When we finished chapter 27, there were two articles of the tabernacle remaining unmentioned. The golden altar of incense and the brass laver. The previous articles had illustrated how God today can come and meet with us — these remaining articles tell how we can approach God as believers. Chapters 28 and 29 connect the two sections; the priest (Christ) is the go-between (1 Tim. 2:5).
V.1-10 The golden altar of incense was quite small — about 18” x 18” x 36” high. You will remember that the brass altar was much larger. Because the brass altar is a picture of the cross of Christ large enough to save every person in the entire world. But the golden altar is for believers who worship the Lord. Few believers respond! This altar was not for animal sacrifices, but for burning incense (like perfume) (Read 1 Peter 2:3-7). How precious! Take a minute to read Revelation 8:3-4 for some help in understanding a meaning of the golden altar. There it is used by the surviving believers during the tribulation (“D” on your chart), as lifting up, with their prayers, the incense. Notice how high it went! Christ is the sweet incense which we offer to God.