Exodus 30:31

And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This shall be an holy anointing oil unto me throughout your generations.

And thou shalt speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, This shall be an holy {H6944} anointing {H4888} oil {H8081} unto me throughout your generations {H1755}.

"Tell the people of Isra'el, 'This is to be a holy anointing oil for me through all your generations.

And you are to tell the Israelites, โ€˜This will be My sacred anointing oil for the generations to come.

And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This shall be a holy anointing oil unto me throughout your generations.

Commentary

Exodus 30:31 gives a foundational command regarding the sacred anointing oil, emphasizing its unique status and enduring significance in the worship of ancient Israel.

Context

This verse is part of God's detailed instructions to Moses concerning the construction and consecration of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priesthood. Following the elaborate design for the Tabernacle itself, God provides specific recipes for the holy anointing oil and the sacred incense (Exodus 30:22-38). This particular verse highlights the divine declaration of the oil's holiness and its perpetual use. This oil was not for common purposes but was exclusively used to anoint the Tabernacle, its sacred vessels, and the priests, thereby setting them apart for divine service.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Consecration: The primary theme is the oil's sacred nature. It was to be "holy unto me," meaning set apart exclusively for God's purposes. Its application consecrated objects and individuals, making them fit for divine presence and service.
  • Divine Mandate: God Himself prescribed the specific ingredients and the exact purpose of this oil, underscoring His authority and meticulous care for how He was to be worshipped. This was not a human invention but a divine ordinance.
  • Perpetuity: The phrase "throughout your generations" signifies that this command was not temporary but a perpetual statute for Israel, emphasizing the lasting importance of proper worship and consecration in their covenant relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "holy" is qodesh (ืงึนื“ึถืฉื), which means 'set apart,' 'sacred,' or 'consecrated.' When something is declared qodesh, it is removed from common use and dedicated entirely to God. The act of "anointing" comes from the Hebrew root mashach (ืžึธืฉึทืื—), meaning 'to smear,' 'to rub,' or 'to consecrate by smearing.' This root is the origin of the word mashiach (Messiah), meaning 'anointed one,' highlighting a profound connection between physical anointing and divine appointment.

Practical Application

While the physical anointing oil of the Old Testament was specific to the Levitical priesthood and Tabernacle worship, its spiritual principles resonate deeply with believers today. The concept of being "holy unto the Lord" continues to be central. For Christians, the anointing finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Person of Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, and in the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Just as the oil set apart objects and people for God's service, the Holy Spirit sets apart and empowers believers for God's work. This verse reminds us that our lives, too, are meant to be set apart and consecrated for God's glory, a spiritual dedication made possible by the anointing of the Holy Spirit within us.

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

Cross-References

  • Exodus 37:29

    And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.

  • Leviticus 21:10

    ยถ And [he that is] the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;

  • Leviticus 8:12

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

  • Psalms 89:20

    I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:
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