Exodus 30:34-38

The Incense

34 The LORD also said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense—in equal measures,

35 and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.

36 Grind some of it into fine powder and place it in front of the Testimony ^[a] in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you.

37 You are never to use this formula to make incense for yourselves; you shall regard it as holy to the LORD.

38 Anyone who makes something like it to enjoy its fragrance shall be cut off from his people.”

Exodus 30:34-38 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.

Footnotes

• [a] The Testimony refers to the stone tablets in the ark of the covenant inscribed with the Ten Commandments.