Exodus 30:25

And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.

And thou shalt make {H6213} it an oil {H8081} of holy {H6944} ointment {H4888}, an ointment {H7545} compound {H4842} after the art {H4639} of the apothecary {H7543}: it shall be an holy {H6944} anointing {H4888} oil {H8081}.

and make them into a holy anointing oil; blend it and perfume it as would an expert perfume-maker; it will be a holy anointing oil.

Prepare from these a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil.

and thou shalt make it a holy anointing oil, a perfume compounded after the art of the perfumer: it shall be a holy anointing oil.

Commentary

Exodus 30:25 details the precise divine instruction for preparing the sacred anointing oil, a crucial element in the consecration of the Tabernacle and its priesthood. This verse emphasizes the unique, holy nature of this compound, setting it apart for God's exclusive purposes in the wilderness sanctuary.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Exodus (chapters 25-31) where God gives Moses detailed blueprints and instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the garments for the priests. The holy anointing oil, along with the sacred incense, was essential for sanctifying these elements. Its purpose was to set apart objects and individuals for sacred service, indicating their separation from common use and dedication to the Lord. The preceding verses (Exodus 30:22-24) specify the exact ingredients and quantities for this special oil, highlighting its divine origin and unique composition.

Key Themes

  • Consecration and Holiness: The primary purpose of the oil was to make holy or consecrate. Anything or anyone anointed with it was declared sacred, set apart for God. This theme underscores God's demand for purity and distinction in worship and service.
  • Divine Prescription: The detailed recipe and command to create this oil highlight that true worship and service must be according to God's specific instructions, not human invention. It emphasizes obedience to divine commands.
  • Symbol of Divine Presence and Empowerment: In the Old Testament, anointing often symbolized God's presence, blessing, and empowerment for a specific task or office. While not explicitly stated here, this oil's use on the Tabernacle and priests foreshadows a deeper spiritual truth.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "holy ointment" translates from the Hebrew shemen mishchat qodesh (ืฉึถืืžึถืŸ ืžึดืฉึฐืื—ึทืช ืงึนื“ึถืฉื), literally "oil of holy anointing." The word qodesh (ืงึนื“ึถืฉื), meaning "holiness" or "sacredness," underscores its unique, set-apart status. The term "apothecary" (ืžึดืจึฐืงึทื—ึทืช - mirqachat) refers to a skilled perfumer or compounder of spices, emphasizing that this was no ordinary oil but a precisely formulated, expertly blended compound. This precision indicates the importance and sacredness of its composition, making it distinct from any other oil.

Related Scriptures

  • The specific ingredients for this oil are listed just before this verse: Exodus 30:23-24.
  • Its use in anointing the Tabernacle and its furnishings is commanded in Exodus 30:26-28.
  • The anointing of Aaron and his sons for priestly service is detailed in Exodus 29:7 and later fulfilled in Leviticus 8:12.
  • The severe prohibition against using this oil for common purposes or imitating its composition is found in Exodus 30:32-33.
  • In the New Testament, the concept of anointing finds its ultimate fulfillment in the anointing of believers with the Holy Spirit, setting them apart for God's purposes.

Practical Application

While we no longer use physical anointing oil in the same ritualistic way, the principles behind Exodus 30:25 remain profoundly relevant. Believers today are called to a life of consecration, set apart for God's purposes, not by a physical oil but by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Our lives, talents, and resources should be "anointed" โ€“ dedicated and made holy โ€“ for God's service. This verse reminds us that true holiness involves both a divine command and a precise, intentional separation from the common, reflecting God's desire for a pure and dedicated relationship with His people.

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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 37:29 (9 votes)

    And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.

  • Exodus 40:9 (6 votes)

    And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that [is] therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.

  • 1 Chronicles 9:30 (6 votes)

    And [some] of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices.

  • Psalms 89:20 (5 votes)

    I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:

  • Psalms 133:2 (5 votes)

    [It is] like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, [even] Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

  • Hebrews 1:9 (4 votes)

    Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, [even] thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

  • Numbers 35:25 (4 votes)

    And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.