THEOSISWlastow G.K.
The altar of incense (vv. 1-4) is notably absent from the description in chapter 25, where the table of showbread and the candlestick are mentioned. Instead, it appears in this chapter, following the directives for the consecration of ministers. This placement likely reflects its significance as an altar from which incense, symbolizing prayer, was offered. It highlights the altar’s role in the overarching goal of the entire institution—drawing closer to God (O. Gerlach). Unlike the table, the altar of incense is recognized as an altar of sacrifice, leading scholars (Dom. Calmet, O. Gerlach, etc.) to concur that it shared the typical characteristics of altars, meaning its sides extended to the ground.
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It was overlaid with pure gold and featured projections at the corners, known as horns, similar to the altar for burnt offerings, with a crafted border encircling its perimeter. Each side of the altar, referred to in our translation as 'on the corners' and more accurately translated from Hebrew as 'on the ribs' (as noted in the marginal reading of the authorized version), had a ring for transporting the altar with a pole.