THE ALTAR OF INCENSE

“You are to make an altar on which to burn incense; make it of acacia-wood.”
Exodus 30:1

The Parashah of Tetzaveh concludes with the commands and dimensions given by Adonai for the altar on which incense was to be burned. Adonai’s first instruction for this altar was that it be made of acacia-wood. It was to be 18 inches square and three feet tall. The horns of the altar were to be one piece and the entire altar was to be overlaid with gold. Two gold rings were placed under the molding so as to make the transporting of the altar available. Placed in front of the curtain by the ark for the testimony Adonai would meet. It was on this altar that Aharon was to burn fragrant incense as a pleasing aroma for Adonai each morning when the lamps were being prepared. Additionally the aroma was to be lifted in the evening when preparing the lamps. The restrictions laid out by Adonai were as important and included that that no unauthorized incense was to be burnt on the altar, as well as for a burnt offering, grain offering, or drink offering, and once a year Aharon was to make atonement on its horns using the blood of the sin offering. As long as these rules, both for and against the uses of the altar, were kept, Adonai would continue to bless His people.

Exodus 30:1-10