Exodus 30:31

31 And you are to tell the Israelites, ‘This will be My sacred anointing oil for the generations to come.

Exodus 30:31 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 30:31

And thou shall speak unto the children of Israel
When he was come down from the mount, and gave the instructions about the making and using of this oil:

saying, this shall be an holy anointing oil unto me throughout your
generations;
Abarbinel, and other Jewish writers, conclude from hence, that this same oil, which was made by Moses, lasted throughout the generations to the times of Josiah, when it was hid with other things; but this, notion is justly exploded by Aben Ezra; it is not probable, that so small a quantity that was now made, which is supposed by some to be no more than a gallon and a half of wine measure, should suffice so long: it does not seem to be more than what was sufficient for present use; for the anointing of so many persons, and things as were anointed, and much less to be sufficient for the anointing of priests and kings in after times, until that period. This cannot be supposed without a miraculous interposition, to which the Talmudists

---

FOOTNOTES:

F26 fly, and observe, that there were many miracles in this affair; but there is no need to have recourse to them, since, for aught that is said, it might be made again in like manner for sacred uses, which is meant by the phrase "unto me"; though it might not be made for any other use, private or profane.

F26 Massachet Cerithot, fol. 5. 2. & Horayot, fol. 11. 2.

Exodus 30:31 In-Context

29 You are to consecrate them so that they will be most holy. Whatever touches them shall be holy.

30 Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests.

31 And you are to tell the Israelites, ‘This will be My sacred anointing oil for the generations to come.

32 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.

33 Anyone who mixes perfume like it or puts it on an outsider shall be cut off from his people.’”