual significance it held for the Israelites. The altar's mobility allowed for its presence and use in various settings, facilitating the expression of faith and devotion through the offering of incense and prayers.
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The altar was transported cornerwise
The altar of incense was constructed from acia wood and overlaid with gold. It was small, measuring about 18 inches square by 36 inches high. The altar was adorned with four "horns", one at each corner, and two gold rings on each side. The rings were used to accept poles, allowing the altar to be transported when the entire tabernacle was moved.
The placement of the rings at diagonal corners suggests that the altar was carried cornerwise, rather than square. This interpretation is supported by the fact that the altar needed to be steadied during transport, which would be more easily achieved with poles at diagonal corners.
The task of carrying the altar of incense was entrusted to the Kohathites, who were responsible for transporting the vessels of the Tabernacle. The altar was carefully covered with a cloth of blue and a covering of badgers' skins before being carried with staves.
The altar of incense was to be carried with great reverence and respect, reflecting its value and significance in the religious rituals of the time. The transport of the altar was a careful and deliberate process, ensuring its stability and security during travel.
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It was covered with a cloth and badger skins
The altar of incense is mentioned in Exodus 30 as one of the items inside the Holy Place of the tabernacle. The altar was constructed from acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It was approximately 18 inches square and 36 inches high, with a horn at each corner and gold rings on either side. The gold rings were used to accept poles, allowing the altar to be carried when the tabernacle was moved.
The altar of incense was covered with a blue cloth and badger skins when it was transported. This is detailed in Numbers 4:11:
> "They are to spread a blue cloth over the Gold Altar and cover it with dolphin skins and place it on a carrying frame. Next, they must spread a blue cloth over the gold incense altar and cover this cloth with fine goatskin leather. Then they must attach the carrying poles to the altar. And upon the golden altar, they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof."
The badger skins may have served as a form of ventilation for the smoke from the incense. The blue cloth, meanwhile, may have been a symbolic colour choice, as blue is often associated with holiness and divinity.
The altar of incense was an essential part of the worship of the tabernacle and temple. The fragrant smoke from the incense symbolised the prayers of God's people rising to God. Priests brought burning coals for the altar from the brazen altar in the tabernacle courtyard, carrying them in censers.
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Frequently asked questions
The Kohathites were responsible for carrying the vessels of the Tabernacle, including the altar of incense.
The altar of incense was constructed with rings at each corner, which could be used to receive staves for transportation.
The altar of incense was made from acia wood and overlaid with gold.
