Exodus 30:4, commentary and pictures

The instruction provides for two golden rings fixed beneath the crown or rim of the altar of incense, at its corners on its two sides, through which carrying poles were passed to bear the altar when the tabernacle was moved on Israel's journeys. The rings and poles themselves are given no separate explanation, for the instruction belongs to the making of the golden altar of incense and shows the altar's place and worship role. On earth that altar stood in the holy place or first apartment, directly before the ark and mercy-seat but separated from them by the curtain or veil, together with the other furniture of that richly furnished apartment.

The heavenly temple contains the counterpart altar in its holy place, the first room entered through the first veil and before the second veil leading to the holy of holies where the ark is, together with the candlestick with seven lamps and the table of showbread with its censer. The altar and the other furniture of that apartment are of purest gold and glittered like burnished gold, reflecting the image of the one who enters there. Its service was continual intercession, for its fire was kindled by the Lord and tended with holy incense, so that fragrance filled the sanctuary and a cloud of fragrance with Israel's prayers daily ascended before God.

The rising incense pictured prayer, praise, and confession directed by faith toward the unseen mercy-seat and to Christ as Mediator, representing his merits, intercession, and perfect righteousness imputed to his people through faith. In heaven Jesus Christ carries on this mediation for the saints, for as their prayers come up to him he offers them with the smoke of the incense from the golden censer, presenting them with his spotless righteousness and merits to the Father, so that sinful worship becomes acceptable and repentant believers receive mercy and salvation.