Exodus 30:34-38

The Sacred Incense

34 The Lord said to Moses: "Take fragrant spices: stacte, onycha, and galbanum; the spices and pure frankincense are to be in equal measures.

35 Prepare expertly blended incense from these; it is to be seasoned with salt, pure and holy.

36 Grind some of it into a fine powder and put some in front of the testimony in the tent of meeting, where I will meet with you. It must be especially holy to you.

37 As for the incense you are making, you must not make [any] for yourselves using its formula. It is to be regarded by you as sacred to the Lord.

38 Anyone who makes something like it to smell its fragrance must 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.