Read Exodus 35
Highlights:
Freewill offerings for the Tabernacle; construction of the Tabernacle; the Ark of the Testimony (Covenant); Mercy Seat; Table of Shewbread; Candlestick; Altar of Incense.
The Altar of Incense was made . . . of shittim (acacia) wood. . . . and . . . a crown (moulding) of gold round about. . . . And he (Bezaleel) made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense (Ex. 35:15; 37:25-26,29). Moses was also directed to put it before the vail that is by the Ark of the Testimony (Covenant), before the Mercy Seat that is over the Testimony, where I will meet with thee. . . . Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning. . . . a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations (Ex. 30:6-8).
The priests were permitted in the Holy Place, but only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. In front of the veil was the Golden Altar of Incense which was much smaller than the Brasen Altar.
Each morning, Aaron the high priest would fill the lamps with pure olive oil and burn incense upon the altar. He would take a coal of fire from the Brasen Altar and place it on the Altar of Incense and then place the incense on it for a sweet fragrance that ascended toward heaven day and night. God alone was the source of fire on both of the altars (Lev. 9:24).
The Altar of Incense was also symbolic of Christ our High Priest, who is constantly interceding for us not only when we pray but also by His constant watch care (John 17:1-26; Heb. 7:25).
Only Jesus Christ can make it possible for us to approach the Heavenly Father in prayer. My little children. . . . if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (I John 2:1). It is (the sinless) Christ that died (in our place and for our sins), yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (Rom. 8:34). In Hebrews, we read: He is able also to save them . . . that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever (forever) liveth to make intercession for them (Heb. 7:25).
Thought for Today:
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne (Rev. 8:3).
Christ Revealed:
Through the Candlestick (Ex. 35:14). Christ is The Light of the World (John 1:6-9; 8:12; 9:5; comp. Luke 1:78-79).
Word Studies:
35:10 wise hearted, skillful, expert craftsman; 35:11 his, its; 35:32 curious, artistic, skillful.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Paul D. Ryan (WI) and Rep. Lee Terry (NE) • Country: Papua New Guinea (5 million) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: 715 indigenous languages • Religious freedom • 64% Protestant; 33% Roman Catholic; 2% ancestor worship, belief in spirits, and witchcraft • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for sending the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-8).
Optional Reading: Mark 1
Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:18
