Exodus 30:1-10

The Voice

30 Eternal One: Make an altar out of acacia wood for burning incense ² in the shape of a square—18 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 36 inches high. Carve the horns and the top of the altar out of one piece of wood. ³ Overlay the top, sides, and horns with pure gold, and attach gold trim around its edges. ⁴ Fashion two gold rings, and attach them beneath the trim on the two opposite sides; the rings are to hold the poles so that the altar can be carried. ⁵ Make the poles out of acacia wood as well and overlay them with gold. ⁶ Place this altar just outside of the veil that conceals the covenant chest and the seat of mercy that sits on top of the covenant chest. I will meet with you there.

⁷ Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he trims the lamps’ wicks ⁸ and every evening when he lights the lamps. Incense must be burned in My presence throughout all your generations. ⁹ Do not burn any strange incense, burnt offerings, or grain offerings at this altar. Also, do not pour out any drink offerings on it. ¹⁰ Since this altar is sacred to Me, Aaron is to cleanse it once each year by smearing blood from the sin offering on its horns. Throughout all your generations, the high priests are to perform this ritual.