Purpose and Placement of the Incense Altar/2

The Incense Altar – Placement and Purpose

Exegetical Approaches

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Exalted Status

The incense altar is mentioned at the end of the discussion of the Mishkan and its vessels to highlight its exalted status, being second only to the Ark in importance.

Sources:R. Avraham SabaTzeror HaMor Shemot 30:1About R. Avraham Saba (Tzeror HaMor)¹

Unique Function

The command to build the incense altar appears separately from the other vessels because it does not share their purpose.  While the Tabernacle as a whole was meant to invite and house Hashem's presence, the incense altar had a different function.

Sources:

Purpose of the Mishkan as a whole

Function of the Incense Altar

Secondary Vessel

The placement of the incense altar after the main discussion of the Mishkan's vessels highlights its lowly status and the technical role it played.

Sources:Moreh Nevukhim3 45About Moreh Nevukhim, R. Meir Simcha of DvinskMeshekh Chokhmah Shemot 30:1About R. Meir Simcha of Dvinsk (Meshekh Chokhmah)

Function

Change in Plan

Technicalities

The placement of the unit discussing the incense altar says nothing about the function or intrinsic worth of the vessel.  It is simply the result of technical, literary concerns.

¹ See also TanchumaTetzaveh 15About the Tanchuma who simialrly points to the beloved nature of the incense offering, but does not use this to explain the placement of the command.