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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 30:36 concludes the divine instructions for the sacred incense, commanding that a finely ground portion be placed before the Ark of the Covenant within the Tabernacle of the Congregation. This act establishes a divinely appointed location where the Lord promises to commune with Moses, underscoring the profound sanctity of the incense and the meticulous reverence required in approaching God's holy presence.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the culminating instruction for the holy incense, a key component of the Tabernacle rituals. The preceding verses, Exodus 30:34-35, meticulously detail the specific ingredients (storax, onycha, galbanum, frankincense) and the imperative for its pure and holy preparation. Verse 36 then specifies the final, crucial step: grinding the mixture to a fine powder and placing it in the Tabernacle. This instruction is part of a larger, comprehensive block of divine directives concerning the construction, furnishings, and rituals of the Tabernacle, spanning from Exodus 25 through Exodus 31. This extended narrative emphasizes the meticulous care, divine origin, and absolute sanctity of Israel's worship system. The placement "before the testimony" directly links the incense to the covenant relationship established between God and Israel, as the Ark of the Covenant, containing the tablets of the Law, symbolized God's abiding presence and covenant faithfulness.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, incense was a common element in religious practices, often used to honor deities, purify spaces, or create a sacred ambiance. However, the incense prescribed for the Israelite Tabernacle was uniquely distinct in its composition and, crucially, its exclusive use. Unlike common incense, this "holy incense" was strictly forbidden for personal or profane use, a prohibition reinforced by severe consequences for those who dared to misuse sacred items, as seen in the judgment upon Nadab and Abihu for offering "strange fire" in Leviticus 10:1-2. The Tabernacle itself, frequently referred to as the "tent of meeting" (Hebrew: ohel mo'ed), was conceived as God's portable dwelling place among His people, a sacred space where He would condescend to meet with humanity. The phrase "where I will meet with thee" (Hebrew: asher 'iwwa'ed lekha) highlights the Tabernacle's primary function as the divinely appointed locus for divine-human encounter and communication, a concept foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The "testimony" refers specifically to the two tablets of the Law, the 'eduth, which were housed within the Ark of the Covenant, signifying the foundational nature of God's revealed will in their relationship.
Key Themes
Exodus 30:36 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Holiness, emphasizing God's absolute purity and His demand for a corresponding sanctity in all approaches to Him. The "most holy" designation for the incense reflects God's transcendent nature. Secondly, it highlights the theme of Proper Worship and Obedience, demonstrating that worship is not a casual human endeavor but a divinely prescribed act requiring meticulous adherence to God's commands. Every detail, from the ingredients to the grinding and placement, signifies the importance of intentionality and reverence. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of Divine-Human Communion, as God explicitly states, "where I will meet with thee." This reveals God's gracious initiative and desire to dwell among His people and to establish a designated place for intimate encounter and communication, transforming ritual into relationship. This promise of meeting is a recurring motif in the Tabernacle instructions, as seen in Exodus 25:22.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H6944) denotes a sacred place or thing, or abstract sanctity. It implies something utterly set apart, consecrated exclusively for God's use, and distinct from anything common or profane. In the context of "most holy" (qodesh qodeshim), it signifies the highest degree of sanctity, emphasizing that the incense was not merely sacred, but supremely sacred, reflecting the absolute holiness of the God to whom it was offered and the purity required in His presence.
This term (H5715) refers specifically to the two tablets of the Law, inscribed with the Ten Commandments, which were placed inside the Ark of the Covenant. These tablets served as a "witness" or "testimony" to God's covenant with Israel, reminding them of their obligations and God's faithfulness. Placing the incense "before the testimony" therefore meant placing it in the immediate vicinity of God's covenant presence, emphasizing that worship was inextricably linked to obedience to His revealed will.
This primitive root (H3259) means "to fix upon (by agreement or appointment)" or "to meet (at a stated time)." When God says "where I will meet with thee," it signifies a divinely appointed rendezvous, a specific place and time where God has chosen to make His presence known and to communicate His will. This highlights God's initiative in seeking communion with His people and the Tabernacle's role as the designated point of encounter, not a place of random or accidental meeting.
Verse Breakdown
"And thou shalt beat [some] of it very small"
This clause emphasizes the meticulous preparation required for the holy incense. The command to grind it "very small" (Hebrew: daq haddaq) indicates a fine, powdery consistency, symbolizing purity, thoroughness, and the complete dedication of the offering. It suggests that every detail in approaching a holy God matters, and that worship should be intentional and prepared with the utmost care, not hastily or carelessly, reflecting the reverence due to God's presence.
"and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation"
This specifies the precise location for the prepared incense. "Before the testimony" means in front of the Ark of the Covenant, which housed the tablets of the Law and was situated in the Most Holy Place (though the incense altar itself was in the Holy Place, "before" the veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place). The "tabernacle of the congregation" (or "tent of meeting") is the divinely appointed structure where God's presence dwelt among Israel. This precise placement underscores the order, reverence, and divine prescription inherent in Israelite worship, highlighting that access to God's presence is on His terms.
"where I will meet with thee"
This is the ultimate purpose and divine promise associated with the incense and its placement. God Himself declares His intention to meet with Moses (and, by extension, His people through their representative) at this specific, consecrated point. This phrase highlights the Tabernacle's function as a sacred space for divine encounter and communication, where God condescends to commune with humanity, revealing His will and presence, and confirming the Tabernacle as the central locus of His covenant relationship with Israel.
"it shall be unto you most holy"
This final declaration reiterates the supreme sanctity of the incense. The Hebrew qodesh qodeshim (most holy) signifies its absolute consecration and exclusive dedication to God. It reinforces the idea that this substance is set apart from all common use and must be treated with the highest reverence, underscoring the purity and holiness required in all aspects of worship and interaction with the divine. This superlative emphasizes the unparalleled sacredness of the incense, mirroring the unparalleled holiness of God.
Literary Devices
Exodus 30:36 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and underscore the gravity of its instructions. Emphasis is powerfully achieved through the repetition and superlative construction of "most holy" (qodesh qodeshim), which dramatically underscores the extreme sanctity of the incense and, by extension, the divine presence it serves. The precise and detailed instructions for preparation and placement ("beat... very small," "put... before the testimony") function as a form of didactic instruction, guiding the reader not only on the ritual's execution but also on the attitude of meticulous obedience and profound reverence required in approaching God. The phrase "where I will meet with thee" serves as a pivotal divine promise, transforming a mere ritual instruction into a profound assurance of God's initiative and desire for communion with His people. Furthermore, the incense itself functions as symbolism, representing the prayers and worship of God's people ascending to Him, creating a pleasing aroma in His presence. The "testimony" acts as a metonymy, standing for the Ark of the Covenant and the covenant relationship itself, grounding the act of worship in God's revealed law and faithfulness.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 30:36 powerfully conveys the themes of divine holiness, the necessity of proper worship, and God's desire for communion with His people. The extreme sanctity of the incense, designated "most holy," reflects the absolute purity and transcendence of God Himself, demanding a corresponding reverence and meticulous obedience in all approaches to Him. This verse underscores that worship is not a casual affair but a sacred privilege, requiring careful preparation and adherence to divine commands. Moreover, God's promise, "where I will meet with thee," reveals His gracious initiative to dwell among humanity and establish a designated place for encounter, a profound expression of His covenant love and desire for relationship, even amidst His unapproachable holiness.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 30:36, though rooted in ancient Tabernacle rituals, offers enduring principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us of the profound holiness of God and the reverence due to His presence. Just as the incense was prepared with meticulous care and placed in a designated holy space, our worship today should be intentional, pure, and offered with a heart prepared for communion with a holy God. This involves not just outward acts but an inward disposition of humility, sincerity, and obedience. The promise "where I will meet with thee" assures us that God desires to meet with us, not in a physical structure, but through the indwelling Holy Spirit and through Christ. Our lives, offered as a "living sacrifice" in response to God's mercies, as exhorted in Romans 12:1, should be a fragrant offering, reflecting the purity and dedication symbolized by the holy incense. We are called to approach God with awe and reverence, recognizing His majesty while embracing His invitation to intimate fellowship.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the incense so important and designated "most holy"?
The incense was vital because it was divinely commanded as an integral part of the Tabernacle worship, symbolizing the prayers and worship of God's people ascending to Him. Its designation as "most holy" (Hebrew: qodesh qodeshim) underscored its absolute consecration to God alone, setting it apart from all common use. This extreme sanctity reflected God's own perfect holiness and emphasized that anything used in His worship must be pure, unique, and treated with the utmost reverence. It also served as a constant reminder of the purity required to approach a holy God, reinforcing the sacred boundary between the divine and the profane.
What does "before the testimony" mean in this context?
"Before the testimony" refers to the placement of the incense in the Holy Place, specifically in front of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Behind this veil was the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the "testimony"—the two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 25:16). Therefore, placing the incense "before the testimony" meant it was offered in the immediate presence of God's covenant and His revealed word, signifying that worship was intrinsically linked to God's law and His covenant relationship with Israel, and that access to God was mediated through His established commands.
Is this specific incense still used in worship today?
No, the specific holy incense and its ritual use as described in Exodus 30 were part of the Old Covenant Tabernacle and Temple worship. With the coming of Jesus Christ, the elaborate sacrificial system and the physical Tabernacle rituals were fulfilled and superseded. The New Testament teaches that believers now have direct access to God through Jesus, our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). While physical incense may be used symbolically in some Christian traditions, it is not the same divinely prescribed "holy incense" of the Old Testament, nor is it necessary for communion with God. Our prayers and worship, offered in spirit and truth through Christ, are now the "fragrant offering" to God (Ephesians 5:2), and our lives are to be a constant aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-16).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 30:36, with its emphasis on a designated meeting place and the "most holy" nature of the incense, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, where God promised to "meet with thee," was a shadow of the true dwelling place of God, which is Jesus Himself. As John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us," literally "tabernacled" among us, making Him the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. The "most holy" incense, symbolizing acceptable worship and prayer ascending to God, is perfectly embodied in Christ's own life of perfect obedience and His ongoing intercession for us before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). Through His once-for-all sacrifice, Jesus, our High Priest, tore the veil separating humanity from the Most Holy Place (Matthew 27:51), granting us direct access to God's presence, not through a physical ritual but "by the blood of Jesus" (Hebrews 10:19-20). We, as believers, are now called a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5) to offer "spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ," making our very lives and prayers the "fragrant aroma" that pleases Him (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). Thus, Christ is the fulfillment of the meeting place, the perfect offering, and the means by which we, too, become "most holy" in God's sight, set apart for His purposes.