Episode 16: Making Sense of the Incense Altar with Hananel Shapira

It Means What It Means

Hananel Shapira, a PhD student at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, discusses his research on the priestly literature and his article on the incense altar. He explains that while the prescriptive incense altar is a later addition to the text of Exodus 25-29, it does not mean that it was absent from the temple rites. Shapira argues that the menorah played a part in the burning of incense and challenges traditional translations of the word 'menorah.' He also explores the differences between the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint, as well as the placement of the incense altar in the Samaritan Pentateuch. Hananel concludes by discussing the implications of his analysis on the meaning of the ritual system. Click here to find out where you can follow the podcast.