Exodus 30:16-26

16 Collect this money from the people of Israel and spend it for the upkeep of the Tent of my presence. This tax will be the payment for their lives, and I will remember to protect them."

17 The Lord said to Moses,

18 "Make a bronze basin with a bronze base. Place it between the Tent and the altar, and put water in it. ¹

19 Aaron and his sons are to use the water to wash their hands and feet

20 before they go into the Tent or approach the altar to offer the food offering. Then they will not be killed.

21 They must wash their hands and feet, so that they will not die. This is a rule which they and their descendants are to observe forever."

22 The Lord said to Moses, ²

23 "Take the finest spices - 12 pounds of liquid myrrh, 6 pounds of sweet-smelling cinnamon, 6 pounds of sweet-smelling cane,

24 and 12 pounds of cassia (all weighed according to the official standard). Add one gallon of olive oil,

25 and make a sacred anointing oil, mixed like perfume.

26 Use it to anoint the Tent of my presence, the Covenant Box,

Exodus 30:16-26 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

• 1. 30.18Exodus 38.8.
• 2. 30.22-38Exodus 37.29.