Exodus 30:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 30:24 continues the divine blueprint for the sacred anointing oil, meticulously specifying the inclusion of five hundred shekels of cassia and one hin of olive oil. This verse is part of a larger, divinely revealed instruction set for the Tabernacle's sacred elements, emphasizing God's demand for precise adherence to His commands in all matters pertaining to worship and consecration, thereby underscoring the profound holiness and exclusive purpose of the oil for setting apart persons and objects for His service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral component of a detailed divine instruction given to Moses on Mount Sinai, specifically outlining the precise composition of the holy anointing oil, as found in [Exodus 30:22-33](/exodus/30-22-33 "Exodus 30:22-33 - The Holy Anointing Oil"). The preceding verses, [Exodus 30:22-23](/exodus/30-22-23 "Exodus 30:22-23 - Ingredients for the Anointing Oil"), introduce the primary aromatic ingredients—myrrh, cinnamon, and calamus—along with their specific weights. Following this verse, [Exodus 30:25](/exodus/30-25 "Exodus 30:25 - Compounding the Holy Anointing Oil") describes the compounding of these ingredients into the "holy anointing oil," and subsequent verses ([Exodus 30:26-30](/exodus/30-26-30 "Exodus 30:26-30 - Consecration of the Tabernacle and Priests")) explicitly delineate its exclusive purpose: the consecration of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the Aaronic priesthood. The meticulous detail in these instructions underscores the profound holiness and divine origin of all aspects of Israelite worship, emphasizing God's specific, non-negotiable requirements for approaching Him and setting apart that which is dedicated to His service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, anointing with oil was a common practice, signifying honor, hospitality, healing, or the setting apart of kings and priests. However, the holy anointing oil described in [Exodus 30](/exodus/30 "Exodus 30 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") was unique to Israel and strictly forbidden for common use or imitation ([Exodus 30:32-33](/exodus/30-32-33 "Exodus 30:32-33 - Prohibition Against Common Use")). The emphasis on precise measurements, "after the shekel of the sanctuary," highlights a critical aspect of Israelite religious life: the divine standard of purity and accuracy in all sacred matters. This "shekel of the sanctuary" (see [Exodus 30:13](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13 - The Half-Shekel Tax")) served as a fixed, unvarying weight standard, distinct from fluctuating commercial weights, ensuring integrity and preventing fraud in offerings and sacred preparations. The ingredients themselves—aromatic spices like cassia and the ubiquitous olive oil—were valuable commodities, often imported, signifying the preciousness and costly nature of what was dedicated to God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus"). Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Prescription and Obedience**, demonstrating God's sovereign authority and His expectation of meticulous adherence to His commands concerning worship. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, as the oil's unique composition and strict regulations set it apart as sacred, symbolizing the separation of God's people and their worship from the common. This concept of *kadosh* (holiness) permeates the Tabernacle instructions, emphasizing that God is distinct and requires a distinct approach. Thirdly, the preciousness of the ingredients points to the theme of **Costly Worship and Sacrifice**, indicating that what is offered to God should be of the highest quality and value, reflecting the honor due to His name. These themes collectively prepare the Israelites for a life of covenant faithfulness, where every detail of their interaction with God is governed by His perfect will, as seen in the broader narrative of [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle Instructions and Construction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cassia (Hebrew, _qiddâh'_):** This aromatic spice, derived from the bark of a tree similar to cinnamon, was highly valued in the ancient world for its fragrance and medicinal properties. Its inclusion in the anointing oil recipe contributes to the oil's pleasant aroma, which symbolically represents the pleasing nature of consecrated things to God and the fragrant testimony of those set apart for His service. Its presence also speaks to the richness and exotic nature of the ingredients deemed worthy for divine use, emphasizing the preciousness of God's dwelling and service.
* **Shekel (Hebrew, _sheqel'_):** Primarily a weight, the shekel served as a commercial standard in ancient Israel. Here, it is qualified by "of the sanctuary" (Hebrew, `qôdesh`, meaning "a sacred place or thing; sanctity"), which denotes a specific, divinely mandated standard of weight for sacred purposes, distinct from common commercial weights. Its inclusion emphasizes God's demand for absolute precision, integrity, and purity in all matters related to His worship. It signifies that the measurements were not left to human discretion or convenience but were fixed by divine authority, ensuring the holiness and authenticity of the sacred oil. This standard also served as a safeguard against deceit and ensured uniformity across generations.
* **Hin (Hebrew, _hîyn'_):** Probably of Egyptian origin, a hin was a liquid measure, roughly equivalent to 1 gallon or 3.67 liters, used here for the "oil olive." The hin was a common unit of measure in ancient Israel for liquids, particularly wine and oil. Its specification here, alongside the shekel, reinforces the meticulous nature of God's instructions, leaving no ambiguity regarding the exact proportions required. The olive oil itself, forming the base of the anointing oil, was a staple of the ancient Near East, symbolizing purity, light, sustenance, and often, the presence and empowering of the Holy Spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of cassia five hundred [shekels],":** This clause specifies the quantity of cassia, an aromatic spice, to be included in the holy anointing oil. The "five hundred shekels" indicates a substantial amount, highlighting the richness and potency of the oil's fragrance. This precise measurement underscores the deliberate and exact nature of God's instructions for the sacred concoction, emphasizing that its composition was not arbitrary but divinely ordained, reflecting the divine standard for all things consecrated to Him.
* **"after the shekel of the sanctuary,":** This critical phrase qualifies the weight measurement, establishing that the "five hundred shekels" of cassia must conform to a sacred, unvarying standard of weight. This standard was distinct from ordinary commercial weights and was designed to ensure accuracy, honesty, and the absolute purity of all elements used in the Tabernacle service. It profoundly signifies that God requires exactness and integrity in all that pertains to His worship, leaving no room for approximation, human convenience, or deviation from His holy standards.
* **"and of oil olive an hin:":** This clause introduces the final ingredient and its quantity: pure olive oil, measured at "an hin." The olive oil served as the essential base for the aromatic spices, binding them together into a unified mixture. Its inclusion in a specific liquid measure, mirroring the dry weights of the spices, reiterates the divine precision governing the oil's preparation. Olive oil was a fundamental commodity in ancient Israel, symbolizing light, sustenance, purification, and most significantly, the presence and empowering of the Holy Spirit.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 30:24, like the surrounding verses detailing the Tabernacle, masterfully employs **Precision** as a primary literary device. The meticulous specification of "five hundred shekels" and "an hin," alongside the explicit standard "after the shekel of the sanctuary," highlights God's demand for absolute exactness, order, and integrity in all matters of worship. This precision is not merely practical but carries deep **Symbolism**, signifying the sacredness, purity, and set-apart nature of the anointing oil. The very act of measuring and compounding according to divine command symbolizes the holiness required to approach God. Furthermore, the ingredients themselves, particularly cassia and pure olive oil, evoke rich **Sensory Imagery** (smell and texture), contributing to the oil's symbolic richness as a "holy anointing oil" ([Exodus 30:25](/exodus/30-25 "Exodus 30:25 - Compounding the Holy Anointing Oil")). The overall effect is one of divine authority, the profound sacredness of God's presence, and the absolute necessity of adhering to His detailed commands for creating something uniquely holy and consecrated for His exclusive use.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous instructions for the holy anointing oil, including the specific ingredients and precise measurements in [Exodus 30:24](/exodus/30-24 "Exodus 30:24 - Ingredients for the Holy Anointing Oil"), underscore a profound theological principle: God's demand for holiness and His meticulous attention to detail in all matters of worship and consecration. This oil was not merely a fragrant concoction but a potent symbol of divine setting apart, signifying that which is dedicated exclusively to God's service and imbued with His presence. It speaks to the concept of *kadosh* (holy), emphasizing separation from the common and dedication to the sacred. This principle extends beyond the Tabernacle, teaching that God desires our best, our purest, and our most intentional offerings in worship and service, reflecting His own perfect character and the honor due to His name.

* [Leviticus 8:10-12](/leviticus/8-10-12 "Leviticus 8:10-12 - Consecration of the Tabernacle and Priests")
* [Psalm 133:1-2](/psalm/133-1-2 "Psalm 133:1-2 - The Blessing of Unity")
* [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Anointing of the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today do not prepare the literal holy anointing oil, the principles embedded in God's instructions in [Exodus 30:24](/exodus/30-24 "Exodus 30:24 - Ingredients for the Holy Anointing Oil") remain profoundly relevant for our spiritual lives. The emphasis on divine precision and holiness reminds us that God desires our worship and service to be offered with reverence, intentionality, and a commitment to excellence, not according to human whims or convenience. Just as the oil was set apart for exclusive use, we are called to live lives consecrated to God, separated from the world's defilements and dedicated to His purposes. The "fragrance" of our lives—our character, our actions, our words—should be pleasing to Him, reflecting the beauty of holiness. This passage challenges us to consider the "ingredients" of our spiritual lives: are we offering God our best, our purest, and our most devoted selves, "after the shekel of the sanctuary," or are we giving Him leftovers and approximations? Our spiritual offerings, whether in prayer, service, or daily conduct, should reflect the same meticulous care and intentionality that God demanded for the sacred oil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to greater precision and intentionality in my devotion to God, moving beyond casual or convenient spirituality?**
* **How does the concept of "holiness" as "set apart" apply to my daily choices, relationships, and the way I steward my time and resources?**
* **What "fragrant offerings" (such as acts of worship, service, or a Christ-like character) am I presenting to God, and are they truly "after the shekel of the sanctuary" in their purity and devotion?**

### FAQ
**Why were the measurements so precise, "after the shekel of the sanctuary"?**

Answer: The precise measurements, particularly the phrase "after the shekel of the sanctuary," emphasize God's absolute demand for accuracy, integrity, and purity in all things related to His worship. This standard was a divinely fixed weight, distinct from common commercial weights, ensuring that the sacred oil was prepared exactly as commanded, without deviation or fraud. It underscored the profound holiness of the oil and the seriousness with which God viewed the preparation of items for His Tabernacle, symbolizing that His presence and service require nothing less than perfect obedience and truthfulness from His people. This precision reflected God's own perfect and orderly nature, establishing a divine standard for all sacred matters.

**What was the symbolic significance of cassia and olive oil in the anointing oil?**

Answer: Cassia, an aromatic spice, contributed to the oil's pleasant fragrance, symbolizing the pleasing nature of consecrated things to God and the sweet aroma of a life set apart for His service. It speaks to the beauty and attractiveness of holiness. Olive oil, the essential base of the anointing oil, was a fundamental commodity in the ancient Near East and carried rich symbolism. It represented purity, light, sustenance, healing, and most profoundly, the presence and empowering of the Holy Spirit. Together, these ingredients formed a powerful symbol of divine consecration, purification, and empowerment for sacred service, as seen in the anointing of priests and the Tabernacle in [Exodus 40:9-15](/exodus/40-9-15 "Exodus 40:9-15 - Consecration of the Tabernacle and Priests"). The combination created a unique, holy substance that set apart its recipients for God's exclusive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The holy anointing oil, with its meticulously prescribed ingredients and measurements in [Exodus 30:24](/exodus/30-24 "Exodus 30:24 - Ingredients for the Holy Anointing Oil"), profoundly foreshadows the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ. Just as the oil set apart objects and individuals for sacred service, Jesus was uniquely "anointed" by God for His redemptive mission. He is the true Messiah (from the Hebrew *Mashiach*, meaning "Anointed One"), upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rested without measure, empowering Him for His ministry of preaching good news, healing, and setting captives free (as prophesied in [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Anointing of the Spirit") and affirmed in [Luke 4:18-21](/luke/4-18-21 "Luke 4:18-21 - Jesus' Inaugural Sermon")). The precious and costly ingredients of the oil, like cassia and pure olive oil, symbolize the infinite worth and perfect purity of Christ's sacrifice, which was offered "after the shekel of the sanctuary"—a perfect, unblemished offering meeting God's highest standard of holiness and justice (see [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Furthermore, in Christ, believers receive a spiritual anointing—the indwelling of the Holy Spirit—which sets them apart as God's own, empowering them for service and enabling them to live lives that are a "fragrant offering" to God, pleasing in His sight (as described in [2 Corinthians 1:21-22](/2_corinthians/1-21-22 "2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - God's Anointing and Seal") and [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). The physical oil pointed to the spiritual reality of Christ's unique anointing and the subsequent anointing of His church, making us holy and fit for God's presence and purpose.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.