Exodus 40:9
“Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it may become holy.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text highlights a subtle but important distinction: the altar is declared "most holy," while the tabernacle and its contents are designated as "holy." This isn't about a lesser or greater degree of sacredness but a practical caution, as the altar was more accessible to the people than the inner sanctuary.
After the intricate work of building the Tabernacle and crafting its furnishings is complete, God gives Moses final instructions for its consecration. This involves anointing the Tabernacle and all its contents, along with the priests themselves, with a special holy oil. While these specific instructions for anointing the Tabernacle might have been deferred until after the priests were consecrated, this passage highlights the crucial step of setting apart this sacred space and its items for God's exclusive use.
Why was a special oil used to set apart the tabernacle? What did this act signify for God's presence?
The anointing oil was more than just a fragrant mixture; it was a powerful symbol of consecration. This holy oil, specially prepared as instructed in Exodus 30, was applied to the tabernacle and all its furnishings. This act set these items apart from common use, dedicating them entirely to God's service. It was a tangible way of saying, 'This place, these things, are now under God's special care and authority.' This consecration wasn't just about outward ceremony; it was about recognizing that everything within the tabernacle was meant to be a dwelling place for the Lord's presence.
The text calls the tabernacle 'holy' after anointing. What does 'holy' truly mean in this context?
The act of anointing was designed to impart holiness. This isn't holiness in the sense of moral perfection, but rather a divine distinction. Something that is holy is set apart, unique, and belongs to God. The tabernacle, by being anointed, was declared not just clean or special, but belonging to the Lord. It became a place where heaven and earth met, a physical representation of God's desire to dwell among His people. This distinction was vital for understanding the sacredness of God's presence and the reverence required when approaching Him.
Understand the original words
shemen hamishchah · Hebrew Noun Phrase
The perfumed oil used in the Old Testament to mark people or objects as set apart specifically for God's use, symbolizing the presence and empowering of the Holy Spirit.
qadash · Hebrew Verb
To declare or set something apart as holy for God’s exclusive use; it involves a formal process of purification and dedication to remove it from common or profane use.
qodesh · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
The state of being set apart for God, characterized by moral purity and separation from sin. It describes God's nature and anything that belongs to Him.
This passage describes Moses anointing the Tabernacle and its vessels with the holy oil, directly following the command in Exodus 40:9 and detailing the execution of that instruction.
Exodus 30:26This verse provides the divine instruction for the composition and purpose of the anointing oil, which is central to the consecration described in Exodus 40:9.
Hebrews 9:21The New Testament reflects on the Old Testament sacrificial system, stating that Moses sprinkled even the Tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry with blood and oil, echoing the act of consecration.
1 Samuel 10:1This passage shows a similar act of anointing, where Samuel anoints Saul with oil, signifying his consecration for a specific divine purpose, mirroring the Tabernacle's consecration.
cambridgeExodus 40:9: "And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy."
9, 10 . It is remarkable that, while in Exodus 30:29 (see vv. 26–28), the Tent of Meeting with all the vessels belonging to it, are, by anointing, made ‘most holy’ (see for this term on Exodus 29:37 ), here the altar only is ‘most holy,’ and the Tent of Meeting and all its contents are only ‘holy.’ 9–11 . The Dwelling,…
calvinExodus 40:1-35: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.
Ungesque filius, quemadmodum unxeris patrem eorum: et sacerdotio fungentur mihi, eritque unctio eorum ut sit els in sacerdotium perpetuum per generationes suas.
Thus did Moses: according to all that the Lord commanded…
The text highlights a subtle but important distinction: the altar is declared "most holy," while the tabernacle and its contents are designated as "holy." This isn't about a lesser or greater degree of sacredness but a practical caution, as the altar was more accessible to the people than the inner sanctuary.
After the intricate work of building the Tabernacle and crafting its furnishings is complete, God gives Moses final instructions for its consecration. This involves anointing the Tabernacle and all its contents, along with the priests themselves, with a special holy oil. While these specific instructions for anointing the Tabernacle might have been deferred until after the priests were consecrated, this passage highlights the crucial step of setting apart this sacred space and its items for God's exclusive use.
After the intricate work of building the Tabernacle and crafting its furnishings is complete, God gives Moses final instructions for its consecration. This involves anointing the Tabernacle and all its contents, along with the priests themselves, with a special holy oil. While these specific instructions for anointing the Tabernacle might have been deferred until after the priests were consecrated, this passage highlights the crucial step of setting apart this sacred space and its items for God's exclusive use.
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"“Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it may become holy." — The text highlights a subtle but important distinction: the altar is declared "most holy," while the tabernacle and its contents are designated as "holy." This isn't about a lesser or greater degree…
