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Exodus 37:25 - Altar's sacred incense dimensions?

Exodus 37:25 - שמות 37:25

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ אֶת־מִזְבַּח הַקְּטֹרֶת עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים אַמָּה אָרְכּוֹ וְאַמָּה רָחְבּוֹ רָבוּעַ וְאַמָּתַיִם קֹמָתוֹ מִמֶּנּוּ הָיוּ קַרְנֹתָיו׃

English Translation

And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was its height; its horns were of the same.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as et-mizbe'ach ha'ketoret atzei shitim amah arkho ve'amah rokhbo ravua ve'amataim komato mimenu hayu karnotav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֛עַשׂ אֶת־מִזְבַּ֥ח הַקְּטֹ֖רֶת עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים אַמָּ֣ה אׇרְכּוֹ֩ וְאַמָּ֨ה רׇחְבּ֜וֹ רָב֗וּעַ וְאַמָּתַ֙יִם֙ קֹֽמָת֔וֹ מִמֶּ֖נּוּ הָי֥וּ קַרְנֹתָֽיו׃
וַיַּ֛עַשׂ אֶת־מִזְבַּ֥ח הַקְּטֹ֖רֶת עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים אַמָּ֣ה אׇרְכּוֹ֩ וְאַמָּ֨ה רׇחְבּ֜וֹ רָב֗וּעַ וְאַמָּתַ֙יִם֙ קֹֽמָת֔וֹ מִמֶּ֖נּוּ הָי֥וּ קַרְנֹתָֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Incense Altar (Mizbach HaKetoret)

The verse describes the construction of the incense altar (מִזְבַּח הַקְּטֹרֶת), a sacred vessel used exclusively for burning the daily incense offering in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi (Exodus 30:1) emphasizes that this altar was distinct from the copper altar used for animal sacrifices, highlighting its unique spiritual role in facilitating atonement and divine service.

Dimensions and Symbolism

The altar was one cubit long, one cubit wide, and two cubits high, forming a perfect square at its base. The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 3:3) notes that its smaller size compared to the copper altar reflects its more intimate, spiritual purpose—representing the inner service of the heart. The four horns (קַרְנֹתָיו) at its corners, as explained in the Talmud (Zevachim 53a), symbolize strength and divine protection, echoing the horns mentioned in Tehillim (Psalms) 118:27.

Material: Shittim Wood

The altar was made of shittim wood (עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים), also known as acacia. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:1) teaches that this wood was chosen because it does not decay, symbolizing the eternal nature of the Jewish people and their covenant with Hashem. The wood was overlaid with pure gold (as stated in the following verses), representing the refinement of physicality for holy purposes.

Spiritual Significance

  • Atonement: The incense altar served as a vehicle for kaparah (atonement), particularly for sins between man and G-d (Talmud Yoma 44a).
  • Unity: Its square shape, as noted by the Kli Yakar (Exodus 30:2), symbolizes the unity of the Jewish people and their collective service of Hashem.
  • Elevation: The daily incense offering (Ketoret) represents the elevation of prayers, as stated in Tehillim 141:2: "Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You."

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 59b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the dimensions and construction of the incense altar, comparing it to other altars mentioned in the Torah.
📖 Menachot 98a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the materials and measurements used in the construction of the Tabernacle's vessels, including the incense altar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the incense altar mentioned in Exodus 37:25?
A: The incense altar (מִזְבַּח הַקְּטֹרֶת) was a small golden altar in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) used for burning ketoret (incense) every morning and evening. According to Rashi, it was made of shittim wood overlaid with gold, symbolizing purity and devotion in serving Hashem.
Q: Why was the incense altar square?
A: The Torah specifies that the incense altar was foursquare (רָבוּעַ), meaning it had equal length and width. The Midrash explains that the square shape represents stability and completeness in avodah (service to Hashem), just as the Holy of Holies and other sacred items had symmetrical dimensions.
Q: What was the significance of the horns on the incense altar?
A: The horns (קַרְנֹתָיו) on the corners of the altar were a distinctive feature, as mentioned in Exodus 37:25. The Talmud (Zevachim 53a) teaches that the horns symbolized strength and elevation in prayer, as the ketoret (incense) represents the prayers of Israel ascending to heaven.
Q: How tall was the incense altar, and why does it matter?
A: The incense altar was two cubits tall (about 3 feet), shorter than the outer altar. Rambam (Hilchot Temidin U’Musafin 3:3) explains that its smaller size reflected its more intimate purpose—the ketoret service was performed inside the Mishkan, closer to the Holy Ark, emphasizing the spiritual connection between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from the materials used for the incense altar?
A: The altar was made of shittim (acacia) wood overlaid with gold (as derived from other verses). The wood, a humble material, represents human effort, while the gold symbolizes divine sanctity. Together, they teach that true avodah (service) requires both our physical actions and spiritual intent, as taught in Chassidic thought.