And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,

EXODUS 39:38KJV
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Exodus 39:38 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:38 mean?

Exodus 39:38 lists several important items made for the tabernacle: the golden altar, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door. This verse highlights the completion and preparation of these sacred objects as part of the tabernacle's furnishings.

In context, Exodus 39 describes the Israelites, under Moses’ leadership, finishing the construction and assembly of the tabernacle and its contents as God commanded. This verse specifically mentions items used for worship and for marking off holy space, showing attention to detail and obedience in following God’s instructions for worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:38

  • "Golden" (זָהָב, zahav): This word emphasizes that the altar was covered in or made of gold, showing its special status among the tabernacle furnishings.
  • "Altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): Refers to the altar of incense, a key place for offering incense as part of Israel’s worship practices.
  • "Anointing" (מִשְׁחָה, mishchah) and "oil" (שֶׁמֶן, shemen): Together, these refer to the special oil used to consecrate (set apart) the tabernacle and its items, marking them as holy.
  • "Sweet" (סַמִּים, sammim) and "incense" (קְטֹרֶת, qetoret): These words describe the fragrant mixture burned on the golden altar, symbolizing prayers or offerings rising to God.
  • "Hanging" (פָּרֹכֶת, parokhet): This refers to the curtain or screen that covered the entrance to the tabernacle, marking the boundary between the outside and the holy space.
  • "Tabernacle" (אֹהֶל, ohel) and "door" (פֶּתַח, petach): These words specify that the hanging was for the main entrance to the tent of meeting, not just any curtain.

Why Exodus 39:38 matters

  • Exodus 39:38 shows the Israelites’ careful obedience in making each item exactly as instructed, underlining the importance of following God’s directions in worship.
  • The verse connects the physical objects (altar, oil, incense, curtain) to their spiritual roles—preparing a space where God would dwell among His people.
  • By listing these items, the verse helps the reader see the completeness of the tabernacle project and the readiness of the people to begin worship as God intended.

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 39:34 And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,
  • 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.

“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.