Tabernacle discrepancy?

[John7]

Why is the location of the tabernacle’s altar of incense in Heb 9 in the Holy of Holies whereas in Ex 30 its in the Holy place or ‘outer tabernacle’?? It seems that between Heb 9 and Ex 30 the altar of incense is on different sides of the veil.

Hebrews 9:2-4
“For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the sacred bread; this is called the holy place. And behind the second veil, there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies, having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant.”

Exodus 30:1-6
"Moreover, you shall make an altar as a place for burning incense; you shall make it of acacia wood…6 “And you shall **put this altar in front of the veil **that is near the ark of the testimony, in front of the mercy seat that is over the ark of the testimony, where I will meet with you.”

From mishkanministries.org/tabernacle.php
“The Holy Place contained three articles of furniture, the Altar of Incense, which stood in the center, the Golden Candlestick with all its vessels, which stood on the left side center, and the Table of Shewbread with its dishes, spoons, covers, and bowls, which stood on the right side center.”

 

[06convert]

Hebrews describe a “second veil” whereas Exodus describes simply “the veil” and depending on which side of the veil you are standing (which we don’t know) we don’t know what would be consdered the “front” or “inner” or “outter” when comparing the two verses.

Also Acacia Wood was the material that was typically used to make the tabernacle, so if this is the case this altar of Acacia Wood (the tabernacle) would also include the incense.

 

[Todd_Easton]

Haydock’s commentary on Hebrews 9:4 briefly examines this apparant discrepancy and offers a few possible explanations.

The best explanation seems to be that the golden censer of incense in the Holy of Holies mentioned in Hebrews 9:4 is different from the altar of incense that stood in the Holy Place and refers to the censer of incense taken into the Holy of Holies by the high priest. (Leviticus 16:12-13.)