Welcome back my friend to our discussion on this week’s Torah Reading from the Triennial Torah Reading cycle. This week’s reading is found in Shemot (Exodus) 30:1-10. I’ve entitled this study: “The Golden Altar of Incense–The Heavenly Ministry of Yeshua Messiah and the Prayers of the Saints.”

The Text

You are to make an altar on which to burn incense; make it of acacia-wood. 2 It is to be eighteen inches square and three feet high; its horns are to be of one piece with it. 3 Overlay it with pure gold- its top, all around its sides, and its horns; and put around it a molding of gold. 4 Make two gold rings for it under its molding at the two corners on both sides; this is where the carrying-poles will go. 5 Make the poles of acacia-wood, and overlay them with gold. 6 “Place it in front of the curtain by the ark for the testimony, in front of the ark-cover that is over the testimony, where I will meet with you. 7 Aharon will burn fragrant incense on it as a pleasing aroma every morning; he is to burn it when he prepares the lamps (ie., the lamps of the Menorah). 8 Aharon is also to burn it when he lights the lamps at dusk; this is the regular burning of incense before ADONAI (ie., before YHVH our Elohim) through all your generations. 9 You are not to offer unauthorized incense on it, or a burnt offering or a grain offering; and you are not to pour a drink offering on it. 10 Aharon is to make atonement on its horns once a year- with the blood of the sin offering of atonement he is to make atonement for it once a year through all your generations; it is especially holy to ADONAI (ie., YHVH) (Exo 30:1-10 CJB).

Exegesis of the Text

Acacia Wood

We learn in verse 1 that he Altar of Incense was to be made of acacia wood. As it relates to the specific wood that was used to build, not just this altar upon which fragrant incense would be burned unto YHVH by the Levitical Priest, within the Holy Place of the Tabernacle—outside the Holy of Holies, it served as the basis upon which many of the elements of the Tabernacle would be built.

This specific type of wood is also referred to in the Word as “Shittim Wood.” It was wood of the “shittah {shi-taw} tree,” that is most likely of the acacia tree or plant species. 

Now, there are a couple characteristics about acacia, or rather shittah wood, that we should keep in mind when studying the elements of the Tabernacle that would be made from this particular wood. And those characteristics play right into the spiritually broader understanding of the significance of all the various Tabernacle elements that would be constructed from it.

 

Father no doubt selected the acacia wood as the foundation upon which the elements of the Tabernacle would be constructed for (1) its immense durability and (2) its commonality in the region. Indeed, acacia wood is known for its strength and durability; its ability to withstand heavy use and jostling around; and its resistance to wear and tear. Furthermore, acacia wood was quite common throughout the middle east. It appears to thrive in arid climates.

So as we are following along in our weekly readings and being at the place in our reading where the various elements of the Tabernacle are being planned and constructed, it makes sense that Father would select such a wood to serve as the foundation to the main Tabernacle elements. In other words, we wouldn’t have to go searching far at all for a wood that could withstand centuries of continued use. The acacia wood was no doubt within easy access to our location at Mount Sinai.

Acacia Wood Foreshadowed the Character, Person and Office of Messiah

Now, the desirable characteristics of acacia or shittim wood foreshadowed the character, person and office of Mashiyach (aka, Messiah). How so?

(1) The durability of the wood is clearly illustrative of Mashiyach’s steadfastness and determination to complete His earthly ministry mission and His present day steadfast intercessions on behalf of the saints before the throne of YHVH.

(2) The commonality, or better, prevalence of the wood is clearly illustrative of Mashiyiach’s humbleness, or rather, His humility and his humanity in relation to His prophetic and priestly office. It speaks to the fact that He came from the common stock of Yah’s chosen people. Scripture tells us that He came onto the world scene, being born into the tribe of Judah. He and His earthly family were considered Netzarim or Netzers. They were extensions of the Davidic family line. Yes, our Master was of royal descent as a result of his being born of the line of King David. However, Master and His immediate family were of modest or meek origin and existence. Yet, He would become the greatest prophet in all history.

Yeshua: The Every-Man Prophet

This was spoken of in Devariym (ie., the Cepher of Deuteronomy) where Abba foretold of a prophet that He would raise up for us, in our midst, not unlike us. And this prophet we would be required to pay attention to (18:15). And YHVH would place His very Words into His prophet’s mouth. And in complete obedience to the Will and instructions of His Father, that prophet would deliver the Words that would be given to Him (18:18).

And of course that prophet as referred to in Devariym (ie., Deuteronomy 18) would be none other than our Master and Saviour, Yahoshua HaMashiyach.

The Altar of Incense: A Crude Replica

The Altar of Incense would be a crude replica of the original Altar of Incense in heaven’s Mishkan (aka, Tabernacle). In fact, the original or prototype Altar of Incense in heaven’s Mishkan is featured prominently throughout the Cepher of Revelation (6:9; 8:3-5; 9:13; 11:1; 14:18; 16:7).

Revelation 8:1-5–The Prayers of the Saints and the Golden Altar of Incense in the Heavenly Tabernacle

This week’s Brit HaDashah reading is actually drawn from one of these Revelation passages: Revelation 8:1-5.

This is the account of the 7th Seal and the Golden Censer. And we see beautifully featured in this passage of prophecy, the Golden Altar of Incense in the heavenly Tabernacle. And here we see described a Messenger (i.e., an angel) who comes to the altar with a golden bowl full of incense. Now some English translations render this bowl as an “incense burner” while others as a “censer.” (A censer or this golden bowl if you will, is a container that is used for ceremoniously burn incense.)

 

As the narrative entails, this messenger (this special class of angel who stands, ministers and worships before the throne of the Almighty) brings his incense-filled censer to the heavenly Golden Altar. Yochanan (aka the Apostle John) describes the fragrant smoke that ascends from the Golden Altar as that of the prayers/the intercessions/the petitions of Yah’s elect people.

Let’s read a portion of this passage for clarity:

3 Another angel came and stood at the altar with a gold incense-bowl, and he was given a large quantity of incense to add to the prayers of all God’s people  4 on the gold altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense went up with the prayers of God’s people from the hand of the angel before God. (Rev 8:3-4 CJB)

 

And this particular Brit haDashah ends with the messenger (ie., the angel) collecting fragrant embers from the golden altar and adding them to the incense contained in his gold bowl or golden censer. Then this messenger throws his censer down to the earth. And this act of throwing the censer down to earth results in thunder, voices, lightning and earthquake. 

It’s unclear to me what the incense in the messenger’s censer represents. I am inclined to think that the content of the messenger’s censer may be emblematic of some form of “judgment” that is intended for the inhabitants of the earth. And the reason I believe it may be emblematic of some form of judgment for the nations of the earth is because the incense that is contained in the censer is mixed with the petitions/intercessions/petitions of the saints. Obviously the petitions and intercessions of the saints that go up before YHVH at this time are the result of tribulation and persecution being inflicted upon God’s people. The emblematic pleasant odoriferous scent that those prayers afford the Creator translates to Father’s heart being turned towards the plight of his suffering children who are no doubt doing their absolute best to endure to the end. The petitions of the elect pleases the Father such that He turns His wrath towards those that tribulate/martyr/persecute His children. And the earthly physical response to the censer being thrown down onto the earth is widespread calamity in the form of thunder, voices, lightning and earthquake (Rev. 8:5).

The Vital Relevance of the Prayers of the Saints

What is clear to me from this and other similar passages of Revelation and the Cepher of Hebrews is the smoke that rises from the Golden Altar of Incense is representative of the prayers of the saints.

 

During this troublesome period as recorded by Yochanan in Revelation chapter 8, the saints are being persecuted. Their heartfelt and fervent prayers/petitions/intercession are sweet and pleasing to YHVH. More so, they are efficacious. They move the Father to act on the saint’s behalf and the world. Thus in response to the saints’ intercessions, Father throws creation into upheaval and tribulation. 

Saints, fervent, constant, faithful and spirit-led prayer is vitally important to the physical and spiritual wellbeing of Yah’s elect. Such prayers that ascend up to the Father from His children has the potential of causing wonderfully powerful things to happen in the spirit realm and in the heavenlies. That’s why, in great part, I did a 3-part series on prayer that I would highly encourage you to read or listen to at your next opportunity. (I’ll put the links to those three-posts in the show notes for your convenience.) 

And the fact that Father symbolically placed the Golden Altar of Incense (in part representative of the prayers ascending as a pleasing-fragrant smoke before the throne of YHVH)–before the Ark of the Testimony/Covenant (representative of Yah’s throne of Grace in heaven) is very telling of the importance of fervent, Spirit-guided and infused, faithful and constant prayer. And this prayer is helped along by the intercessory prayers and work of our Melchizedekian High Priest (i.e., our Cohen Gadol) Yahoshua HaMashiyach 24/7. The undeniable importance of this powerful combination will become evermore evident in the dark days ahead as clearly suggested by our Brit HaDashah passage of Revelation 8:1-5. As the saints of the Most High head towards a season of persecution and even martyrdom, all we will have available to us, besides the Ruach HaKodesh and our Faith, in most cases, will be prayer.

The Adornments of the Golden Altar of Incense—The Horns

Continuing on with our Torah Reading study we find in verse 2 that the Altar is of square dimensions (1 cu. X 1 cu; a biblical cubit equaling roughly 18-inches or 1-1/2 feet), standing some 2 cu or 3-feet in height.

A horn was attached to each of the 4-corners of the altar. It would be upon these horns that the blood of the sin offering would be smeared by the Cohen Gadol, prior to his once per year (Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement) entry into the Holy of Holies that lay on the other side of the inner veil. (We’ll discuss the significance of this ritual in coming installments.)

As it was to the Brazen Altar, the horns that were attached to the four-corners of the Golden Altar of Incense symbolized “power.” The horns that adorn the heads of certain male animals is a clear sign of that animal’s prowess for the horns afforded the animal the ability to defend itself against potential predators and challengers to his place in the herd.

So how does this concept of “power” transfer over to the Altar of Incense?

I’ve identified at least three-spiritual applications related to the power that the horns symbolize:

(1) The nexus between the horns and the burning incense upon the Altar throughout each day of the year has to do with the power of the effectual prayers of God’s elect to sway the heart of YHVH. Thus, it is not too much of a stretch to see that the horns on the Golden Altar of Incense foreshadowing the offensive and defensive power of the elect’s prayers.

(2) The Golden Altar with its 4-horns also foreshadowed the power of the mediation and atoning sacrifice of Mashiyach. For it was written by Luke: “And has raised (that being, YHVH has raised) up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant (1:69). Indeed, the smearing of the blood of the sin offering each Yom Kippur onto the horns of the Altar by the Cohen Gadol is inextricably linked, spiritually and prophetically, to the atoning power of Mashiyach’s sacrifice.

And (3), the horns being attached to the 4-corners of the altar symbolized the 4-corners of the world (i.e., east, south, west, and north) and the universal reach of the atoning work of the Mashiyach; the universality and unity of this world’s praying saints; and the effectual intercessory work of Mashiyach before the throne of the Almighty on behalf of the Body of Mashiyach.

Bottom line: It is a fundamental understanding held by every disciple of Mashiyach that there is power and strength in the Person and Name (that being the character and authority) of Yahoshua haMashiyach. Thus, the disciple of Mashiyach can have absolute faith in the person and name of Yahoshua haMashiyach for their access and connection to the Creator of the Universe, YHVH. 

The Adornments of the Golden Altar of Incense—The Overlaying of the Altar in Gold

In verse 3 we learn that the entire Altar was to be overlaid with pure gold.

It is widely accepted by competent students of Scripture that the pure element of gold when generally mentioned in Scripture, touches upon the divine. Scripture describes gold as was used in the construction of the Tabernacle as being “divinely excellent and precious” (Exo. 25:3).

Pure gold cannot be reproduced by man. It is an element made only by the Almighty. Thus gold comes down to man from YHVH above as did our beloved Master Yahoshua HaMashiyach. Therefore, the gold of the Tabernacle foreshadowed the divinity and glory of Yahoshua haMashiyach.

So the overlaying of the acacia-wood based Altar of Incense with gold is emblematic of the divine glory and excellence that would be lavished upon the man Yahoshua HaMashiyach. 

The Adornments of the Golden Altar of Incense—The 2 Golden Rings and Carrying Poles

In verses 4 and 5 we learn that the Golden Altar would have 2-golden rings attached to it to facilitate its transport whenever the camp were to move from one location to the next. Additionally, two acacia wood poles, overlaid with gold, would be the means by which the altar would be transported.

Beyond the versatility that Father had built into the Golden Altar of Incense, the spiritual symbolism as it relates to the poles and rings are clearly linked to the limitless reach of both the effectual prayers of Yah’s elect and our Master’s intercessory work on behalf the saints scattered around the world. Halleluyah!

The Altar’s Location in the Tabernacle

Then in verse 6 Father reveals that the Golden Altar would stand in front of the veil and the Ark of the Covenant/the Mercy Seat/The Ark of the Testimony. This specific instruction alone is rich in spiritual symbolism. For the sake of time, let’s briefly discuss two.

(1) The fact that the Golden Altar of Incense stood in front of the veil and mercy seat where smoke and sweet aromas ascended each day, throughout the day, crudely portrays Mashiyach interceding on the saints’ behalf before YHVH continually.

And (2), the Altar’s location in the Holy Place, positioned before the Ark of the Covenant within the Holy of Holies, foreshadowed the plan of salvation and restoration whereby mankind’s only true and substantive access to YHVH comes through the person and office of Mashiyach. Amein! Amein!

Furthermore, that human aspect of our Master which is founded upon the love and kindness that Mashiyach has for people, pleases the Almighty. And because Mashiyach came to us as fully man, He was more than able to sympathize with our human condition. Thus the would be disciple of Mashiyach can have a firm and unshakable blessed assurance of Mashiyach’s intercessory role in his/her respective life. 

Only One Way to God—That Way Being Yeshua Messiah

In verses 7 and 8 we learn that Aharon (the Cohen Gadol) would burn the sacred, fragrant incense on the Altar each morning and evening when he would attend to the Menorah. This was to be an ongoing ritual throughout the generations. Again, the Messianic symbolism here cannot be ignored: our High Priest (i.e., Cohen Gadol)–Yahoshua HaMashiyach sends up petitions and intercession before the Father on behalf the saints perpetually in the heavenly Mishkan (i.e., Tabernacle). Again, the fragrant incense that would be burnt upon this altar would be symbolic of the fervent, effectual prayers of the saints that ascend unto YHVH each day. These prayers and petitions are viewed and received in a pleasing manner by YHVH. Certainly, the perpetual nature of the burning, sweet incense is indicative of the relevancy of the praying Netzari.

Here in verse 9, Father makes it clear that no unauthorized incense, nor any other elements were to be burned upon the Golden Altar of Incense. It was strictly to be used for the purpose given by the Almighty. And of course we know that within just a few short weeks from this instruction, Aharon’s sons would violate this key mitzvah. And they would pay for that violation with their lives (Lev. 10:1).

And of course we recognize that the Golden Altar of Incense was instrumental in worship and atonement each year on Yom Kippur (i.e., Day of Atonement) where the blood of the sin offering would be applied to the altar’s horns by the Cohen Gadol (aka, the High Priest) (vs. 10).

As it relates to Mashiyach from the perspective of the Golden Altar of Incense, we see the flawless nature of His character and the perfect, holy life He lived before His Father and before all humanity. And because of that flawless character and the sinless life He lived, Father has permitted those of mankind who would be called His children, complete access to Him. That access comes in the form of worship; prayer; praise; meditation; indwelling by the Ruach haKodesh; confidence in the promises of YHVH; and joy. 

Hebrews 9

If you are amenable, I would encourage you to take 15-minutes or so at your earliest convenience and read the 9th chapter of the Cepher of Hebrews (aka, Ivriym). Indeed, one cannot fully appreciate the spiritual significance of the similarities and dissimilarities that exists between the earthly and the heavenly Mishkans without a close study of the Cepher of Hebrews. For the author Hebrews puts both the earthly and the heavenly Mishkan operation in their proper spiritual perspective, as they both relate to the Person and Office of Mashiyach.

The set-up of the Tabernacle was a crude representation of the means by which fallen man could enter into the presence of YHVH. The fullness of that Way—talking about fallen man having admittance to the presence of YHVH–was manifested and facilitated through the ministry of Yahoshua HaMashiyach. 

Indeed, at the time the earthly Mishkan (aka, Tabernacle) was in operation, none of this which we’ve been discussing had been evident to us (Hebrews 9:8). And for good reason. For had the earthly powers been aware of these things, they would not have killed the Master of Glory (1 Cor. 2:8). The whole Tabernacle planning and operation foreshadowed the Person, Office and Ministries of Mashiyach (Hebrews9:9). The planning and set-up and operation of the earthly Tabernacle was all preparatory, leading mankind up to the time of restoration which Master Yahoshua was sent to bring about (Hebrews 9:10).

The earthly Mishkan system purified the person of the offerer until their next offense. But only the sacrifice of Mashiyach purifies the soul of any man, woman and child who would come to be saved of YHVH (Hebrews 9:13, 14).

Indeed, the Cohen Gadol (aka the Levitical High Priest) who would enter the Holy of Holies once each year to atone for his and the nation’s sins, foreshadowed the once and for all atonement made by the mediator of the renewed covenant, Yeshua HaMashiyach (Hebrews 9:24-28).

A Few Last Comments Regarding the Golden Altar of Incense

The Golden Altar is emblematic of the heartfelt worship of YHVH’s redeemed through the perpetual intercessions of their Cohen Gadol who is also the mediator of the renewed covenant. Yet Mashiyach’s sacrifice was once and for all on the Brazen Altar of Calvary’s Execution Stake. It would be unlike that of the required yearly propitiatory actions of the Levitical Cohen Gadol.

 

Interestingly, the very burning coals which lit the incense on the Golden Altar came from the coals of the Brazen Altar. Those coals would be perpetually lit by YHVH at a time and place of His choosing. In other words, one cannot have the worship of the Golden Altar without first having the original fuel from the Brazen Altar. There cannot be true fellowship and worship of the Almighty without first having the propitiatory, atoning sacrifice and work of Mashiyach who would then mediate our fellowship with the Almighty.

The coals that burned on the Golden Altar came from one source. They came from the Brazen Altar. This is emblematic of Yahoshua being the sole source by which we may have fellowship and peace with the Creator of the Universe.

The divine royalty that YHVH extended over to Yahoshua at His exaltation, is foreshadowed in the gold crown work of the Golden Altar. But beneath that divine covering, our Mashiyach began as a man. And because of He was once a man just like us (ie., symbolized by the acacia wood), Yeshua HaMashiyach can identify with our weaknesses and our failings; the human condition. Thus, our Master’s intercessions are extremely efficacious. In fact, our prayers and intercessions are efficacious indeed through the intercessory ministry of our Master Yahoshua HaMashiyach, working on our behalf in the heaven Mishkan, before the Throne of the Almighty.

In Conclusion

As disciples of Yahoshua Messiah, our goal is to be just like our master. Despite Yeshua being the holy and perfect Mashiyach, because of His ministries and because we possess the Father’s Ruach HaKodesh, we must look at every spiritual symbol that is represented by the Golden Altar of Incense, and aspire and work towards manifesting the character of Mashiyach in our individual lives. Although we are mere humans, we’ve been overlaid with Father’s glory. Thus we have the same authority and power that our Master possessed.

Master told his Talmudim:

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (Joh 14:12-14 KJV)

So let us all aspire and work towards greatness in the work and furtherance of the Kingdom of YHVH. Let us make our Daddy proud. Let us continuously and boldly approach His throne with thanksgiving, rejoicing and petitions for all the saints. Let us turn our backs to sin and be purified forever more by the blood of Yahoshua that has been applied to the horns of the Altar by our High Priest and Savior, Yeshua Messiah. And may we always be in our Father’s presence and eternal will, henceforth and forever more.

Shalom.