Exodus 35:28

KJV

And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.

KJV (with Strong's)

And spice {H1314}, and oil {H8081} for the light {H3974}, and for the anointing {H4888} oil {H8081}, and for the sweet {H5561} incense {H7004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the spices; and the oil for the light, for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense.

Berean Standard Bible

as well as spices and olive oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense.

American Standard Version

and the spice, and the oil; for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:28 specifies several crucial materials contributed by the Israelites for the Tabernacle's construction and operation: spices, oil for the menorah, anointing oil, and sweet incense. These items, offered as part of the freewill contributions, were not merely provisions but essential components for the sacred rituals and consecration processes prescribed by God, highlighting the meticulous detail and profound holiness required for wilderness worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Exodus 35, which meticulously details the Israelites' response to God's command to build the Tabernacle. Following Moses' reiteration of the divine instructions (Exodus 35:1-19), the passage shifts to describe the people's remarkable generosity in bringing their freewill offerings. Verses 20-29 enumerate the diverse materials contributed by men and women, ranging from precious metals and fabrics to skilled craftsmanship. Exodus 35:28 specifically lists the highly specialized and sacred ingredients, distinguishing them from the more common building materials, and setting the stage for the detailed construction accounts that follow in Exodus 36-39. This placement emphasizes that even the most minute and ritually significant elements were provided by the community's willing hearts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the wilderness, shortly after the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. God had commanded Israel to construct a portable sanctuary, the Tabernacle, as a dwelling place for His presence among them (Exodus 25:8). This divine mandate required specific, often costly, materials, many of which would have been acquired during their time in Egypt or through divine provision. The items mentioned in [Exodus 35:28](/exodus/35-28 "Exodus 35:28 - Tabernacle Materials")—spice, oil, and incense—were not common household goods but highly valued commodities in the ancient Near East, often imported and used for perfumes, medicines, and religious rituals. Their inclusion in the Tabernacle offerings underscores the immense value and sacredness placed upon God's dwelling. The emphasis on "freewill offerings" (as seen in [Exodus 35:21](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - Freewill Offerings for the Tabernacle")) highlights the Israelites' willing participation in this monumental project, demonstrating their devotion and obedience to the divine blueprint.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spice (Hebrew, בְּשָׂמִים, _bĕśāmîm'_):** This plural noun refers to aromatic substances, often costly and imported, used for perfumes, incenses, and anointing oils. In the context of the Tabernacle, these "spices" were integral components for the holy anointing oil and the sacred incense, both of which had divinely prescribed recipes and were set apart for exclusive liturgical use. Their precious nature underscored the value and sanctity of the materials dedicated to God's service.
* **Oil for the light (Hebrew, שֶׁמֶן לַמָּאוֹר, _šemen lammāʾôr'_):** This phrase specifically denotes the pure, beaten olive oil required for the perpetual lampstand (menorah) in the Holy Place (cf. [Exodus 27:20](/exodus/27-20 "Exodus 27:20 - Oil for the Lamp")). The purity of the oil was paramount, ensuring a clean and steady flame that symbolized God's enduring presence and the light of His truth within the sanctuary. It was a continuous offering, signifying constant communion and illumination.
* **Sweet incense (Hebrew, קְTֹרֶת סַמִּים, _qĕṭōret sammîm'_):** This refers to the specially compounded aromatic mixture burned daily on the altar of incense (cf. [Exodus 30:34-38](/exodus/30-34 "Exodus 30:34-38 - The Sacred Incense")). The term "sweet" (literally "aromatic") emphasizes its pleasing fragrance, intended as a "sweet aroma to the Lord." Its composition was unique and its use strictly forbidden for common purposes, underscoring its sacredness and symbolic representation of the prayers of God's people ascending to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And spice,"**: This initial phrase introduces the first category of specialized materials. These were not just any spices but specific aromatic compounds designated for the sacred anointing oil and the sweet incense, as detailed in later chapters (e.g., [Exodus 30:23-25](/exodus/30-23 "Exodus 30:23-25 - Recipe for the Holy Anointing Oil") for oil, and [Exodus 30:34-35](/exodus/30-34 "Exodus 30:34-35 - Recipe for the Sacred Incense") for incense). Their inclusion highlights the meticulous nature of God's instructions and the preciousness of the offerings.
* **"and oil for the light,"**: This refers to the pure olive oil necessary to fuel the menorah, the seven-branched lampstand that provided continuous light in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle (cf. [Exodus 27:20-21](/exodus/27-20 "Exodus 27:20-21 - Oil for the Lampstand")). This oil symbolized the divine presence and guidance, illuminating the sacred space and representing the light of God's truth. Its provision was essential for the daily operation of the sanctuary.
* **"and for the anointing oil,"**: This specifies the holy anointing oil, a sacred compound whose precise recipe was given by God to Moses ([Exodus 30:23-25](/exodus/30-23 "Exodus 30:23-25 - The Holy Anointing Oil")). This oil was used to consecrate the Tabernacle and all its furnishings, as well as to ordain Aaron and his sons as priests. Its application set apart persons and objects for sacred service, signifying their dedication and sanctification by God's presence and power.
* **"and for the sweet incense."**: This final item refers to the special blend of aromatic spices burned daily on the altar of incense (cf. [Exodus 30:34-38](/exodus/30-34 "Exodus 30:34-38 - The Sacred Incense")). The burning incense created a fragrant cloud that ascended before the Lord, symbolizing the prayers of the saints rising to God and serving as a pleasing aroma. Like the anointing oil, its composition was divinely specified and its use restricted to sacred purposes, emphasizing its unique holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 35:28 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Enumeration** is prominent, as the verse lists specific, distinct items required for the Tabernacle's sacred rituals. This detailed listing underscores the meticulousness of God's commands and the comprehensive nature of the people's offerings. Each item also carries rich **Symbolism**: the oil for light represents divine presence and truth; the anointing oil signifies consecration, setting apart, and the Spirit's empowerment; and the sweet incense symbolizes prayer and worship ascending to God. The collective mention of these highly specialized materials also functions as a form of **Merism**, where specific parts are named to represent the broader category of all sacred, ritually essential elements for the Tabernacle, distinct from the general building materials. This highlights the unique holiness and divine purpose of these particular contributions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:28, by detailing the provision of sacred oils and incense, underscores the themes of divine specification, holiness, and the people's willing participation in God's redemptive plan. God's precise instructions for these items emphasize that worship is not arbitrary but must conform to His revealed will, reflecting His absolute purity and transcendence. The materials themselves, through their symbolic functions, point to the necessity of divine illumination, consecration, and continuous communion through prayer in approaching a holy God. The Israelites' generous contribution of these valuable and specialized items demonstrates their obedience and devotion, setting a precedent for faithful stewardship in God's service.

* [Exodus 30:22-38](/exodus/30-22 "Exodus 30:22-38 - The Holy Anointing Oil and Incense") – Details the divine recipes for the anointing oil and sweet incense, emphasizing their sacredness and restricted use.
* [Leviticus 8:10-12](/leviticus/8-10 "Leviticus 8:10-12 - Anointing the Tabernacle and Priests") – Describes the practical application of the anointing oil in consecrating the Tabernacle and Aaron, demonstrating its power to set apart for God.
* [Revelation 5:8](/revelation/5-8 "Revelation 5:8 - Incense as Prayers") – Connects the symbolism of incense to the prayers of the saints, showing its enduring theological significance in heavenly worship.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 35:28 serves as a profound reminder that our worship and service to God should be intentional, consecrated, and offered with a willing heart. Just as the Israelites provided specific, costly, and divinely appointed materials for the Tabernacle's sacred functions, so too are we called to offer our unique gifts, resources, and very lives as a "spiritual house" (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Spiritual House")) for God's glory. The emphasis on "oil for the light" and "sweet incense" prompts us to consider the quality of our spiritual illumination and the fragrance of our prayers. Are we allowing God's truth to light our path, and are our prayers and acts of worship a pleasing aroma to Him? This verse challenges us to move beyond mere obligation to a joyful and generous contribution of our best, recognizing that true worship requires both adherence to God's revealed will and a heart fully devoted to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "costly" or "specialized" resources (time, talent, treasure) am I being called to offer for God's work today?**
* **How does the emphasis on "oil for the light" encourage me to seek God's truth and illumination in my daily life?**
* **In what ways can my prayers and worship become a "sweet incense," a more pleasing aroma to God?**
* **How does the divine specificity of these materials inform my understanding of intentionality and reverence in worship?**

### FAQ
**Why were these specific items—spice, oil, and incense—so important for the Tabernacle?**

Answer: These items were not merely utilitarian but profoundly symbolic and ritually essential for the Tabernacle's sacred functions. The "oil for the light" (pure olive oil) fueled the menorah, providing continuous illumination in the Holy Place, symbolizing God's perpetual presence and the light of His truth (cf. [Exodus 27:20](/exodus/27-20 "Exodus 27:20 - Oil for the Lampstand")). The "anointing oil" was a specially compounded, sacred oil used to consecrate the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests, setting them apart exclusively for God's service (cf. [Exodus 30:22-30](/exodus/30-22 "Exodus 30:22-30 - The Holy Anointing Oil")). The "sweet incense" was a unique aromatic blend burned daily on the altar of incense, creating a fragrant cloud that ascended before the Lord, symbolizing the prayers of the saints and a pleasing aroma to God (cf. [Exodus 30:34-38](/exodus/30-34 "Exodus 30:34-38 - The Sacred Incense")). Each item was divinely specified, underscoring the holiness and precision required in approaching God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The materials listed in Exodus 35:28 find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "oil for the light" that illuminated the Tabernacle foreshadows Christ as the true "Light of the World" (cf. [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), who dispels spiritual darkness and guides humanity into truth. The "anointing oil," which consecrated priests and sacred objects, points to Jesus, the "Anointed One" (Christos), who was uniquely set apart by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit (cf. [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed by God")). He is our great High Priest, consecrated not by oil but by His own perfect sacrifice, interceding for us eternally (cf. [Hebrews 7:26-27](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26-27 - Christ Our High Priest")). Finally, the "sweet incense," symbolizing prayers ascending to God, finds its reality in Christ, whose perfect life and atoning death were a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (cf. [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Moreover, through Him, the prayers of believers become a "sweet aroma" acceptable to God (cf. [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Incense and Prayers")). Thus, the physical elements of the Tabernacle point to the spiritual realities embodied in Jesus, who is the ultimate provision, consecration, and access to God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.