It is to be squareThe altar's square shape signifies stability and balance, reflecting God's order and perfection. In biblical symbolism, the square often represents the earth and the four corners of the world, indicating the universality of God's presence and the comprehensive nature of His covenant with Israel. The square design also ensures uniformity and symmetry, which are important in the construction of sacred objects.
a cubit long, a cubit wide
A cubit is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 45 centimeters. The altar's dimensions, being a cubit in both length and width, emphasize its compactness and portability, suitable for the tabernacle's mobile nature during Israel's wilderness journey. These dimensions also reflect the altar's specific purpose for burning incense, distinct from larger altars used for sacrifices.
and two cubits high
The height of two cubits, approximately 3 feet or 90 centimeters, elevates the altar, signifying the importance of the incense offering as it ascends to God. This elevation can symbolize the lifting of prayers to heaven, as incense is often associated with prayer in Scripture (Psalm 141:2,Revelation 8:3-4). The height also ensures the altar's prominence within the Holy Place, drawing attention to its sacred function.
Its horns must be of one piece
The horns, integral to the altar's structure, symbolize strength and power. In biblical times, horns were often associated with authority and protection. The requirement for the horns to be of one piece with the altar underscores the unity and completeness of God's design. The horns also serve a practical purpose, as they were used in the ritual application of blood during certain offerings, signifying atonement and purification (Leviticus 4:7). The unity of the altar and its horns can be seen as a type of Christ, who is both the sacrifice and the altar, embodying the complete and perfect means of atonement.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, including the altar of incense, from God on Mount Sinai.
2.
TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the altar of incense was to be placed.
3.
Altar of IncenseA sacred object within the Tabernacle, used for burning incense as a symbol of prayer and worship ascending to God.
4.
Bezalel and OholiabSkilled artisans appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the altar of incense.
5.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were to follow the laws and instructions given through Moses, including the use of the altar of incense in their worship practices.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of IncenseThe altar of incense represents the prayers of the people rising to God. Just as the incense was a pleasing aroma, our prayers should be sincere and pleasing to God.
Holiness and ReverenceThe specific dimensions and design of the altar highlight the importance of approaching God with reverence and following His instructions carefully.
Unity in WorshipThe altar's horns being of one piece with it signifies the unity and completeness required in our worship and dedication to God.
Consistency in PrayerJust as the incense was to be burned regularly, our prayer life should be consistent and persistent, reflecting a continual relationship with God.
Craftsmanship and ObedienceThe detailed construction of the altar underscores the value of using our skills and talents in obedience to God's commands and for His glory.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 30:2?
2.How does Exodus 30:2's altar dimensions reflect God's attention to detail?
3.What is the significance of the altar's square shape in Exodus 30:2?
4.How does Exodus 30:2 connect to the broader theme of worship in Exodus?
5.How can we apply the principle of precise obedience from Exodus 30:2 today?
6.What does Exodus 30:2 teach about God's holiness and our approach to Him?
7.What is the significance of the altar's dimensions in Exodus 30:2 for worship practices?
8.How does Exodus 30:2 reflect God's attention to detail in religious observance?
9.Why does Exodus 30:2 specify acacia wood for the altar's construction?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 30?
11.What are the Biblical weights and measures?
12.What is the purpose of the Altar of Incense?
13.Why is the altar of burnt offering significant?
14.Exodus 25:23 - Why do later biblical accounts give no clear record of the table for the Bread of the Presence, suggesting a potential inconsistency or loss in Israel's history?What Does Exodus 30:2 Mean
It is to be squareExodus 30:2 opens, “It is to be square.” God intentionally chose a shape with four equal sides, mirroring the bronze altar inExodus 27:1 and foreshadowing the perfectly square New Jerusalem ofRevelation 21:16.
• A square communicates balance, order, and stability—qualities God desired in all aspects of Israel’s worship (cf.1 Corinthians 14:33).
• Symmetry also helped position the altar centrally before the veil (Exodus 30:6), ensuring the rising incense filled the Holy Place evenly.
a cubit long“One cubit long” (about 18 in/45 cm) shows God’s concern for exact obedience (cf.Exodus 25:40).
• The same unit governed the ark (Exodus 25:10) and table of showbread (Exodus 25:23), underscoring unity among the furnishings.
• Precise length reminded the priests that God—not human whim—determines acceptable worship (Deuteronomy 12:32).
a cubit wide“One cubit wide” matches the length, confirming the square footprint.
• Uniform sides eliminated favoritism in service; priests approached from any direction, illustrating that all who are cleansed may draw near (Hebrews 10:22).
• This measurement also ensured portability with poles (Exodus 30:4–5), keeping the altar usable in every wilderness camp (Numbers 9:17).
and two cubits highThe altar’s height, “two cubits,” doubled its length and width.
• Elevated incense rose above other furnishings, picturing prayers ascending to God’s throne (Revelation 8:3–4).
• The height kept the coals and incense in full view, reminding priests of continual intercession (Psalm 141:2).
• It also matched the mercy seat’s approximate elevation once set on the ark (Exodus 25:21), hinting that prayer and atonement are inseparable (Hebrews 4:16).
Its horns must be of one piece“Its horns must be of one piece” with the altar (cf.Exodus 27:2).
• Horns symbolized strength and refuge; fugitives grabbed them seeking mercy (1 Kings 1:50).
• Being “of one piece” meant no joints or seams—unity echoed in Christ, our flawless High Priest (Hebrews 7:26–27).
• The horns were later smeared with blood on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 4:7), proclaiming that effective prayer rests on shed blood (Hebrews 9:22).
summaryExodus 30:2 teaches that God cares about the smallest details of worship. The square shape, exact cubit measurements, elevated height, and seamless horns all point to order, accessibility, intercession, and atonement—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who brings our prayers before the Father with perfect strength and symmetry.
(2)
Foursquare shall it be.--
Ofthe same shape with "the brazen altar" (
Exodus 27:1), but much smaller--two cubits high instead of three cubits, and a cubit square at top instead of five cubits. This small space was ample for the burning of so precious a material, which could only be offered in small quantities.
The horns thereof.--Comp.Exodus 27:2, and Note 1,ad loc.
Shall be of the same--i.e.,of one piece with the altar, not made separately, and then attached to it.
Verse 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. (See Dr. Smith's
Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, pp. 117 and 1174.)
Thehorns 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 (
Leviticus 4:7, 18).
Shall be of the same -
i.e. "shall be of one piece with the top of the table" - not projections added to it. Compare
Exodus 27:2.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
It is to beיִהְיֶ֔ה(yih·yeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, besquare,רָב֣וּעַ(rā·ḇū·a‘)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 7251:To be quadratea cubitאַמָּ֨ה(’am·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520:A mother, a cubit, a door-baselong,אָרְכּ֜וֹ(’ā·rə·kōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 753:Lengtha cubitוְאַמָּ֤ה(wə·’am·māh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520:A mother, a cubit, a door-basewide,רָחְבּוֹ֙(rā·ḥə·bōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7341:Breadth, widthand two cubitsוְאַמָּתַ֖יִם(wə·’am·mā·ṯa·yim)Conjunctive waw | Noun - fd
Strong's 520:A mother, a cubit, a door-basehigh.קֹמָת֑וֹ(qō·mā·ṯōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6967:HeightIts hornsקַרְנֹתָֽיו׃(qar·nō·ṯāw)Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7161:A horn, a flask, cornet, an elephant's tooth, a corner, a peak, a ray, powermust be of one piece.מִמֶּ֖נּוּ(mim·men·nū)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out of
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OT Law: Exodus 30:2 Its length shall be a cubit (Exo. Ex) 
