Exodus 30:22-23
The LORD said to Moses, “Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The "moreover" signals that this isn't just a new instruction, but a continuation of God's detailed plan, building upon what Moses had just received concerning the tabernacle's construction. It highlights God's thoroughness, showing that every element, down to the specific scents and oils, was deliberately part of His design for worship.
Fresh off the instructions for the altar and the laver, Moses receives a new, detailed command from the LORD concerning the sacred anointing oil and the fragrant incense. This section lays out the specific ingredients, proportions, and purpose of these holy substances, emphasizing their unique sanctity. The LORD then specifies how the oil and incense are to be used to consecrate the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priests themselves, and warns sternly against any imitation or common use of these sacred preparations.
Have you ever felt like God's instructions are vague or hard to find? This verse starts a whole new set of commands. Notice how it begins.
The book of Exodus is filled with detailed instructions from God. Here, the LORD doesn't speak through a prophet or an intermediary; He speaks directly to Moses. This direct communication highlights the immense importance and authority of what is about to be said. It's God's voice, clear and unmistakable, initiating a crucial part of the tabernacle's sacred function and the consecration of His people.
Why so many specific rules for one oil and incense? What does this level of detail tell us about approaching God?
The detailed recipes for the anointing oil and incense aren't arbitrary. They underscore a profound truth: approaching a holy God requires deliberate, specific, and often costly preparation. Every ingredient, every measurement, and every method is prescribed to teach reverence and to set apart these elements as uniquely belonging to God. This isn't about superstitious magic, but about learning to approach the divine with focused intention and respect for His holiness. The exactness teaches that nothing casual or ordinary is suitable for sacred use.
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This isn't just fancy perfume. What deeper reality does this special oil point to?
The holy anointing oil, meticulously crafted and exclusively used, was a powerful symbol pointing beyond itself. It represented the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. Just as the oil consecrated the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests, setting them apart for God's service, the Holy Spirit consecrates believers and empowers them for ministry. The prohibition against making or using this oil for common purposes highlights that the Spirit's work is distinct and sacred, not to be mimicked or profaned.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The covenantal name of the God of Israel, YHWH, revealing His self-existent, eternal, and faithful nature. It is the name by which He is known in personal relationship and redemptive history.
sheqel · Hebrew Noun
A basic unit of weight used in the ancient Near East, often employed in the Bible for temple offerings, taxation, and payments. The 'shekel of the sanctuary' was a standardized weight kept under priestly supervision to ensure fairness and accuracy in religious matters.
This passage shows God directly speaking to Abraham to establish a covenant, similar to how God directly speaks to Moses here to give crucial instructions.
Leviticus 1:1This verse also begins with God speaking directly to Moses, introducing the laws for offerings, highlighting a pattern of divine instruction given to Moses for the people.
Numbers 7:89This verse describes God speaking to Moses from the mercy seat within the tabernacle, reinforcing His continued communication and presence with Moses and Israel.
Hebrews 8:5This New Testament passage refers back to the heavenly pattern and instructions given to Moses for the Tabernacle, showing the divine origin and purpose of these commands.
gillExodus 30:22: "Moreover the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Moreover, the Lord spake unto Moses,.... Some little time afterwards, while he was yet with him on the mount: saying; as follows.
calvinExodus 30:22-33: "Moreover the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
Tu sume tibi aromata optima: myrrhae fluidae ad quingentos siclos, cinnamomi aromatici dimidium ipsius, ducentos et quinquaginta: et calami atomatici ducentos et quinquaginta:
And of cassia five hundred shekels, after t…
The "moreover" signals that this isn't just a new instruction, but a continuation of God's detailed plan, building upon what Moses had just received concerning the tabernacle's construction. It highlights God's thoroughness, showing that every element, down to the specific scents and oils, was deliberately part of His design for worship.
Fresh off the instructions for the altar and the laver, Moses receives a new, detailed command from the LORD concerning the sacred anointing oil and the fragrant incense. This section lays out the specific ingredients, proportions, and purpose of these holy substances, emphasizing their unique sanctity. The LORD then specifies how the oil and incense are to be used to consecrate the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priests themselves, and warns sternly against any imitation or common use of these sacred preparations.
Fresh off the instructions for the altar and the laver, Moses receives a new, detailed command from the LORD concerning the sacred anointing oil and the fragrant incense. This section lays out the specific ingredients, proportions, and purpose of these holy substances, emphasizing their unique sanctity. The LORD then specifies how the oil and incense are to be used to consecrate the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priests themselves, and warns sternly against any imitation or common use of these sacred preparations.
"The LORD said to Moses, “Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane," — The "moreover" signals that this isn't just a new instruction, but a continuation of God's detailed plan, building upon what Moses had just received concerning the tabernacle's construction. It highl…
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