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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 30:22–38.
Directions are here given for the composition of the holy anointing oil and the incense that were to be used in the service of the tabernacle; with these God was to be honoured, and therefore he would appoint the making of them; for nothing comes to God but what comes from him. 1. The holy anointing oil is here ordered to be made up the ingredients, and their quantities, are prescribed, Exo 30:23-25. Interpreters are not agreed concerning them; we are sure, in general, they were the best and fittest for the purpose; they must needs be so when the divine wisdom appointed them for the divine honour. It was to be compounded secundum artem - after the art of the apothecary (Exo 30:25); the spices, which were in all nearly half a hundred weight, were to be infused in the oil, which was to be about five or six quarts, and then strained out, leaving an admirable sweet smell in the oil. With this oil God's tent and all the furniture of it were to be anointed; it was to be used also in the consecration of the priests, Exo 30:26-30. It was to be continued throughout their generations, Exo 30:31. The tradition of the Jews is that this very oil which was prepared by Moses himself lasted till near the captivity. But bishop Patrick shows the great improbability of the tradition, and supposes that it was repeated according to the prescription here, for Solomon was anointed with it (Kg1 1:39), and some other of the kings; and all the high priests with such a quantity of it that it ran down to the skirts of the garments; and we read of the making up of this ointment (Ch1 9:30): yet all agree that in the second temple there was none of this holy oil, which he supposes was owing to a notion they had that it was not lawful to make it up, Providence overruling that want as a presage of the better unction of the Holy Ghost in gospel times, the variety of whose gifts was typified by these several sweet ingredients. To show the excellency of holiness, there was that in the tabernacle which was in the highest degree grateful both to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is said to be as ointment poured forth (Sol 1:3), and the good name of Christians better than precious ointment, Ecc 7:1. 2. The incense which was burned upon the golden altar was prepared of sweet spices likewise, though not so rare and rich as those of which the anointing oil was compounded, Exo 30:34, Exo 30:35. This was prepared once a year (the Jews say), a pound for each day of the year, and three pounds over for the day of atonement. When it was used, it was to be beaten very small: thus it pleased the Lord to bruise the Redeemer when he offered himself for a sacrifice of a sweet-smelling savour. 3. Concerning both these preparations the same law is here given (Exo 30:32, Exo 30:33, Exo 30:37, Exo 30:38), that the like should not be made for any common use. Thus God would preserve in the people's minds a reverence for his own institutions, and teach us not to profane nor abuse any thing whereby God makes himself known, as those did who invented to themselves (for their common entertainments) instruments of music like David, Amo 6:5. It is a great affront to God to jest with sacred things, particularly to make sport with the word and ordinances of God, or to treat them with lightness, Mat 22:5. That which is God's peculiar must not be used as a common thing.
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Summary
Exodus 30:35 provides the concluding divine instruction for the preparation of the sacred incense, detailing its precise composition and emphasizing its consecrated nature. This verse underscores that the holy incense, designed for daily burning on the Altar of Incense within the Tabernacle, was not merely a pleasant aroma but a meticulously crafted, divinely ordained substance, set apart for the exclusive worship of God, signifying His absolute holiness and the purity required in approaching His presence.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 30:35 is situated within a larger block of text (Exodus 25-31) where God meticulously reveals to Moses the blueprints for the Tabernacle, its sacred furnishings, and the vestments for the Aaronic priesthood. Specifically, this verse concludes the detailed instructions concerning the holy incense, which begin in Exodus 30:34. Prior to this, God has given commands for the construction of the Altar of Incense (Exodus 30:1-10), the bronze laver (Exodus 30:17-21), and the holy anointing oil (Exodus 30:22-33). The placement of this command highlights the centrality of the Altar of Incense and its accompanying aroma in the daily worship liturgy, serving as a constant reminder of God's presence and the need for reverent, prescribed worship. The subsequent verses (Exodus 30:36-38) further emphasize the exclusivity and sacredness of this incense, prohibiting its replication for common use, thereby reinforcing its unique, consecrated status.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, incense was widely used in both religious rituals and daily life. It served various purposes, including masking unpleasant odors, as a sign of respect or honor, and in cultic practices to create a sacred atmosphere or as an offering to deities. However, the incense described in Exodus 30 was unique. Unlike common perfumes or offerings to pagan gods, this incense was divinely prescribed, with specific ingredients and preparation methods. The "art of the apothecary" (or perfumer) was a highly skilled profession in ancient societies, involving precise knowledge of herbs, resins, and oils to create stable and fragrant compounds. God's command to prepare the incense "after the art of the apothecary" signifies that this was not a casual mixture but a highly specialized, precise formulation, demanding expert craftsmanship and strict adherence to the divine recipe. This precision underscored the absolute holiness of God and the meticulousness required in all aspects of worship directed toward Him, setting Israel's worship apart from the surrounding nations.
Key Themes
This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Prescription and Holiness, emphasizing that God dictates the terms of worship, leaving no room for human innovation or approximation. The meticulous details for the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly rituals all reinforce God's transcendent holiness and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms. The concept of Separation and Consecration is also paramount; the incense, like the Tabernacle itself and the priesthood, is "pure and holy," set apart from common use for exclusive divine service. This reflects God's call for His people, Israel, to be a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures, as articulated in Exodus 19:6. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of Acceptable Worship, demonstrating that only offerings prepared according to God's specific instructions are pleasing to Him. This foreshadows the New Testament understanding that true worship must be "in spirit and truth," as Jesus teaches in John 4:24.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word (H7004) refers to a "fumigation" or "sweet incense," emphasizing a substance designed to be burned to produce a fragrant smoke. In the context of the Tabernacle, it signifies a specific, divinely ordained aroma intended to ascend before God, distinct from common perfumes. Its preparation as a "confection" (H7545, rôqach') further highlights it as a carefully compounded, specialized mixture.
The KJV translates H4414 as "tempered together," but its primary meaning is "to salt" or "to season with salt." This term carries profound symbolic weight. Salt in ancient Israel symbolized purity, incorruptibility, and the enduring nature of covenants (e.g., "a covenant of salt" in Numbers 18:19). Thus, "tempered together" suggests that the incense was prepared in a way that ensured its purity, prevented corruption, and underscored its perpetual, unchanging sacred purpose in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It implies a process that renders the incense pure and lasting.
This word (H6944) is central to the verse's meaning, signifying something "set apart," "sacred," or "consecrated." The pairing with "pure" (H2889, ṭâhôwr') intensifies the emphasis on its absolute separation from common use and its exclusive dedication to God. It was not merely ritually clean but inherently sacred, reflecting the very nature of the God to whom it was offered. This designation underscored the inviolable sanctity of God's presence and the absolute purity required of anything that served in His worship.
Verse Breakdown
"And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary"
This opening clause is a divine command to Moses, instructing the precise preparation of the incense. The use of "perfume" and "confection" (or "compound") emphasizes the skilled craftsmanship involved. "After the art of the apothecary" highlights that this was not an arbitrary mix but a precise, expert formulation, requiring a specific, professional level of skill (H4639, maʻăseh', "art" or "work" and H7543, râqach', "apothecary" or "perfumer"). This detail underscores God's demand for excellence and meticulous adherence to His instructions in all matters pertaining to His worship.
"tempered together"
This crucial phrase describes a specific characteristic or process in the incense's preparation. As discussed in the key word analysis, "tempered together" (Hebrew mâlach', "salted") signifies its purity, incorruptibility, and enduring nature, reflecting the covenant faithfulness of God. It implies a process that ensures the incense would remain pure and effective for its sacred purpose, untainted by decay or common use, thus symbolizing the lasting validity of the offering.
"pure [and] holy"
This final descriptor unequivocally states the consecrated nature of the incense. It was to be absolutely "pure" (H2889, ṭâhôwr'), free from any impurity or defilement, and "holy" (H6944, qôdesh'), meaning set apart exclusively for God's sacred use. This designation served as a constant reminder of God's transcendent holiness and the inherent sanctity of the Tabernacle and all its elements. The incense's purity was a prerequisite for its acceptance before a perfectly holy God, emphasizing that only what is unblemished and consecrated is fit for His presence.
Literary Devices
Exodus 30:35 employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is Divine Mandate, as the verse is a direct command from God to Moses, emphasizing the absolute authority and specificity of divine instruction regarding worship. This underscores that true worship is not invented by humans but revealed by God. There is also strong Symbolism present; the "perfume" itself is a powerful symbol. In later biblical understanding, the ascending smoke of incense became a vivid Symbolism of the prayers of the saints rising to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8). The "pure and holy" nature of the incense thus symbolizes the desire for pure, sincere, and acceptable prayer. Furthermore, the phrase "after the art of the apothecary" highlights Precision and Craftsmanship, emphasizing that God demands not only obedience but also excellence and skill in the execution of His commands, particularly in matters of sacred worship. The repetition of the concept of purity and holiness through "tempered together, pure and holy" also functions as Emphasis, reinforcing the paramount importance of the incense's consecrated nature and its utter distinction from the common.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 30:35 powerfully articulates the theological principles of divine sovereignty, the nature of acceptable worship, and the absolute holiness of God. The meticulous instructions for the incense underscore that worship is not a human invention but a divine revelation, requiring precise adherence to God's standards. The "pure and holy" nature of the incense reflects the character of God Himself, who is utterly set apart from all impurity and sin. This sacred incense, burning continually, symbolized the constant intercession and the ascending prayers of God's people, a sweet aroma acceptable to Him. It also prefigures the need for a perfect mediator and a perfectly pure offering to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, a gap that no humanly crafted substance could truly bridge.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 30:35, though detailing a specific ancient ritual, carries profound implications for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is holy and demands a worship that reflects His character—pure, intentional, and set apart. While we no longer offer physical incense, the principle of offering something "pure and holy" remains. Our prayers, our praise, our acts of service, and indeed our very lives are to be offered to God with sincerity, purity of heart, and according to His revealed will. Just as the incense was exclusively for God's presence, so too are believers called to live consecrated lives, set apart from the world's defilements for God's purposes. This verse challenges us to consider the quality of our spiritual offerings: Are they "tempered together" with integrity and faithfulness, meaning they are preserved from compromise and decay? Are they "pure and holy," reflecting a genuine desire to honor God above all else, free from self-interest or hypocrisy? It calls us to a worship that is not casual or self-serving, but reverent, thoughtful, and deeply committed to glorifying the One who is utterly pure and holy, recognizing that our access to Him is a sacred privilege.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the primary purpose of the holy incense described in Exodus 30:35?
The primary purpose of the holy incense was to be burned daily on the Altar of Incense within the Tabernacle, creating a fragrant smoke that ascended before the Lord. This act served multiple functions: it symbolized the ascending prayers of the people (Psalm 141:2), created a sacred atmosphere, and was a constant reminder of God's presence and the need for a pure and holy approach to Him. It was strictly for sacred use and not to be replicated for common purposes, as stated in Exodus 30:37-38.
Why was it so important for the incense to be "pure and holy"?
The designation "pure and holy" was crucial because the incense was directly associated with the worship of a perfectly holy God. Anything brought into God's presence, especially in the sacred space of the Tabernacle, had to reflect His purity and set-apartness. Its purity ensured its acceptability, and its holiness signified its exclusive dedication to God's service, distinguishing it from common or profane uses. This principle underscores God's demand for reverence and the highest standard of consecration in all matters pertaining to Him, as tragically illustrated by Nadab and Abihu's unauthorized fire in Leviticus 10.
What does "tempered together" mean in the context of the incense?
The phrase "tempered together" (Hebrew: mâlach') literally means "salted" or "seasoned with salt." While it could refer to a technical process in ancient perfumery, its deeper theological meaning is significant. Salt in the Bible often symbolizes purity, preservation, and the enduring nature of covenants (e.g., a "covenant of salt" in Numbers 18:19). Therefore, "tempered together" implies that the incense was prepared to be pure, incorruptible, and perpetually valid for its sacred purpose, symbolizing the enduring and unblemished nature of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It speaks to the integrity and lasting quality required of offerings made to God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 30:35, with its emphasis on a "pure and holy" incense, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulously prepared incense, symbolizing ascending prayers and an acceptable offering, foreshadows Christ, who is Himself the perfect, "pure and holy" offering for humanity's sin. Unlike the temporary and symbolic offerings of the Old Covenant, Jesus offered Himself "without blemish to God" (Hebrews 9:14), a truly pure and holy sacrifice that permanently atones for sin. Furthermore, as our great High Priest, Christ continually intercedes for us before the Father, His prayers being the ultimate "sweet aroma" (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25). We, as believers, are now a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), called to offer "spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5). Our prayers, praise, and lives, made pure and holy through Christ's atoning work, become the true "incense" ascending to God, not by our own merit or meticulous preparation, but by virtue of our union with the perfectly pure and holy Lamb of God, who has made us acceptable in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6).