Exodus 30:32

Upon man's flesh shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make [any other] like it, after the composition of it: it [is] holy, [and] it shall be holy unto you.

Upon man's {H120} flesh {H1320} shall it not be poured {H3251}, neither shall ye make {H6213} any other like it, after the composition {H4971} of it: it is holy {H6944}, and it shall be holy {H6944} unto you.

It is not to be used for anointing a person's body; and you are not to make any like it, with the same composition of ingredients - it is holy, and you are to treat it as holy.

It must not be used to anoint an ordinary man, and you must not make anything like it with the same formula. It is holy, and it must be holy to you.

Upon the flesh of man shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make any like it, according to the composition thereof: it is holy, and it shall be holy unto you.

Commentary

Exodus 30:32 is part of God's specific instructions to Moses regarding the composition and use of the holy anointing oil, a sacred substance central to the Tabernacle worship and the consecration of priests and holy objects.

Context

In Exodus chapter 30, the Lord provides detailed blueprints for the Tabernacle and its associated rituals. Following the instructions for the altar of incense and the laver, God gives the precise formula for the holy anointing oil (verses 22-25) and its purpose: to anoint the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests, thereby setting them apart for sacred service. This verse, 30:32, focuses on the strict regulations concerning the oil's exclusivity and sacredness, emphasizing that it was not for common use.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Consecration: The primary theme is the profound holiness of the oil. It was not merely a fragrant compound but a divine instrument for making things holy and set apart for God's exclusive use. The repeated declaration, "it is holy, and it shall be holy unto you," underscores its unique, consecrated status.
  • Exclusivity and Separation: The prohibition "Upon man's flesh shall it not be poured" means it was forbidden for ordinary use, such as personal perfume or common anointing. It was reserved strictly for the sacred purposes God ordained. Similarly, the command "neither shall ye make [any other] like it, after the composition of it" prevented any unauthorized replication, safeguarding its unique sacred identity. This highlights God's demand for distinction between the sacred and the profane, a recurring theme in the Old Testament (Leviticus 10:10).
  • Divine Authority: The meticulous instructions for the oil's creation and use, coupled with severe warnings against misuse (Exodus 30:33), underscore that this was a divine mandate, not a human invention. God alone dictates what is holy and how it is to be treated.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "holy" used here is qodesh (ืงึนื“ึถืฉื), which fundamentally means "set apart," "separated," or "consecrated." Its repetition in the verse emphasizes the absolute and unwavering sacredness of the anointing oil. It was not to be treated as common because it was specifically designated by God for His purposes, implying a separation from the ordinary and a dedication to divine service.

Practical Application

While the physical anointing oil was specific to the Old Covenant Tabernacle, the principles it embodies remain relevant for believers today:

  • Reverence for God's Commands: This verse reminds us to treat God's instructions and His sacred things with utmost reverence and respect. What God declares holy should be honored as such.
  • Called to Holiness: Just as the oil consecrated items for God, believers are called to be holy and set apart for God's purposes. Our lives are not our own but are dedicated to Him.
  • The Holy Spirit's Anointing: In the New Testament, the "anointing" often refers to the indwelling and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in believers (1 John 2:27; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22). This spiritual anointing is unique, sacred, and empowers believers for service, much like the physical oil consecrated the priests. It is not to be trivialized or misused for common ends.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 30:25 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Leviticus 21:10 (2 votes)

    ยถ And [he that is] the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;

  • Matthew 7:6 (2 votes)

    Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

  • Exodus 30:37 (2 votes)

    And [as for] the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD.

  • Exodus 30:38 (2 votes)

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