Exodus 30:6
Put the altar in front of the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law—before the atonement cover that is over the tablets of the covenant law—where I will meet with you. (NIV)
Today’s Reading: Exodus 30:1-10
God gives Moses the instructions for making the alter of incense. This alter is similar to the other objects inside the Tent of Meeting in that it is made of acacia wood and covered with gold. It has horns similar to the alter of sacrifice that’s in the courtyard. It is placed in the Holy Place in front of the curtain that separates it from the Holy of Holies.
Aaron was instructed to burn incense on the altar every day in morning and at twilight. This is also a similar instruction that was given by God for the alter of sacrifice. Both alters would burn continuously. And like all the other pieces of the tabernacle, the alter of incense is symbolic of Jesus.
Throughout Scripture, incense is associated with prayer. David prayed, “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice”
(Psalms 141:2). The apostle John saw a future vision of heaven with the elders around the throne “holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people”
(Revelation 5:8).
Thus the alter of incense is symbolic of the prayers of God’s people and also of the intercession of Jesus. We know the incense represents our prayers because John’s letter of Revelation tells us. Our prayers ascend into heaven to God just like the smoke from the alter.
It seems to me that because God wanted the alter to burn continuously, we are to also pray continuously. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV). It is God’s will that we continuously pray to Him. And because of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus making us holy, our prayers are heard. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
The alter is also symbolic of the intercession of Christ. Go back to the picture of the location of the alter in the tent. It is placed in front of the curtain to the Holy of Holies where God dwells. Aaron and the priests would come into the Holy Place twice a day to tend the fire on the alter which represents Jesus which physically stands between the priest and God.
This is exactly the picture of Jesus at the throne of God interceding for us. “For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence” (Hebrews 9:24). So know this, Jesus is continuously at the throne of God advocating for you. He’s worthy of praise!
Christ in the Old Testament 
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