Exodus 30

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:1-11

The Altar of Incense. See below, Exodus 30:34-38 .— J . O . read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:1-38

The golden altar and the perfume. The golden altar was of small dimensions, a cubit in length, a cubit in breadth, and two cubits high. It was a true altar, as shown by its square shape, and by its horns. Its place was immediately in front of the vail dividing the two portions of the sanctuary, with the innermost or' which—the holy of holies—it was regarded as having the more intimate connection ( 1 Kings 6:22 ; Hebrews 9:4 ). The command was that Aaron should burn upon it sweet... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:2

Four square shall it be . Like the altar of burnt-offering. See the comment on Exodus 27:1 . Two cubits shall be the height thereof . Altars of this small size are often represented on ancient vases and other remains. The horns thereof. It seems to be assumed that an altar must have horns. Those of the altar of incense were to have the blood of certain sin-offerings smeared upon them (Le Exodus 4:7 , Exodus 4:18 ). Shall be of the same — i.e. "shall be of one piece with the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:3

Thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold — i.e; a border, or moulding, all round the top, to prevent anything from falling off. Compare what is said of the table of shew-bread, Exodus 25:24 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:4

By the two corners . Rather, "on its two sides." The ensuing clause is redundant. All that is meant is, that the altar should have two rings only—not four—one at each side, directly below the moulding. As it was so small, two rings were enough. For the staves . Rather, "for staves." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:5

The staves were to be of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, like those used for carrying the ark ( Exodus 25:13 ) and the table of shew-bread ( Exodus 25:28 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:6

Thou shalt put it before the vail . It might have been doubtful from what is said here, which side of the veil the altar was to be placed. The doubt is precluded by the narrative of what Moses actually did in Exodus 40:21-29 , which makes it clear that the altar was placed with the golden candlestick and the table of shew-bread, outside the veil, in the "holy place," and not within the "holy of holies." Where I will meet with thee. See above, Exodus 25:22 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:7

Sweet incense . Literally, "incense of perfumes." For the composition of the incense, see Exodus 30:34-38 . When he dresseth the lamps . The lamps of the golden candlestick were to be trimmed and cleaned, their wicks looked to, and fresh oil added, if necessary, every morning, immediately after daybreak. See the comment on Exodus 27:21 . The duty devolved on the priests. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:8

At even . Literally, "between the two evenings." (See the comment on Exodus 12:6 .) The offering of incense by the high priest twice a day, at the time of the morning and evening sacrifice, indicated that prayer was needed as constantly as expiation, and that neither might for a single day be intermitted. A perpetual incense . "Perpetual," in the sense that it was to be burnt twice a day, as long as the religion lasted—not in the sense that it was to be kept burning constantly. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:9

By strange incense is meant any which was not prepared according to the directions given in Exodus 30:34-38 . None such was ever to be offered. Nor was the altar to be used for burnt-offering, meat-offering, or drink-offering . For burnt-offering it was manifestly unfit; but the prohibition of the others seems to show a determination to keep its use markedly distinct from that of the brazen altar in the court, which was to receive all that was offered either for expiation, or for... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:1-38

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:9

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