Ver. 1. An altar to burn incense upon.] Shadowing Christ, as perfuming and presenting the prayers of saints, (Revelation 8:3 5:8) and obtaining answer thereto “from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God.” (Revelation 9:13)
Ver. 2. A cubit shall be the length.] That in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 41:22) is much larger, as setting forth the service of God under the gospel.
Ver. 3. Overlay it with pure gold.] Shadowing Christ’s deity, yielding glory to his humanity. A crown of gold round about.] To show that devotion is a rich royal virtue, best beseeming the best princes.
Ver. 6. Where I will meet with thee.] To give oracles and answers of mercy. God still “meeteth him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness.” (Isaiah 64:5)
Ver. 7. Shall burn thereon sweet incense.] Faciunt et vespae favos. The heathens had the like custom— “Verbenasque adole pingues, et mascula thura.” - Virgil.
Ver. 8. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps.] To show that our prayers must be made according to the light and direction of God’s Word, lest we ask we know not what, and worship we know not how.
Ver. 9. No strange incense.] So may we not pray, but according to God’s revealed will. (1 John 5:14)
Ver. 10. An atonement upon the horns of it.] Pardon must be sought for the defects found in prayers; as Nehemiah craved mercy for his reformations.
Ver. 12. That there be no plague.] David, in numbering the people, neglected this duty; thence the plague.
Ver. 13. Half a shekel.] Towards the making of the tabernacle; and as an amercing himself for his sin, that subjected him to utter destruction. (Exodus 30:15)
Ver. 14. From twenty years old.] Such were able to get it, before they gave it.
Ver. 15. The rich shall not give more.] They are both of a price, because in spirituals they are equal. (2 Peter 1:1)
Ver. 16. That it may be a memorial.] A perpetual poll money, in token of homage and subjection to the Almighty.
Ver. 18. Between the tabernacle and the altar.] The laver and altar situated in the same court, signified the same; as the water and blood issuing out of Christ’s side, viz., the necessary concurrence of justification and sanctification in all that shall be saved.
Ver. 19. For Aaron and his sons.] Here they were to wash before they prayed for the people. (Hebrews 10:22) We must first make our own peace with God before we take upon us to intercede for others. So did David. (Psalms 25:22 51:18,19) So we are advised to do, Lamentations 3:39,40.
Ver. 20. Wash with water.] “Wash their hands in innocency,” before they “compass God’s altar.” (Psalms 26:6 Hebrews 10:22 Isaiah 52:11)
Ver. 21. That they die not.] Come not to an untimely end, as Nadab and Abihu did. (Leviticus 10:1,2)
Ver. 26. And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle.] So to consecrate the same to God’s service, and to set forth how joyfully and gladly men should serve the Lord.
Ver. 29. Whatsoever toucheth them.] So are all those anointed holy, that by a lively faith touch the Lord Christ.
Ver. 30. Aaron and his sons.] Those only that succeeded him in the office of high priest. (Leviticus 4:3,5,16 16:32)
Ver. 32. Upon man’s flesh.] A Latine Postiller hence infers, in a hyperbolical sense, that priests are angels, not having human flesh.
Ver. 33. Whosoever compoundeth any like it.] Holy things must not be profaned, on pain of death. No people so abuse Scripture to common and ordinary use as the Jews do.
Ver. 36. And thou shalt beat some of it very small.] This holy perfume, as in the matter costly, so in the manner it cost much pounding and beating: to show that Church prayer must be accurate and elaborate; it must cost setting on, as we say.