Incense Altar
The gold-covered acacia incense altar measures 1 × 1 × 2 cubits and stands before the veil. Its horns are made with the altar; Aaron burns incense there morning and evening (Exodus 30:1–8).
Perspective note
Comparative historical/source study. The original author's or church's reception is retained; inclusion does not make every claim Oriental Orthodox teaching.
Key points
- Incense accompanies the appointed sanctuary service.
- Look for: A small golden altar near the inner curtain.
- Illustrated location: Holy Place
- A reconstruction from Exodus 25–30 and 40, with the bread arrangement from Leviticus 24. The Tabernacle has one lampstand with seven lamps and one bread table. The tent follows conventional chamber proportions inferred from boards and curtains; textual court dimensions are listed separately, while the drawn court outline and object spacing are schematic. The court and tent use different drawing scales, and some furnishings are enlarged for visibility; this is not a single-scale plan. The text does not specify the basin’s size, the lampstand’s height, a complete visual blueprint, or the exact appearance of the cherubim. Their drawn forms and decorative patterns are interpretations. Roof and walls are opened to reveal spaces whose access was restricted. The raised illustrative ground base is a display device, not a prescribed Tabernacle floor; Exodus does not specify a floor material. The rear boards, individual silver sockets, carrying fittings, and small service utensils are simplified or omitted.
- Prayer rising like incense (Scripture): Exodus prescribes an incense altar. Psalm 141 likens prayer to incense, and Revelation 8 joins incense with the prayers of the saints. The church censer gives these scriptural images a visible and fragrant expression.
Scripture
- Exodus 30:1–21 — The gold-covered acacia incense altar measures 1 × 1 × 2 cubits and stands before the veil. Its horns are made with the altar; Aaron burns incense there morning and evening (Exodus 30:1–8).
- Exodus 30:1–10, 17–21 — Prayer rising like incense: Exodus prescribes an incense altar. Psalm 141 likens prayer to incense, and Revelation 8 joins incense with the prayers of the saints. The church censer gives these scriptural images a visible and fragrant expression.
- Psalm 141:1–2 — Prayer rising like incense: Exodus prescribes an incense altar. Psalm 141 likens prayer to incense, and Revelation 8 joins incense with the prayers of the saints. The church censer gives these scriptural images a visible and fragrant expression.
- Revelation 8:3–4 — Prayer rising like incense: Exodus prescribes an incense altar. Psalm 141 likens prayer to incense, and Revelation 8 joins incense with the prayers of the saints. The church censer gives these scriptural images a visible and fragrant expression.