Exodus 37:26 - He overlaid it with pure gold, its top, its sides around it, and its horns. He made a gold molding around it.

Generated Verse: Exodus 37:26

What does "Exodus 37:26" mean?


This verse from Exodus 37:26 describes the elaborate and costly construction of the altar of incense, one of the important objects in the Tabernacle. Let's break down the meaning:

"He overlaid it with pure gold...": This means the entire altar, which was likely made of wood (probably acacia wood), was completely covered in a thin layer of pure gold. Gold was a symbol of purity, divinity, and royalty, signifying the holiness of the altar and its connection to God.

"...its top, its sides around it, and its horns.": It specifies the parts of the altar that were covered in gold. This includes:

Top: The surface where the incense was burned.
Sides around it: The four vertical sides of the altar.
Horns: Protruding corners on the top of the altar. Horns were symbols of power and sanctuary. Grasping the horns of the altar offered a form of protection.

"He made a gold molding around it.": A "molding" (also sometimes translated as "rim" or "border") refers to a decorative edging or frame of gold that was placed around the top of the altar. This further enhanced its beauty and added to its preciousness.

In essence, the verse depicts the meticulous and lavish process of making the altar of incense. It highlights the use of expensive materials and careful craftsmanship to create an object worthy of being used in the service of God.

Significance:

The use of gold emphasizes the holiness and sacredness of the altar.
The details provided demonstrate the importance placed on even the smallest aspects of the Tabernacle's construction.
The altar of incense was a critical component of the Tabernacle. Incense was burned on it daily as a sweet-smelling offering to God, symbolizing prayer and worship ascending to heaven.

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