Exodus 25:6

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

Oil {H8081} for the light {H3974}, spices {H1314} for anointing {H4888} oil {H8081}, and for sweet {H5561} incense {H7004},

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

olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;

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

Commentary

Exodus 25:6 (KJV) is part of God's detailed instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai concerning the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings. This particular verse lists three essential materials required for the holy services within the portable sanctuary: "Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense." These items were not ordinary but were specifically designated for sacred use, highlighting God's meticulous care for worship.

Context

This verse appears immediately after God's command for the Israelites to bring freewill offerings for the Tabernacle's construction. The materials listed in Exodus 25:3-7, including gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, and various dyes, were all to be contributed by the people. Verse 6 focuses on specific consumable elements crucial for the ongoing rituals and operations within the Tabernacle, emphasizing the necessity of these provisions for maintaining the divine presence and proper worship. The ultimate purpose was for God to dwell among His people.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Consecration: The ingredients specified were not for common use but were set apart for sacred purposes. This underscores the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him.
  • Divine Provision and Detail: God provides precise instructions for every aspect of the Tabernacle, down to the very ingredients for the oil and incense. This demonstrates His meticulous care for worship and His desire for things to be done according to His will.
  • Symbolism of Worship:
    • Oil for the Light: This was pure olive oil, specifically for the Menorah (lampstand) in the Holy Place. The light symbolized God's presence, guidance, and truth, illuminating the way for His people. It foreshadows Christ as the Light of the World.
    • Spices for Anointing Oil: These were for the holy anointing oil, used to consecrate priests and sanctify the Tabernacle and its furnishings. It symbolized setting apart for sacred service, divine empowerment, and the Holy Spirit's presence, as seen in the anointing of Jesus by the Spirit.
    • Spices for Sweet Incense: This was a specific blend of fragrant spices for the sweet incense burned on the Altar of Incense. Its ascending smoke symbolized the prayers of God's people rising to Him, as depicted in Revelation 8:3-4.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used here emphasize the specific and sacred nature of these items:

  • "Oil for the light" is shemen lamma'or (ืฉืžืŸ ืœืžืื•ืจ), specifically referring to pure olive oil for illumination.
  • "Anointing oil" is shemen hamishchah (ืฉืžืŸ ื”ืžืฉื—ื”), denoting a uniquely compounded and holy oil used for consecration.
  • "Sweet incense" is qetoret hassammim (ืงื˜ืจืช ื”ืกืžื™ื), highlighting a particular blend of fragrant spices for the sacred incense.

These terms underscore that these were not generic commodities but divinely specified elements essential for Israel's worship and the maintenance of the Tabernacle's sanctity.

Practical Application

Exodus 25:6 reminds us that our worship and service to God should be intentional, prepared, and offered with reverence. Just as God specified the details for the Tabernacle, He desires our best in devotion. The symbolism of light, anointing, and incense points us to Christ, who is our ultimate light, the Anointed One, and through whom our prayers ascend to God. This verse encourages us to consider the quality and purpose of what we offer to God, ensuring it is set apart for His glory.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 27:20 (6 votes)

    ยถ And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.

  • Exodus 40:24 (2 votes)

    And he put the candlestick in the tent of the congregation, over against the table, on the side of the tabernacle southward.

  • Exodus 40:25 (2 votes)

    And he lighted the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Exodus 30:23 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Exodus 25:37 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.