God commanded that an altar of incense be made and placed in the Holy Place. As befitting an article of the Holy Place, the altar of incense was overlaid with gold and was therefore called the “golden altar” (Num 4:11). Its location was in front of the curtain, the place closest to God, which signifies drawing near to him. The priests were to burn incense every morning and evening, and no other incense was to be burned on this altar. This symbolizes that prayer must be offered to God daily and that our prayers must be directed solely to him.

When the Israelites were counted, each person was required to offer a ransom to God. This ransom served as a sign of atonement for one’s life. It was an act of acknowledging that all people are sinners before God and that their lives have been redeemed by his grace. Both the rich and the poor were to pay the same amount, showing that no one can live apart from God’s grace. We must constantly remember his grace and live by it.

A bronze basin should be placed before the tabernacle for the priests to wash their hands and feet before serving their work. Purity is essential to approach God. If the priests did not wash, they could die. We must be cleansed daily by God’s word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Application: Lord, I come to you just as I am in prayer. Forgive me and help me live by your grace.
One Word: Offer the fragrant incense of prayer