And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.
The altar stood outside the veil yet faced toward the mercy-seat within it, teaching us that though our eyes cannot see God's throne of grace, faith must direct our prayer toward it. The incense burned in a censer set upon the altar itself, so no coals or ashes defiled that holy wood and gold.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 30:1-10
And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood,.... Of the same wood the altar itself was made: and overlay them with gold; as that was; these rings and staves may be an emblem of the precious ordinances of Christ, in which he grants his presence; and where he is held forth in different ages and places as the interceding high priest of his people...
Gold covered the roof, the walls, and the horns down to the ground itself, so it is rightly called the golden altar. Its place before the veil, though in the holy place, sets it in the closest relation to the mercy-seat and the most holy place beyond.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 30:1-6