Purpose and Placement of the Incense Altar/2

The Incense Altar – Placement and Purpose

Exegetical Approaches

This topic has not yet undergone editorial review

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.

Secondary Vessel

The placement of the incense altar at the end highlights its lowly status and technical function.

Change in Plan

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.