שמות, פרק מ׳, פסוק כ״ז

Setting up the Tabernacle and its dedication involved a series of precise rituals, culminating in the burning of fragrant incense on the golden altar. This act was a defining moment in sanctifying the inner space, marking the beginning of the regular holy service.

The primary approach among commentators is that Moses himself performed this task. During the seven days of inauguration, Moses functioned as the first priest, carrying out all the services, including the burning of the incense [רמב״ן, רבנו בחיי, ביאור יש״ר]. Although the original instructions did not explicitly mention that Moses would burn the incense, this is understood from the other duties he completed, such as arranging the showbread and preparing the lamps [רמב״ן, הטור הארוך]. In fact, Moses continued to serve as a priest and offer public sacrifices even on the eighth day, the actual day the Tabernacle was erected. He did this to provide practical, hands-on instruction to Aaron and his sons regarding the order of service, and only afterward did he step down from the priestly role [מזרחי]. During the actual burning of the incense, Moses entered the Tent of Meeting together with Aaron [מלבי״ם].

A different tradition, found in certain versions of the commentary by [רש״י], suggests that Aaron was the one who burned the incense. This caused a debate among scholars. Some firmly argue that this reading is merely a scribe's error, as it is clear that Moses performed the service during the inauguration days [רמב״ן, שד״ל, הטור הארוך]. However, others reconcile these views by explaining that while Moses physically performed the work at that time, there is an underlying hint toward Aaron and the permanent service for future generations. This idea is supported by the specific way the command was delivered to Moses, implying that the directive was given to him to pass on to Aaron, who would take charge of the task from that point forward [ברטנורא].

The act of burning the fragrant spices established a constant daily routine, performed twice each day: once in the morning and once in the evening [רש״י, שד״ל]. This ritual is closely tied to the care of the candelabrum. The morning incense was offered while the lamps were being cleaned and prepared, and the evening incense was offered when they were lit [העמק דבר, ברכת אשר].

Ultimately, the emphasis that all of this was done exactly as God commanded serves to highlight a complete surrender to His will. It makes clear that Moses did not act out of his own logic or personal initiative, but operated strictly according to what God had decided [ביאור יש״ר].