And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.

EXODUS 40:5KJV
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Exodus 40:5 (KJV)

What does Exodus 40:5 mean?

Exodus 40:5 gives Moses instructions to place the golden altar for burning incense in front of the ark of the testimony and to hang the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. This verse is part of a detailed list of how to set up the tabernacle and its furnishings exactly as God directed.

God is speaking to Moses, telling him how to arrange the sacred objects inside the tabernacle, which was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. The "altar of gold" refers to the incense altar, which was to be set "before the ark of the testimony," meaning in the Holy Place, just outside the inner room where the ark was kept. The instruction to "put the hanging of the door" means to hang the curtain at the entrance, marking off the holy space.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 40:5

  • "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): This word refers specifically to the structure used for burning incense, not for animal sacrifices. Its placement highlights the importance of incense in the worship practices.
  • "incense" (קְטֹרֶת, qetoret): This means fragrant smoke offered to God, symbolizing prayers or devotion rising up. The use of incense was a regular, significant ritual.
  • "before" (לִפְנֵי, lifnei): This word means "in the presence of" or "in front of," clarifying that the altar was not inside the Most Holy Place with the ark, but just outside, emphasizing separation and reverence.
  • "hanging" (מָסָךְ, masakh): This refers to the curtain or screen at the entrance, marking the boundary between the holy space and the outside, showing the importance of access and separation in worship.

Why Exodus 40:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies the careful arrangement of sacred objects, showing that every detail in worship was intentional and meaningful, not left to personal choice.
  • The placement of the incense altar "before the ark" emphasizes the separation between God’s direct presence and the people, highlighting the need for mediation and reverence.
  • The instructions connect to the broader theme of Exodus 40, where Moses is told to set up the tabernacle exactly as God commanded, underlining obedience and the seriousness of approaching God’s presence.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“testimony” Hebrew H5715 · used in 57 verses

  • Exodus 16:34 As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.
  • Exodus 40:21 And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.

“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.

“tabernacle” Hebrew H4908 · used in 129 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Exodus 40:18 And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars.
  • Numbers 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?