Definition: And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 40:5. It’s a really important part of God's plan for Israel as they’re about to enter into a covenant with them. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is telling the Israelites that they are going to build a special temple – the Tabernacle – and it needs to be decorated and prepared. Let’s unpack each part: “And thou shalt set the altar of gold…” - This means they're building a golden altar. Gold was a precious metal, representing God's glory and power. It was a symbol of magnificence and holiness. “…for the incense before the ark of the testimony.” – The “ark of the testimony” is a very special box containing the tablets of the Law (the 59 books of Moses). Incense is a fragrant smoke used in religious ceremonies to purify and honor God. So, this altar is being set up before the Ark – which is the container holding the most important part of the law. “And put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.” - This means they need to hang something on the door of the Tabernacle (the portable temple). The “hanging of the door” likely refers to a large, decorated panel or section that would be visible to all the people in the land. So, what’s the big picture? God is establishing a special place – the Tabernacle – where he will dwell with his people. This setup is designed to make it clear to everyone that God is powerful and wants a close relationship with them. It's a symbol of His presence and covenant with Israel. Why is this important? This passage is a foundational part of the Old Testament, showing how God established a covenant with the Israelites, which would be incredibly important for their history and future. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of the Tabernacle itself?