Exodus 30:24

And of cassia five hundred [shekels], after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin:

And of cassia {H6916} five {H2568} hundred {H3967} shekels, after the shekel {H8255} of the sanctuary {H6944}, and of oil {H8081} olive {H2132} an hin {H1969}:

500 shekels of cassia (use the sanctuary standard), and one gallon of olive oil -

500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil.

and of cassia five hundred, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of olive oil a hin;

Commentary

Exodus 30:24 continues the detailed divine instructions given to Moses regarding the preparation of the sacred anointing oil, a crucial element in the Tabernacle worship system. This verse specifies two more ingredients and their precise measurements: "And of cassia five hundred [shekels], after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin:"

Context

This verse is part of a larger passage (Exodus 30:22-33) outlining the exact recipe for the holy anointing oil. This oil was not for common use but was designated solely for the consecration of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests (as described in Exodus 30:26-30). The meticulous detail underscores the profound holiness and divine origin of all aspects of Israelite worship, emphasizing God's specific requirements for approaching Him.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Holiness: The exact measurements ("five hundred shekels," "an hin") and the specific standard ("after the shekel of the sanctuary") highlight God's demand for precision and purity in all that pertains to His worship. It emphasizes that these items were set apart for sacred use, not according to human whims but divine command.
  • Symbolism of Consecration: The ingredients, including cassia and olive oil, contribute to a fragrant and purifying oil that symbolizes setting apart or dedicating something or someone to God's exclusive service. This act of anointing conferred a special status and authority, marking objects and individuals as holy and fit for divine purpose.

Linguistic Insights

  • Cassia: The Hebrew word is qetsi'ah (קְצִיעָה), referring to an aromatic spice similar to cinnamon, derived from the bark of a tree. It was valued for its fragrance and medicinal properties, contributing to the oil's pleasant aroma and symbolic richness.
  • Shekel of the Sanctuary: This phrase, sheqel haqqodesh (שֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ), indicates a standard of weight prescribed by God for sacred purposes, ensuring accuracy and preventing fraud in matters of the Tabernacle. It signified a specific, unvarying measure that was distinct from common commercial weights, emphasizing divine authority over human standards.
  • Hin: The Hebrew term hin (הִין) denotes a liquid measure, roughly equivalent to 1 gallon or 3.67 liters, used here for the "oil olive." Olive oil itself was a staple of the ancient Near East, symbolizing purity, light, and sustenance, and serving as the base for this sacred concoction.

Practical Application and Significance

While believers today do not prepare the literal holy anointing oil, the principles behind God's instructions in Exodus 30:24 remain profoundly relevant. The emphasis on divine precision and holiness reminds us that God desires our best and that our worship and service should be offered with reverence and intentionality. The anointing oil prefigured the spiritual anointing of the Holy Spirit, which sets believers apart for God's purposes and empowers them for service today (1 John 2:20). Just as the oil made things holy and fit for God's presence, the Holy Spirit purifies and enables us to live lives that are pleasing to God and effective in His kingdom. Our lives, like the carefully chosen ingredients of the anointing oil, should be a fragrant offering to Him, consecrated for His glory.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 29:40

    And with the one lamb a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil; and the fourth part of an hin of wine [for] a drink offering.

  • Psalms 45:8

    All thy garments [smell] of myrrh, and aloes, [and] cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

  • Leviticus 19:36

    Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.

  • Numbers 3:47

    Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take [them]: (the shekel [is] twenty gerahs:)

  • Numbers 15:5

    And the fourth [part] of an hin of wine for a drink offering shalt thou prepare with the burnt offering or sacrifice, for one lamb.

  • Ezekiel 45:12

    And the shekel [shall be] twenty gerahs: twenty shekels, five and twenty shekels, fifteen shekels, shall be your maneh.
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