Exodus 30:2 - Its length shall be a cubit, and its width a cubit. It shall be square, and its height shall be two cubits. Its horns shall be of one piece with it.
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What does "Exodus 30:2" mean?
This verse describes the dimensions and construction of the altar of incense that was to be placed in the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple). Let's break it down:
"Its length shall be a cubit, and its width a cubit. It shall be square..." A cubit is an ancient measurement, typically considered to be the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18 inches (0.45 meters). Therefore, the altar was a cube, approximately 1.5 feet (0.45 meters) on each side.
"...and its height shall be two cubits." The altar was twice as tall as it was wide or long, approximately 3 feet (0.9 meters) high.
"Its horns shall be of one piece with it." "Horns" were projections, likely resembling horns (but not necessarily literally animal horns), that extended from the four corners of the altar. The important part here is "...of one piece with it." This means the horns were not separate attachments, but rather were formed from the same material (probably wood overlaid with gold, based on other verses in Exodus) as the altar itself. This emphasized the altar's integrity and strength.
Significance:
Purpose: This altar was specifically for burning incense, which was a daily ritual symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God.
Square shape: The square shape often symbolizes perfection or completeness in biblical symbolism.
Horns: The horns of altars were often associated with sanctuary and protection. People could grasp the horns of the altar to seek asylum. They also represented power and strength. The fact that they were "of one piece" reinforces the idea of inherent strength and unity.
Elevation: The height of the altar elevated the incense smoke, emphasizing its upward trajectory to God.
In essence, this verse provides precise instructions for the creation of a sacred object with specific symbolic meaning within the Israelite worship practices.
Exodus 30:2 - Its length shall be a cubit, and its width a cubit. It shall be square, and its height shall be two cubits. Its horns shall be of one piece with it.
What does "Exodus 30:2" mean?
This verse describes the dimensions and construction of the altar of incense that was to be placed in the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple). Let's break it down:
"Its length shall be a cubit, and its width a cubit. It shall be square..." A cubit is an ancient measurement, typically considered to be the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18 inches (0.45 meters). Therefore, the altar was a cube, approximately 1.5 feet (0.45 meters) on each side.
"...and its height shall be two cubits." The altar was twice as tall as it was wide or long, approximately 3 feet (0.9 meters) high.
"Its horns shall be of one piece with it." "Horns" were projections, likely resembling horns (but not necessarily literally animal horns), that extended from the four corners of the altar. The important part here is "...of one piece with it." This means the horns were not separate attachments, but rather were formed from the same material (probably wood overlaid with gold, based on other verses in Exodus) as the altar itself. This emphasized the altar's integrity and strength.
Significance:
Purpose: This altar was specifically for burning incense, which was a daily ritual symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God.
Square shape: The square shape often symbolizes perfection or completeness in biblical symbolism.
Horns: The horns of altars were often associated with sanctuary and protection. People could grasp the horns of the altar to seek asylum. They also represented power and strength. The fact that they were "of one piece" reinforces the idea of inherent strength and unity.
Elevation: The height of the altar elevated the incense smoke, emphasizing its upward trajectory to God.
In essence, this verse provides precise instructions for the creation of a sacred object with specific symbolic meaning within the Israelite worship practices.