Exodus 30:31

31 And you shall speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'This shall be a holy anointing oil to Me throughout your generations.

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

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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 shall consecrate them, that they may be most holy; whatever touches them must be holy.

30 And you shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister to Me as priests.

31 And you shall speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'This shall be a holy anointing oil to Me throughout your generations.

32 It shall not be poured on man's flesh; nor shall you make any other like it, according to its composition. It is holy, and it shall be holy to you.

33 Whoever compounds any like it, or whoever puts any of it on an outsider, shall be cut off from his people.' "