And the incense altar, and his staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle,

EXODUS 35:15KJV
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Exodus 35:15 (KJV)

What does Exodus 35:15 mean?

Exodus 35:15 lists several items connected to the tabernacle: the altar for burning incense, its carrying poles, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain that covers the entrance. This verse is part of a detailed inventory of what is needed for the tabernacle’s service and setup.

In this passage, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to build the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary for worship during their journey in the wilderness. The verse highlights specific objects that play a role in worship and in marking off sacred space, showing the care and order involved in Israel’s worship practices.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 35:15

  • The word for "incense" (קְטֹרֶת, qetoret) refers to a special blend of spices burned as an offering, symbolizing prayers rising to God. Its mention here points to the importance of ritual fragrance in worship.
  • "Altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach) is the structure for burning incense, distinct from the altar for animal sacrifices. This distinction shows the variety of worship practices in the tabernacle.
  • "Staves" (בַּד, bad) are the poles used to carry the altar, emphasizing that all items had to be portable for travel.
  • "Anointing" (מִשְׁחָה, mishchah) and "oil" (שֶׁמֶן, shemen) refer to the consecrated oil used to set apart people and objects for God’s service, underlining the idea of holiness.

Why Exodus 35:15 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that every object in the tabernacle had a specific purpose and was treated with care, not just the larger or more obvious items.
  • By listing the incense altar and its accessories separately, the verse shows the detailed organization of Israel’s worship and the importance of following God’s instructions exactly.
  • The mention of the curtain for the entrance reminds readers that access to the tabernacle was controlled and sacred, reinforcing the idea of separation between the holy and the ordinary.

Where else these words appear

“sweet” Hebrew H5561 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
  • Exodus 35:8 And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,
  • Leviticus 4:7 And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

“anointing” Hebrew H4888 · used in 24 verses

  • Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
  • Exodus 35:8 And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,
  • Leviticus 8:10 And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them.

“hanging” Hebrew H4539 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 26:36 And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
  • Exodus 39:38 And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,
  • Numbers 3:26 And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.

“staves” Hebrew H905 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 26:1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
  • Exodus 37:5 And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.
  • Numbers 11:14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.