And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same.

EXODUS 37:25KJV
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Exodus 37:25 (KJV)

What does Exodus 37:25 mean?

Exodus 37:25 describes how Bezalel made the altar for burning incense out of shittim (acacia) wood, giving its specific measurements: one cubit long, one cubit wide (making it square), and two cubits high, with horns at its corners made from the same piece of wood. This verse gives the practical details for constructing the incense altar used in Israel’s tabernacle worship.

In the context of Exodus, these instructions are part of the careful building of the tabernacle, with Bezalel carrying out what God had commanded Moses. The verse highlights the importance of following God’s design exactly, showing the altar’s size, shape, and the use of shittim wood, which was valued for its durability.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 37:25

  • "incense" (קְטֹרֶת, qetoret): This word refers specifically to the fragrant mixture burned as an offering, which played a special role in Israel’s worship, symbolizing prayers rising to God.
  • "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): This term means a place of sacrifice or offering; here, it is not for animal sacrifice but for burning incense, marking its unique purpose.
  • "shittim" (שִׁטִּים, shittim): This is acacia wood, known for being hard and resistant to decay, making it a practical and symbolic choice for holy objects.
  • "horns" (קֶרֶן, qeren): The "horns" were projections at the altar’s corners, often understood as symbols of strength and a place of refuge in Israelite tradition.

Why Exodus 37:25 matters

  • This verse clears up that the incense altar was a distinct piece of furniture, separate from the main altar for sacrifices, with its own specific design and purpose.
  • The careful mention of materials and measurements emphasizes the importance of precision and obedience in Israel’s worship practices.
  • By connecting this construction to earlier commands, Exodus 37:25 shows the faithfulness of the builders in following God’s instructions, reinforcing the theme of obedience throughout the tabernacle narrative.

Where else these words appear

“foursquare” Hebrew H7251 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 27:1 And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.
  • Exodus 38:1 And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; it was foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.
  • Ezekiel 40:47 So he measured the court, an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar that was before the house.

“shittim” Hebrew H7848 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 25:5 And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,
  • Exodus 27:1 And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.
  • Exodus 37:1 And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:

“height” Hebrew H6967 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • 1 Kings 6:20 And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar which was of cedar.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:13 For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,

“incense” Hebrew H7004 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
  • Leviticus 16:12 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:
  • Numbers 16:35 And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.