Exodus 30:26

And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony,

And thou shalt anoint {H4886} the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150} therewith, and the ark {H727} of the testimony {H5715},

Use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark for the testimony,

Use this oil to anoint the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony,

And thou shalt anoint therewith the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony,

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 30:26 (KJV)

Exodus 30:26 details a crucial step in the consecration of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, specifically commanding the anointing of the Tabernacle itself and the Ark of the Testimony with the specially prepared holy anointing oil.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Exodus 30:22-33) that outlines the divine instructions for preparing the holy anointing oil. This sacred oil, made from specific spices and olive oil, was not for common use but was exclusively designated for sanctifying the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests who would minister within it. The act of anointing was central to setting apart these objects and individuals for sacred service, marking them as holy to the Lord. This process ensured that everything associated with Israel's worship was dedicated and pure, suitable for God's presence among His people.

Key Themes

  • Consecration and Holiness: The primary purpose of anointing was to consecrate, or set apart, objects for holy use. By anointing the Tabernacle and the Ark, they were declared sacred and distinct from common things, dedicated solely to the worship and service of God. This act underscores the absolute holiness required in God's presence.
  • Divine Presence: The Tabernacle, often referred to as the "dwelling place" for God among His people, and the Ark of the Testimony, representing God's throne and covenant presence, were the focal points of Israelite worship. Anointing them signified that they were sanctified vessels for God's manifest presence.
  • Divine Authority and Appointment: The command to anoint came directly from God to Moses, indicating that this act was not a human invention but a divinely ordained ritual. It established the Tabernacle and its contents as legitimate and authorized for their sacred function.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "anoint" is mashach (ΧžΦΈΧ©Φ·ΧΧ—), which means to smear, rub, or spread a liquid. In a religious context, it specifically refers to the act of consecrating or setting apart for sacred service. From this root word, we get "Messiah" (Hebrew: Mashiach), meaning "Anointed One," highlighting the deep significance of anointing for those chosen by God for a special purpose.

Significance and Application

The anointing of the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Testimony serves as a powerful symbol of dedication and holiness. In the Old Covenant, physical objects were consecrated to facilitate God's presence. In the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from physical structures to spiritual realities. Believers are now considered the temple of the Holy Spirit, consecrated and set apart by God Himself. This means that just as the Tabernacle was made holy for God's dwelling, Christians are called to live holy lives, dedicated to God's purposes. The act of anointing points forward to the spiritual anointing of the Holy Spirit, which empowers and sets apart believers for service to God.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 7:1 (6 votes)

    ΒΆ And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;

  • Acts 10:38 (2 votes)

    How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

  • 1 John 2:27 (2 votes)

    But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

  • Leviticus 8:10 (2 votes)

    And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that [was] therein, and sanctified them.

  • Leviticus 8:12 (2 votes)

    And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.

  • Exodus 40:9 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Exodus 40:15 (2 votes)

    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.