Place the gold altar of incenseThe gold altar of incense was a small altar located in the Holy Place of the tabernacle, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. The use of gold signifies purity and divinity, reflecting the holiness required in worship. Incense was a common element in ancient Near Eastern religious practices, but in Israel, it was specifically prescribed by God, emphasizing the distinctiveness of Israelite worship. The altar's placement and use foreshadow Christ's role as our intercessor, as seen in
Hebrews 7:25, where Jesus continually intercedes for believers.
in front of the ark of the Testimony
The ark of the Testimony, also known as the Ark of the Covenant, was the most sacred object in the tabernacle, containing the tablets of the Law. Its presence signified God's covenant with Israel and His dwelling among His people. The altar of incense being placed in front of the ark highlights the importance of prayer and intercession in maintaining the covenant relationship. This positioning also points to the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, which was torn at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing direct access to God through Jesus.
and hang the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle
The curtain, or veil, at the entrance of the tabernacle served as a barrier between the sacred space and the outside world, emphasizing the holiness of God and the need for separation from sin. This curtain was part of a series of veils that marked increasing levels of sanctity within the tabernacle structure. The tabernacle itself was a portable sanctuary, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The curtain's function and symbolism are fulfilled in Christ, who is described as the "new and living way" through the veil (Hebrews 10:20), granting believers access to the presence of God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and to receive the Law, including the instructions for the tabernacle.
2.
The TabernacleA portable earthly dwelling place for God among the Israelites, designed according to divine specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai.
3.
The Ark of the TestimonyAlso known as the Ark of the Covenant, it is a sacred chest that housed the tablets of the Law, representing God's covenant with Israel.
4.
The Gold Altar of IncenseA small altar placed in the Holy Place of the tabernacle, used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God.
5.
The Curtain (Veil)A significant barrier separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity due to sin.
Teaching Points
The Importance of ObedienceMoses followed God's instructions precisely, highlighting the importance of obedience in our walk with God.
Symbolism of the IncenseThe altar of incense represents the prayers of believers. We are encouraged to maintain a life of prayer, knowing it is a pleasing aroma to God.
Access to GodThe curtain symbolizes the separation caused by sin, but through Christ, we have direct access to God. This should encourage us to approach God with confidence.
Holiness and ReverenceThe careful placement of each item in the tabernacle teaches us about the holiness of God and the reverence we should have in worship.
Christ as the FulfillmentThe tabernacle and its elements point to Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets, providing a complete and perfect way to God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 40:5?
2.How does Exodus 40:5 emphasize the importance of following God's specific instructions?
3.What does setting up the altar of incense symbolize in our worship today?
4.How does Exodus 40:5 connect to the broader theme of obedience in Scripture?
5.In what ways can we ensure our worship aligns with God's commands like in Exodus?
6.How can we apply the principle of reverence from Exodus 40:5 in daily life?
7.What is the significance of the altar of incense in Exodus 40:5?
8.How does Exodus 40:5 relate to the overall theme of worship in the Bible?
9.Why is the placement of the altar of incense important in Exodus 40:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 40?
11.Why are gold, frankincense, and myrrh significant?
12.What is the significance of the Ezekiel temple?
13.Do the treasures listed in 1 Kings 7:48-51 align with known temple inventories or is there any inconsistency with other biblical accounts?
14.In Hebrews 9:2-5, how can the detailed description of the Tabernacle's furnishings be reconciled with the limited archeological evidence for such an elaborate structure?What Does Exodus 40:5 Mean
Place the gold altar of incense“Place the gold altar of incense…” (Exodus 40:5)
• God instructs Moses to put the altar exactly where He wants it, showing that worship is never left to guesswork. Compare the earlier blueprint inExodus 30:1-10.
• This altar is fashioned of pure gold—fit for a holy God—used morning and evening for the continual burning of fragrant incense (Exodus 30:7-8).
• Incense pictures prayers rising to the Lord (Psalm 141:2;Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4). The scene is a daily reminder that God delights in the intercession of His people.
• Obedience to the placement order underscores that right worship must always follow God’s revealed pattern (Leviticus 10:1-3).
In front of the ark of the Testimony“…in front of the ark of the Testimony…”
• The ark houses the covenant tablets, Aaron’s rod, and manna—tangible witnesses of God’s faithfulness (Exodus 25:16;Hebrews 9:4).
• By positioning the incense altar immediately before the ark (though still outside the inner veil), God pictures mediation: priests minister on behalf of the people, their prayers wafting toward His very throne (Exodus 30:6;Hebrews 4:14-16).
• Nearness to the ark highlights reverence; one cannot approach God casually. The placement declares both invitation and boundary—close, yet not presumptuous.
Hang the curtain“…and hang the curtain…”
• This “veil” (Exodus 26:31-33) separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, marking the line between daily ministry and the concentrated glory of God.
• Only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, may the high priest pass the veil with sacrificial blood (Leviticus 16:2-34;Hebrews 9:6-7).
• The curtain proclaims that sin still blocks full access; later, its tearing at Christ’s death (Matthew 27:51;Hebrews 10:19-20) will declare the way open through the ultimate sacrifice.
At the entrance to the tabernacle“…at the entrance to the tabernacle.”
• The “screen for the entrance” (Exodus 26:36-37) forms the first doorway into sacred space, distinguishing everyday life from divine fellowship.
• Only priests may cross that threshold, emphasizing holiness (Numbers 1:50-53).
• The arrangement foreshadows the one true Door—Jesus—through whom we gain access to the Father (John 10:9;Ephesians 2:18).
• Every layer—gate, outer court, inner curtain—teaches that approach to God is graciously granted yet carefully ordered.
summaryExodus 40:5 records two precise commands: set the golden incense altar right before the ark and hang the separating curtain at the tabernacle’s entrance. Literally, Moses is to finish arranging the sanctuary exactly as God designed. Spiritually, the verse weaves together key truths: worship arises continually through divinely appointed intercession; fellowship with God is both invited and protected by boundaries of holiness; and every curtain, altar, and placement points forward to the flawless mediation of Christ, who fulfills and surpasses the tabernacle’s patterns.
(5)
Thou shalt set the altar of gold . . . before the ark.--Not inside the vail, but outside, in the Holy Place; nearer, however, to the vail than either the table or the candlestick. (See Note 1 on
Exodus 30:6.)
The hanging of the door--i.e., the curtain at the entrance to the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:36;Exodus 36:37, &c.).
Verse 5. -
The altar of gold. See
Exodus 30:1-10;
Exodus 37:25-28.
Before the ark of the testimony -
i.e., "before the veil, opposite the ark of the testimony," not within the veil. See the comment on Exodus 30:6
. The hanging of the door -
i.e., "the curtain which closed the front or eastern end of the tabernacle." (See
Exodus 26:36;
Exodus 36:37.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Placeוְנָתַתָּ֞ה(wə·nā·ṯat·tāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setthe goldהַזָּהָב֙(haz·zā·hāḇ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear skyaltarמִזְבַּ֤ח(miz·baḥ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4196:An altarof incenseלִקְטֹ֔רֶת(liq·ṭō·reṯ)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7004:Smoke, odor of (burning) sacrifice, incensein frontלִפְנֵ֖י(lip̄·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The faceof the Arkאֲר֣וֹן(’ă·rō·wn)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 727:A chest, arkof the Testimony,הָעֵדֻ֑ת(hā·‘ê·ḏuṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5715:Testimonyand hangוְשַׂמְתָּ֛(wə·śam·tā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7760:Put -- to put, place, setthe curtainמָסַ֥ךְ(mā·saḵ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4539:A covering, screenat the entranceהַפֶּ֖תַח(hap·pe·ṯaḥ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6607:An opening, door, entrance wayto the tabernacle.לַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃(lam·miš·kān)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4908:A residence, the Tabernacle
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 40:5 You shall set the golden altar (Exo. Ex) 
