Tetzaveh | The Strange Placement of the Golden Altar, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

Why is the מזבח הקטורת commanded separately - and much later - than all of the other כלים of the משכן?

After the detailed prescriptions for the construction of the Mishkan and its appurtenances, the Torah describes a lengthy and step-by-step inauguration ceremony for the Kohanim. Only after that is completed, the Torah identifies, describes and locates the final vessel - the golden altar, exclusively to be used for incense, which is to be placed between the Shulchan and the Menorah inside the Kodesh. We echo the question of numerous commentators - why weren't these prescriptions, including material, dimensions and location presented along with the other 'inner-vessels" at the beginning of the Mishkan-commands? Taking a panoramic look at the entire series of commands relating to the Mishkan, we identify several key phrases that may help us understand not only the "delayed command" but also some of its nuances as well as the commands that follow it in completing the Mitzvot of the construction of the Mishkan.

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