Exodus 30:23-33

23 “Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels[a] of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels[b] of fragrant calamus,
24 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin[c] of olive oil.
25 Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil.
26 Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law,
27 the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense,
28 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand.
29 You shall consecrate them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy.
30 “Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.
31 Say to the Israelites, ‘This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come.
32 Do not pour it on anyone else’s body and do not make any other oil using the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred.
33 Whoever makes perfume like it and puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from their people.’ ”

Exodus 30:23-33 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 30

This chapter treats of the altar of incense, its form and use, Ex 30:1-10 of the ransom of the Israelites, with the half shekel when numbered, Ex 30:11-16 of the laver for the priests to wash their hands and feet at before service, Ex 30:17-21 of the anointing oil, the ingredients of it, and what was to be done with it, Ex 30:22-33, and of the perfume, the composition and use of it, Ex 30:34-38.

Cross References 17

  • 1. S Genesis 43:11
  • 2. S Genesis 37:25
  • 3. Proverbs 7:17; Song of Songs 4:14
  • 4. Song of Songs 4:14; Isaiah 43:24; Jeremiah 6:20
  • 5. S ver 13
  • 6. Psalms 45:8; Ezekiel 27:19
  • 7. ver 35; Exodus 37:29; 1 Chronicles 9:30
  • 8. S Exodus 29:7; S 1 Samuel 9:16; Exodus 40:9
  • 9. Exodus 40:9; Leviticus 8:10; Numbers 7:1
  • 10. Leviticus 8:10-11
  • 11. Exodus 29:37; Leviticus 6:18,27; Matthew 23:17
  • 12. Exodus 29:7; Lev 8:2,12,30; Leviticus 10:7; Leviticus 16:32; Leviticus 21:10,12; 1 Chronicles 15:12; Psalms 133:2
  • 13. S Exodus 28:41
  • 14. S Exodus 29:7
  • 15. S Exodus 29:42
  • 16. ver 25,37
  • 17. ver 38; S Genesis 17:14

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. That is, about 12 1/2 pounds or about 5.8 kilograms; also in verse 24
  • [b]. That is, about 6 1/4 pounds or about 2.9 kilograms
  • [c]. That is, probably about 1 gallon or about 3.8 liters
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