and he burned fragrant incense on itThe burning of incense in the tabernacle was a significant act of worship and symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God. The incense was made from a specific blend of spices as outlined in
Exodus 30:34-38, which was considered holy and set apart for this purpose. The altar of incense was located in the Holy Place, just before the veil that separated the Holy of Holies, indicating the closeness of prayer to the presence of God. The act of burning incense was performed by the priest, signifying the mediatory role between God and the people. This practice foreshadows the intercessory work of Jesus Christ, who is described in
Hebrews 7:25 as always living to intercede for those who come to God through Him.
just as the LORD had commanded him
This phrase underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions, which is a recurring theme throughout the book of Exodus. The detailed commands given to Moses for the construction and operation of the tabernacle highlight the necessity of following divine guidance precisely. This obedience is not only a matter of ritual but also a demonstration of faith and reverence for God's holiness. The phrase echoes the broader biblical principle that blessings and the presence of God are contingent upon adherence to His commands, as seen inDeuteronomy 28. The meticulous obedience of Moses and the Israelites in this context serves as a model for believers, emphasizing that true worship involves aligning one's actions with God's will.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this context, Moses is following God's instructions to set up the Tabernacle.
2.
TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the divine presence of God among the Israelites. It was meticulously constructed according to God's specifications.
3.
Altar of IncenseLocated in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, this altar was used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God.
4.
Fragrant IncenseA special blend of spices used exclusively for worship in the Tabernacle, representing the prayers and worship of the Israelites.
5.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, who commanded the construction and use of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
Teaching Points
Obedience in WorshipMoses' adherence to God's command to burn incense highlights the importance of obedience in our worship practices. True worship is not just about the act but about aligning with God's will.
Symbolism of IncenseThe fragrant incense represents the prayers of the faithful. Our prayers should be a pleasing aroma to God, offered with sincerity and reverence.
Holiness and ReverenceThe specific instructions for the Tabernacle and its rituals remind us of God's holiness and the reverence required in approaching Him. Our worship should reflect His holiness.
Consistency in DevotionJust as the incense was to be burned regularly, our prayer life should be consistent and persistent, continually rising to God.
Christ as Our MediatorThe incense altar points to Christ, our ultimate mediator, whose sacrifice allows our prayers to be acceptable to God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 40:27?
2.How does Exodus 40:27 demonstrate obedience to God's specific instructions?
3.What significance does the altar of incense hold in Exodus 40:27?
4.How does Exodus 40:27 connect to the broader theme of worship in Exodus?
5.How can we apply the principle of careful obedience in our daily lives?
6.What does Exodus 40:27 teach about the importance of following God's detailed commands?
7.What is the significance of the altar of incense in Exodus 40:27?
8.How does Exodus 40:27 reflect God's instructions for worship?
9.Why is the placement of the altar important in Exodus 40:27?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 40?
11.What is the purpose of the Altar of Incense?
12.What does the Bible say about using incense?
13.What is the Bible's perspective on incense?
14.Exodus 27:20: Where would the Israelites consistently obtain the 'pure olive oil' needed to keep the lamp burning in an arid wilderness?What Does Exodus 40:27 Mean
and he burned• Moses follows through with tangible action; worship is never merely theoretical.
•Exodus 30:7-8 records that Aaron would “burn fragrant incense on it every morning,” showing that Moses is inaugurating a daily rhythm of devotion already prescribed.
•Psalm 141:2 likens rising incense to prayer, reminding us that God treasures sincere communion.
•Revelation 8:3-4 pictures heavenly incense mingling with “the prayers of all the saints,” connecting this first act in the tabernacle to the eternal worship scene.
• By lighting the first fire, Moses signals that fellowship with God begins the moment His dwelling is established.
fragrant incense• The incense was blended from specific spices (Exodus 30:34-38), underscoring that God, not man, defines acceptable worship.
• Its aroma filled the tent, illustrating how obedience produces a pleasing atmosphere before the Lord;Ephesians 5:2 speaks of Christ who “gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering.”
•2 Corinthians 2:15 calls believers “the fragrance of Christ,” inviting us to carry the sweetness of His presence into every sphere.
on it• “It” refers to the golden altar of incense positioned before the veil (Exodus 30:1-6). Though small, this piece stood closest to the Holy of Holies, teaching that prayer ushers us near to God’s throne.
•Hebrews 9:4 notes that the altar of incense belonged to the inner sanctuary, highlighting its role in bridging earth and heaven.
• Placement matters: worship happens on God’s terms, at His appointed place, in His designated way.
just as the LORD had commanded him• Obedience is repeated ten times inExodus 40, emphasizing that every detail of the tabernacle mirrored divine instruction.Genesis 6:22 andExodus 39:43 show the same pattern in Noah and the craftsmen.
•Deuteronomy 5:32-33 urges Israel to “walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you,” promising life and blessing.
•John 14:15 ties love to obedience, while1 Samuel 15:22 states that “to obey is better than sacrifice.” Moses models reverence by neither adding to nor subtracting from God’s word.
summaryExodus 40:27 captures a simple yet profound moment: Moses ignites the first incense on the golden altar exactly as God said. The act illustrates that worship requires deliberate action, follows precise divine instruction, and rises to God as a pleasing fragrance. From tabernacle to Calvary to the believer’s heart today, acceptable devotion still flows from obedience that honors the Lord’s revealed will.
(27)
He burnt sweet incense thereon.--At even, when he lighted the lamps, he also, according to the instructions given him (
Exodus 30:8) burnt incense.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
and he burned
וַיַּקְטֵ֥ר(way·yaq·ṭêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6999:To smoke, turn into fragrance by fire
fragrant
סַמִּ֑ים(sam·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5561:Spice (used in incense)
incense
קְטֹ֣רֶת(qə·ṭō·reṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7004:Smoke, odor of (burning) sacrifice, incense
on it,
עָלָ֖יו(‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against
just as
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר(ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that
the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
had commanded
צִוָּ֥ה(ṣiw·wāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order
him.
מֹשֶֽׁה׃(mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver
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OT Law: Exodus 40:27 And he burnt incense of sweet spices (Exo. Ex) 
