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 meticulously lists several essential and highly sacred materials contributed by the Israelites for the Tabernacle's construction and ongoing operation: spices, oil specifically for the menorah's light, the holy anointing oil, and the sweet incense. These items, offered as part of the community's freewill contributions, were not merely provisions but indispensable components for the divinely prescribed rituals and consecration processes, underscoring the profound holiness, precise detail, and willing participation required for wilderness worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Tabernacle Contributions"), which details the Israelites' enthusiastic response to God's command to construct the Tabernacle. Following Moses' reiteration of the divine instructions (Exodus 35:1-19), the narrative 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 fine fabrics to skilled craftsmanship. [Exodus 35:28](/exodus/35-28 "Exodus 35:28 - Sacred Materials for the Tabernacle") specifically lists the highly specialized and sacred ingredients—spices, oils, and incense—distinguishing them from the more common building materials. This careful enumeration sets the stage for the detailed construction accounts that follow in [Exodus 36-39](/exodus/36 "Exodus 36-39 - Construction of the Tabernacle"), emphasizing that even the most minute and ritually significant elements were provided by the community's willing hearts and hands, reflecting their deep commitment to God's dwelling among them.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the wilderness, shortly after the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, where God had commanded Israel to construct a portable sanctuary, the Tabernacle, as a dwelling place for His presence among them (cf. [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among Israel")). 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 Provisions")—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, a stark contrast to their recent idolatry with the golden calf.

* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 35:28](/exodus/35-28 "Exodus 35:28 - Sacred Offerings") contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Specification and Holiness**, demonstrating God's meticulous instructions for His worship and the absolute purity required for His dwelling place. The precise nature of these materials highlights that worship is not arbitrary but must conform to God's revealed will. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Willing and Generous Contribution**, as these valuable items were brought as freewill offerings, showcasing the community's obedience and devotion following the covenant renewal. This generosity is a key aspect of the people's renewed relationship with God after the golden calf incident (cf. [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf")). Finally, it points to the theme of **Consecration and Atonement**, as these materials were integral to the anointing oil and incense, which were used to set apart objects and persons for sacred service and to symbolize prayers ascending to God, ultimately pointing towards the means by which a holy God could dwell among an unholy people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spice (Hebrew, _besem'_ H1314):** This word refers to fragrance or spicery, often associated with the balsam plant. In the context of the Tabernacle, this "spice" was a precious aromatic substance, integral to the divinely prescribed holy anointing oil and the sacred sweet incense. Its inclusion underscores the value and sanctity of the materials dedicated to God's service, contributing to a "sweet odour" or pleasing aroma in worship.
* **Light (Hebrew, _mâʼôwr'_ H3974):** Properly, this term denotes a luminous body or luminary, abstractly referring to light itself. In this verse, it specifically refers to the light of the menorah, which was to burn perpetually in the Holy Place. The oil provided for this "light" symbolized God's enduring presence and the illumination of His truth within the sanctuary, serving as a constant source of brightness.
* **Anointing (Hebrew, _mishchâh'_ H4888):** This word signifies the act of unction or anointing, and by implication, a consecratory gift. The "anointing oil" was a sacred compound used to set apart the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests for holy service. Its application signified dedication and sanctification, marking persons and objects as specially chosen and empowered by God.

#### 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/30-23-25 "Exodus 30:23-25 - Recipe for the Holy Anointing Oil") for oil, and [Exodus 30:34-35](/exodus/30-34-35 "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, underscoring the sacred aroma intended for God's presence.
* **"and oil for the light,"**: This refers to the pure, beaten 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/27-20-21 "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, ensuring constant illumination.
* **"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/30-23-25 "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, making them holy to the Lord.
* **"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/30-34-38 "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 and its role in mediating communion with God.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 35:28 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Enumeration** is prominent, as the verse precisely 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, highlighting the divine order in worship. Each item also carries rich **Symbolism**: the oil for light represents divine presence and truth, illuminating the path; the anointing oil signifies consecration, setting apart, and the Spirit's empowerment for sacred service; and the sweet incense symbolizes prayer and worship ascending to God as a pleasing aroma. The collective mention of these highly specialized materials also functions as a form of **Merism**, where specific, ritually essential parts are named to represent the broader category of all sacred, consecrated elements for the Tabernacle, distinct from the general building materials. This emphasizes 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 and highlighting the community's vital role in establishing God's dwelling place.

* [Exodus 30:22-38](/exodus/30-22-38 "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, underscoring God's precise demands for worship.
* [Leviticus 8:10-12](/leviticus/8-10-12 "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's exclusive service.
* [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 as a pleasing aroma ascending to God 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" and "holy priesthood" (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Spiritual House and Holy Priesthood")) 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 diligently seeking God's truth to light our path, allowing His Word to guide our decisions and actions? Are our prayers and acts of worship a pleasing aroma to Him, offered sincerely and consistently? 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, reflecting His holiness in our daily lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "costly" or "specialized" resources (time, talent, treasure) am I being called to offer for God's work today with a willing heart?**
* **How does the emphasis on "oil for the light" encourage me to seek God's truth and spiritual illumination in my daily life, ensuring my path is guided by His Word?**
* **In what ways can my prayers and worship become a "sweet incense," a more pleasing aroma to God, characterized by sincerity, faith, and consistency?**
* **How does the divine specificity of these materials inform my understanding of intentionality, reverence, and the pursuit of holiness in my own worship and service?**

### 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, as divinely commanded. 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 and signifying their holiness (cf. [Exodus 30:22-30](/exodus/30-22-30 "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/30-34-38 "Exodus 30:34-38 - The Sacred Incense")). Each item was divinely specified, underscoring the holiness, precision, and spiritual significance required in approaching a holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The materials listed in [Exodus 35:28](/exodus/35-28 "Exodus 35:28 - Sacred Provisions") find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies and transcends all these Old Testament types and shadows. 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, illuminating the path to God. The "anointing oil," which consecrated priests and sacred objects, points profoundly to Jesus, the "Anointed One" (Christos), who was uniquely set apart by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit without measure (cf. [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed by God")). He is our great High Priest, consecrated not by earthly oil but by His own perfect, eternal sacrifice, interceding for us forever (cf. [Hebrews 7:26-27](/hebrews/7-26-27 "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, rising before His throne (cf. [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3-4 "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, making true communion possible.

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.

Cross-References

Exodus 30:23

Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred [shekels], and of sweet cinnamon half so much, [even] two hundred and fifty [shekels], and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty [shekels],

Exodus 30:38

Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.

Exodus 35:8

And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,