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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 30:37 delivers a stringent divine mandate concerning the sacred incense, unequivocally declaring that its unique, divinely prescribed composition, prepared for the Tabernacle's Altar of Incense, is exclusively consecrated for the LORD. This command strictly prohibits its replication for any personal or common use, thereby profoundly emphasizing its set-apart status and God's absolute sovereignty over every aspect of His worship, reinforcing the foundational principles of holiness and separation inherent in Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the climactic and concluding instruction regarding the holy incense, immediately following God's meticulous specifications for its ingredients and preparation in Exodus 30:34-36. The broader literary framework is the detailed divine blueprint for the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle, particularly the instructions concerning the Altar of Incense itself, which is introduced at the beginning of Exodus 30. The emphatic prohibition in verse 37, further underscored by the severe warning in Exodus 30:38, highlights the absolute holiness and exclusivity of this sacred perfume, setting it apart from all common application and reinforcing the sanctity of Tabernacle worship as a whole.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, incense was a ubiquitous element, used extensively in both pagan religious rituals and daily life for various purposes, including luxury, purification, masking odors, and as offerings to deities. However, the divine command in Exodus 30:37 radically distinguishes the Israelite holy incense from all other forms. Unlike the common use of aromatic spices prevalent in Egypt or Canaan, this specific blend was to be uniquely consecrated to Yahweh. This distinction underscored God's distinctness, His absolute sovereignty, and the purity required in His worship. The prohibition served as a vital safeguard against syncretism, preventing the Israelites from blending their worship of the one true God with the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations or from reducing the sacred to the mundane, thereby reinforcing the exclusive nature of their covenantal relationship with the LORD.
Key Themes
Exodus 30:37 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Holiness, emphasizing God's intrinsic nature as utterly set apart and the corresponding requirement for holiness in all that pertains to Him, particularly worship. The verse also highlights Divine Ownership and Sovereignty, asserting that God alone dictates the terms and elements of His worship, reserving certain things exclusively for Himself. This leads to the theme of Separation and Consecration, where objects, places, and even people are to be set apart from common use for sacred purposes. The strict prohibition reinforces the idea of Proper Worship, demonstrating that worship must be conducted according to God's precise instructions, not human innovation or convenience, a theme tragically illustrated later in the narrative with Nadab and Abihu's unauthorized fire.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H7004) refers specifically to a "fumigation" or "sweet incense," denoting the fragrant smoke produced by burning aromatic spices. In this context, it is distinct from general perfumes or oils used for anointing or personal adornment. Here, it denotes the sacred incense, whose burning on the altar symbolized the prayers of God's people ascending to Him (Psalm 141:2).
This word (H4971) signifies "proportion," "measure," or "state," and in this context, "composition." It emphasizes the precise, divinely ordained blend of ingredients (storax, onycha, galbanum, frankincense) mentioned in Exodus 30:34. It highlights that not only the purpose but also the exact formula of the incense was sacred and not to be replicated or altered by human initiative.
This fundamental theological term (H6944) signifies separation, sacredness, and dedication exclusively to God. When something is declared "holy for the LORD," it means it is set apart from common use and consecrated solely for divine purposes. This concept permeates the Tabernacle instructions, emphasizing God's transcendence and the reverence due to Him.
This is the covenantal name of God (H3068), "the self-Existent or Eternal," often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." Its inclusion here underscores that the holiness and exclusivity of the incense are tied directly to the unique, personal, and sovereign God of Israel, Yahweh, to whom alone worship is due.
Verse Breakdown
"And [as for] the perfume which thou shalt make"
This opening phrase directs attention to the specific, divinely prescribed incense, whose ingredients and preparation method were meticulously detailed in the preceding verses (Exodus 30:34-36). It establishes that the subject is not merely any fragrance, but a unique, sacred compound.
"ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof"
This clause delivers a direct and absolute prohibition. The Israelites were unequivocally forbidden from replicating this specific formula for any personal use, whether for pleasure, common rituals, or any purpose outside of its consecrated use in the Tabernacle. It powerfully underscores the exclusivity of divine ownership and the sacrilege of profaning what God has set apart.
"it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD"
This concluding clause provides the explicit and foundational reason for the prohibition. The incense's sacredness derives directly from its dedication to Yahweh. It is "holy for the LORD," meaning it is set apart for His exclusive use and honor, not merely as a holy object in itself. This emphasizes God's unique claim, His absolute sovereignty, and the profound reverence required in approaching Him.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 30:37 is Prohibition, clearly articulated through the negative command "ye shall not make." This direct injunction serves to establish rigid boundaries and reinforce the concept of Holiness as a defining characteristic of God's presence and the nature of acceptable worship. The verse also employs Emphasis through the explicit declaration "it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD," ensuring that the divine rationale for the prohibition is unequivocally understood and deeply impressed upon the audience. Furthermore, the specific nature of the command, focusing on a unique "composition" that cannot be replicated, highlights Exclusivity, demonstrating that God's worship demands unique and set-apart elements, not merely repurposed common items, thereby safeguarding against syncretism and trivialization.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 30:37 powerfully articulates the theological principle of divine ownership and the absolute necessity of holiness in worship. God's command that the sacred incense be exclusively "holy for the LORD" underscores that true worship is not merely an act but an offering of what is consecrated and set apart, distinct from common life. This principle extends beyond ceremonial objects to the very heart of the worshiper, demanding a life of separation unto God. It teaches that God defines the terms of His worship, and human attempts to replicate or appropriate divine prerogatives for personal gain or common use are strictly forbidden, as they profane the sacred. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God's holiness demands a reverent and obedient approach, where His commands are honored above human desires or convenience.
Reflection and Application
While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ and are not directly binding on New Covenant believers in their literal form, the underlying principles of holiness, reverence, and dedication to God remain profoundly relevant and eternally true. Exodus 30:37 challenges us to consider what aspects of our lives, gifts, talents, and resources we might be treating as common when they ought to be consecrated to the LORD. Are we tempted to "replicate" God's unique work or blessings for our own glory or personal gain, rather than acknowledging their divine origin and purpose and dedicating them back to Him? This verse calls us to a deeper understanding of worship as a sacred act, requiring purity of motive and a recognition that God alone is worthy of our exclusive devotion. It reminds us that our spiritual "fragrance" – our prayers, our praise, our service, our very lives – should ascend to God as something set apart, unmixed with worldly ambition, selfish desires, or personal aggrandizement. Our call is to live a life of consecrated holiness, reflecting the God we worship.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was it so important that this specific perfume not be replicated for personal use?
The prohibition in Exodus 30:37 was of paramount importance because the perfume was explicitly designated as "holy for the LORD." This meant it was exclusively set apart for divine worship in the Tabernacle, symbolizing the prayers of the saints ascending to God. Replicating it for personal use would have profoundly profaned its sacred status, blurring the distinct lines between the holy and the common, and diminishing the unique reverence due to God. Such an act would have constituted a direct violation of God's command and potentially led to syncretism or the trivialization of divine ordinances, as tragically illustrated by the severe consequences for Nadab and Abihu's "strange fire" in Leviticus 10:1-2. God demands that His worship be distinct, pure, and conducted strictly on His terms alone, reflecting His absolute holiness and sovereignty.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 30:37, with its emphasis on a unique, holy perfume set apart exclusively for the LORD, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the incense was a fragrant offering ascending to God, Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection constitute the singular, perfect, and once-for-all offering, a "fragrant aroma and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2). He is the quintessential "holy" one, perfectly set apart for God's redemptive purposes, utterly without sin, and consecrated forever as our High Priest (Hebrews 7:26). Furthermore, through Christ's sanctifying work, believers are now spiritually transformed into a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), empowered to offer "spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5). The exclusivity of the Old Testament incense, reserved solely for God, powerfully foreshadows the exclusivity of salvation found only in Christ, for "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Our lives, consecrated by His precious blood, are now to be a "living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" (Romans 12:1), a spiritual fragrance uniquely dedicated to Him, not for our own glory but for His eternal praise.