Exodus 30:5-15

5 Make the poles out of acacia wood, and cover them with gold.

6 Put the altar in front of the canopy which [hangs] over the ark containing the words of my promise. I will meet with you there in front of the throne of mercy that is on the ark.

7 "Aaron must burn sweet-smelling incense on this altar every morning when he takes care of the lamps.

8 Also, when Aaron lights the lamps at dusk, he must burn incense. For generations to come an incense offering must burn constantly in the LORD's presence.

9 "Never burn any unauthorized incense on this altar or any burnt offerings or grain offerings. Never pour a wine offering on it.

10 Once a year Aaron must make peace with the LORD by putting blood on its horns. Once a year--for generations to come--blood from the offering must be placed on the altar to make peace with the LORD. It is most holy to the LORD."

11 Then the LORD said to Moses,

12 "When you take a census of the Israelites, each person must pay the LORD a ransom for his life when he is counted. Then no plague will happen to them when they are counted.

13 As each person is counted, he must give one-fifth of an ounce of silver using the standard weight of the holy place. This one-fifth of an ounce of silver is a contribution to the LORD.

14 Everyone counted who is at least 20 years old must give this contribution to the LORD.

15 The rich must not give more than one-fifth of an ounce of silver, and the poor must not give less. This contribution is given to make peace with the LORD and make your lives acceptable to the LORD.

Exodus 30:5-15 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.