King James Version
Exodus 30
38 verses with commentary
The Altar of Incense
And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The golden altar for burning incense, made of acacia wood overlaid with gold—again the pattern of humanity (wood) and deity (gold) united. This altar stands in the Holy Place before the veil, representing prayer and worship ascending to God. The Hebrew קְטֹרֶת (qetoret, incense) symbolizes prayer (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8). Christ, our intercessor, causes our prayers to ascend acceptably to God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
XXX.
THE ALTAR OF INCENSE.
(1) **Thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon.**—Why the directions concerning the altar of incense were delayed until this place, instead of being given when the rest of the furniture of the holy place was described (Exodus 25), it is impossible to say. But there is certainly no reason to suspect a dislocation of the text. The mode in which Aaron is spoken of in E...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-14. ephod--**It was a very gorgeous robe made of byssus, curiously embroidered, and dyed with variegated colors, and further enriched with golden tissue, the threads of gold being either originally interwoven or afterwards inserted by the embroiderer. It was short--reaching from the breast to a little below the loins--and though destitute of sleeves, retained its position by the support of str...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 30
Chapter Outline
The altar of incense.(1-10)
The ransom of souls.(11-16)
The brazen laver.(17-21)
The holy anointing oil, The perfume.(22-38)
**Verses 1-10**
The altar of incense represented the Son of God in his human nature, and the incense burned thereon typified his pleading for his people. The continual intercession of Christ was represented by the daily bu...
Read full commentary →A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of the same.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The golden altar of incense stands before the veil, closest to God's presence. Daily incense offerings represent prayer ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The altar's position—after the bronze altar (sacrifice) but before the Most Holy Place (God's throne)—teaches that prayer is based on atonement and leads to intimacy. Christ, our intercessor, causes our prayers to ascend acce...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Foursquare shall it be.**—**Of **the same shape with “the brazen altar” (Exodus 27:1), but much smaller—two cubits high instead of three cubits, and a cubit square at top instead of five cubits. This small space was ample for the burning of so precious a material, which could only be offered in small quantities.
**The horns thereof.**—Comp. Exodus 27:2, and Note 1, *ad loc.*
**Shall be of th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-14. ephod--**It was a very gorgeous robe made of byssus, curiously embroidered, and dyed with variegated colors, and further enriched with golden tissue, the threads of gold being either originally interwoven or afterwards inserted by the embroiderer. It was short--reaching from the breast to a little below the loins--and though destitute of sleeves, retained its position by the support of str...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 30
Chapter Outline
The altar of incense.(1-10)
The ransom of souls.(11-16)
The brazen laver.(17-21)
The holy anointing oil, The perfume.(22-38)
**Verses 1-10**
The altar of incense represented the Son of God in his human nature, and the incense burned thereon typified his pleading for his people. The continual intercession of Christ was represented by the daily bu...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about. top: Heb. roof sides: Heb. walls
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The golden altar of incense stands before the veil, closest to God's presence. Daily incense offerings represent prayer ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The altar's position—after the bronze altar (sacrifice) but before the Most Holy Place (God's throne)—teaches that prayer is based on atonement and leads to intimacy. Christ, our intercessor, causes our prayers to ascend acce...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Thou shalt overlay it with pure gold.**—Next to the Ark of the Covenant the most holy article of furniture contained either in the sanctuary or in its court was the altar of incense. It symbolised prayer in its general use (Psalm 141:2; Luke 1:10), and it symbolised expiation in the purpose whereto it was to be applied on certain occasions, as when the high priest had sinned in his official ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-14. ephod--**It was a very gorgeous robe made of byssus, curiously embroidered, and dyed with variegated colors, and further enriched with golden tissue, the threads of gold being either originally interwoven or afterwards inserted by the embroiderer. It was short--reaching from the breast to a little below the loins--and though destitute of sleeves, retained its position by the support of str...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 30
Chapter Outline
The altar of incense.(1-10)
The ransom of souls.(11-16)
The brazen laver.(17-21)
The holy anointing oil, The perfume.(22-38)
**Verses 1-10**
The altar of incense represented the Son of God in his human nature, and the incense burned thereon typified his pleading for his people. The continual intercession of Christ was represented by the daily bu...
Read full commentary →And two golden rings shalt thou make to it under the crown of it, by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it shalt thou make it; and they shall be for places for the staves to bear it withal. corners: Heb. ribs
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The golden altar of incense stands before the veil, closest to God's presence. Daily incense offerings represent prayer ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The altar's position—after the bronze altar (sacrifice) but before the Most Holy Place (God's throne)—teaches that prayer is based on atonement and leads to intimacy. Christ, our intercessor, causes our prayers to ascend acce...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Two golden rings.**—The golden altar was so much smaller and lighter than the brazen one that two rings only were required for carrying it, instead of the “four rings” needed by the brazen altar (Exodus 27:4).
**By the two corners thereof.**—Rather, *on the two sides thereof. *The word used means, literally, “ribs,” and is explained in the clause which follows.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-14. ephod--**It was a very gorgeous robe made of byssus, curiously embroidered, and dyed with variegated colors, and further enriched with golden tissue, the threads of gold being either originally interwoven or afterwards inserted by the embroiderer. It was short--reaching from the breast to a little below the loins--and though destitute of sleeves, retained its position by the support of str...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 30
Chapter Outline
The altar of incense.(1-10)
The ransom of souls.(11-16)
The brazen laver.(17-21)
The holy anointing oil, The perfume.(22-38)
**Verses 1-10**
The altar of incense represented the Son of God in his human nature, and the incense burned thereon typified his pleading for his people. The continual intercession of Christ was represented by the daily bu...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The golden altar of incense stands before the veil, closest to God's presence. Daily incense offerings represent prayer ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The altar's position—after the bronze altar (sacrifice) but before the Most Holy Place (God's throne)—teaches that prayer is based on atonement and leads to intimacy. Christ, our intercessor, causes our prayers to ascend acce...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-14. ephod--**It was a very gorgeous robe made of byssus, curiously embroidered, and dyed with variegated colors, and further enriched with golden tissue, the threads of gold being either originally interwoven or afterwards inserted by the embroiderer. It was short--reaching from the breast to a little below the loins--and though destitute of sleeves, retained its position by the support of str...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 30
Chapter Outline
The altar of incense.(1-10)
The ransom of souls.(11-16)
The brazen laver.(17-21)
The holy anointing oil, The perfume.(22-38)
**Verses 1-10**
The altar of incense represented the Son of God in his human nature, and the incense burned thereon typified his pleading for his people. The continual intercession of Christ was represented by the daily bu...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The golden altar of incense stands before the veil, closest to God's presence. Daily incense offerings represent prayer ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The altar's position—after the bronze altar (sacrifice) but before the Most Holy Place (God's throne)—teaches that prayer is based on atonement and leads to intimacy. Christ, our intercessor, causes our prayers to ascend acce...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Before the vail.**—The ark was *behind *the vail (Exodus 26:33; Exodus 40:3), the altar of incense directly in front of it, nearer to the vail than either the golden candlestick or the table of shewbread. Hence the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews speaks of it as belonging, in a certain sense, to the Holy of Holies (Hebrews 9:4; see Kay, in *Speaker’s Commentary*)*. *The “vail that is by...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-14. ephod--**It was a very gorgeous robe made of byssus, curiously embroidered, and dyed with variegated colors, and further enriched with golden tissue, the threads of gold being either originally interwoven or afterwards inserted by the embroiderer. It was short--reaching from the breast to a little below the loins--and though destitute of sleeves, retained its position by the support of str...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 30
Chapter Outline
The altar of incense.(1-10)
The ransom of souls.(11-16)
The brazen laver.(17-21)
The holy anointing oil, The perfume.(22-38)
**Verses 1-10**
The altar of incense represented the Son of God in his human nature, and the incense burned thereon typified his pleading for his people. The continual intercession of Christ was represented by the daily bu...
Read full commentary →And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it. sweet incense: Heb. incense of spices
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The golden altar of incense stands before the veil, closest to God's presence. Daily incense offerings represent prayer ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The altar's position—after the bronze altar (sacrifice) but before the Most Holy Place (God's throne)—teaches that prayer is based on atonement and leads to intimacy. Christ, our intercessor, causes our prayers to ascend acce...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense **(Heb., *incense of spices*) **every morning.**—On the composition of the incense, see Exodus 30:34-35. That the offering of incense regularly accompanied both the morning and evening sacrifice appears from Psalm 141:2; Luke 1:10. That it was symbolical of prayer may be gathered both from those passages and also from Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3-4.
*...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-14. ephod--**It was a very gorgeous robe made of byssus, curiously embroidered, and dyed with variegated colors, and further enriched with golden tissue, the threads of gold being either originally interwoven or afterwards inserted by the embroiderer. It was short--reaching from the breast to a little below the loins--and though destitute of sleeves, retained its position by the support of str...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 30
Chapter Outline
The altar of incense.(1-10)
The ransom of souls.(11-16)
The brazen laver.(17-21)
The holy anointing oil, The perfume.(22-38)
**Verses 1-10**
The altar of incense represented the Son of God in his human nature, and the incense burned thereon typified his pleading for his people. The continual intercession of Christ was represented by the daily bu...
Read full commentary →And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations. lighteth: or setteth up: Heb. causeth to ascend at even: Heb. between the two evenings
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The golden altar of incense stands before the veil, closest to God's presence. Daily incense offerings represent prayer ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The altar's position—after the bronze altar (sacrifice) but before the Most Holy Place (God's throne)—teaches that prayer is based on atonement and leads to intimacy. Christ, our intercessor, causes our prayers to ascend acce...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-29. thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work--**a very splendid and richly embroidered piece of brocade, a span square, and doubled, to enable it the better to bear the weight of the precious stones in it. There were twelve different stones, containing each the name of a tribe, and arranged in four rows, three in each. The Israelites had acquired a knowledge of the lapida...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 30
Chapter Outline
The altar of incense.(1-10)
The ransom of souls.(11-16)
The brazen laver.(17-21)
The holy anointing oil, The perfume.(22-38)
**Verses 1-10**
The altar of incense represented the Son of God in his human nature, and the incense burned thereon typified his pleading for his people. The continual intercession of Christ was represented by the daily bu...
Read full commentary →Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The golden altar of incense stands before the veil, closest to God's presence. Daily incense offerings represent prayer ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The altar's position—after the bronze altar (sacrifice) but before the Most Holy Place (God's throne)—teaches that prayer is based on atonement and leads to intimacy. Christ, our intercessor, causes our prayers to ascend acce...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Ye shall offer no strange incense.**—By *“strange *incense” is meant any that was composed differently from that of which the composition is laid down in Exodus 30:34-35.
**Nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither . . . drink offering.**—All these were to be offered on the brazen altar, not on the altar of incense, which was in no way suited for them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-29. thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work--**a very splendid and richly embroidered piece of brocade, a span square, and doubled, to enable it the better to bear the weight of the precious stones in it. There were twelve different stones, containing each the name of a tribe, and arranged in four rows, three in each. The Israelites had acquired a knowledge of the lapida...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 30
Chapter Outline
The altar of incense.(1-10)
The ransom of souls.(11-16)
The brazen laver.(17-21)
The holy anointing oil, The perfume.(22-38)
**Verses 1-10**
The altar of incense represented the Son of God in his human nature, and the incense burned thereon typified his pleading for his people. The continual intercession of Christ was represented by the daily bu...
Read full commentary →And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The golden altar of incense stands before the veil, closest to God's presence. Daily incense offerings represent prayer ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The altar's position—after the bronze altar (sacrifice) but before the Most Holy Place (God's throne)—teaches that prayer is based on atonement and leads to intimacy. Christ, our intercessor, causes our prayers to ascend acce...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year.**—This passage seems to determine the sense of Leviticus 16:18, where some have supposed that “the altar that is before the Lord” is the brazen altar. Once in the year, on the great day of atonement, the high priest, after entering within the vail and sprinkling the blood of the offerings upon the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:14...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-29. thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work--**a very splendid and richly embroidered piece of brocade, a span square, and doubled, to enable it the better to bear the weight of the precious stones in it. There were twelve different stones, containing each the name of a tribe, and arranged in four rows, three in each. The Israelites had acquired a knowledge of the lapida...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 30
Chapter Outline
The altar of incense.(1-10)
The ransom of souls.(11-16)
The brazen laver.(17-21)
The holy anointing oil, The perfume.(22-38)
**Verses 1-10**
The altar of incense represented the Son of God in his human nature, and the incense burned thereon typified his pleading for his people. The continual intercession of Christ was represented by the daily bu...
Read full commentary →The Atonement Money
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The half-shekel atonement money (ransom for souls) demonstrates that all are equally valued before God—rich and poor pay the same. No one can pay more or less for their soul; redemption has fixed price. This prefigures how Christ's atonement has equal value for all—not more for the worthy, not less for the unworthy. The silver (redemption metal) collected supported tabernacle service, showing that...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-29. thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work--**a very splendid and richly embroidered piece of brocade, a span square, and doubled, to enable it the better to bear the weight of the precious stones in it. There were twelve different stones, containing each the name of a tribe, and arranged in four rows, three in each. The Israelites had acquired a knowledge of the lapida...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
The tribute was half a shekel, about fifteen pence of our money. The rich were not to give more, nor the poor less; the souls of the rich and poor are alike precious, and God is no respecter of persons, Ac 10:34; Job 34:19. In other offerings men were to give according to their wordly ability; but this, which was the ransom of the soul, must be alike for all. The souls of all ...
Read full commentary →When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them. their number: Heb. them that are to be numbered
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The half-shekel atonement money (ransom for souls) demonstrates that all are equally valued before God—rich and poor pay the same. No one can pay more or less for their soul; redemption has fixed price. This prefigures how Christ's atonement has equal value for all—not more for the worthy, not less for the unworthy. The silver (redemption metal) collected supported tabernacle service, showing that...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
THE RANSOM OF SOULS.
(12) **When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel.**—A formal enrolment and registration seems to be intended. Hitherto, nothing but a rough estimate of the number had been attempted (Exodus 12:37); now that a covenant had been made with God, an exact account of those who were within the covenant was needed. Moses, apparently, was contemplating such an exact enumeratio...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-29. thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work--**a very splendid and richly embroidered piece of brocade, a span square, and doubled, to enable it the better to bear the weight of the precious stones in it. There were twelve different stones, containing each the name of a tribe, and arranged in four rows, three in each. The Israelites had acquired a knowledge of the lapida...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
The tribute was half a shekel, about fifteen pence of our money. The rich were not to give more, nor the poor less; the souls of the rich and poor are alike precious, and God is no respecter of persons, Ac 10:34; Job 34:19. In other offerings men were to give according to their wordly ability; but this, which was the ransom of the soul, must be alike for all. The souls of all ...
Read full commentary →This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The half-shekel atonement money (ransom for souls) demonstrates that all are equally valued before God—rich and poor pay the same. No one can pay more or less for their soul; redemption has fixed price. This prefigures how Christ's atonement has equal value for all—not more for the worthy, not less for the unworthy. The silver (redemption metal) collected supported tabernacle service, showing that...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Half a shekel.**—When shekels came to be coined, they were round pieces of silver, about the circumference of a shilling, but considerably thicker, and worth about 2s. 7 d. Of our money. Their average weight was about 220 grains troy. In Moses’s time coins were unknown, and a half-shekel was a small lump of silver, unstamped, weighing probably about 110 grains. The ransom of a soul was doub...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-29. thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work--**a very splendid and richly embroidered piece of brocade, a span square, and doubled, to enable it the better to bear the weight of the precious stones in it. There were twelve different stones, containing each the name of a tribe, and arranged in four rows, three in each. The Israelites had acquired a knowledge of the lapida...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
The tribute was half a shekel, about fifteen pence of our money. The rich were not to give more, nor the poor less; the souls of the rich and poor are alike precious, and God is no respecter of persons, Ac 10:34; Job 34:19. In other offerings men were to give according to their wordly ability; but this, which was the ransom of the soul, must be alike for all. The souls of all ...
Read full commentary →Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The half-shekel atonement money (ransom for souls) demonstrates that all are equally valued before God—rich and poor pay the same. No one can pay more or less for their soul; redemption has fixed price. This prefigures how Christ's atonement has equal value for all—not more for the worthy, not less for the unworthy. The silver (redemption metal) collected supported tabernacle service, showing that...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **From twenty years old and above.**—**A **Hebrew was not reckoned full grown till twenty. At twenty the liability to military service began (Numbers 1:3;
2Chronicles 25:5). At twenty the Levites commenced their service in the sanctuary (1Chronicles 23:24-27; 2Chronicles 31:17; Ezra 3:8).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-29. thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work--**a very splendid and richly embroidered piece of brocade, a span square, and doubled, to enable it the better to bear the weight of the precious stones in it. There were twelve different stones, containing each the name of a tribe, and arranged in four rows, three in each. The Israelites had acquired a knowledge of the lapida...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
The tribute was half a shekel, about fifteen pence of our money. The rich were not to give more, nor the poor less; the souls of the rich and poor are alike precious, and God is no respecter of persons, Ac 10:34; Job 34:19. In other offerings men were to give according to their wordly ability; but this, which was the ransom of the soul, must be alike for all. The souls of all ...
Read full commentary →The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls. give more: Heb. multiply give less: Heb. diminish
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The half-shekel atonement money (ransom for souls) demonstrates that all are equally valued before God—rich and poor pay the same. No one can pay more or less for their soul; redemption has fixed price. This prefigures how Christ's atonement has equal value for all—not more for the worthy, not less for the unworthy. The silver (redemption metal) collected supported tabernacle service, showing that...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less.**—See Note 2 on Exodus 30:12.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-29. thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work--**a very splendid and richly embroidered piece of brocade, a span square, and doubled, to enable it the better to bear the weight of the precious stones in it. There were twelve different stones, containing each the name of a tribe, and arranged in four rows, three in each. The Israelites had acquired a knowledge of the lapida...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
The tribute was half a shekel, about fifteen pence of our money. The rich were not to give more, nor the poor less; the souls of the rich and poor are alike precious, and God is no respecter of persons, Ac 10:34; Job 34:19. In other offerings men were to give according to their wordly ability; but this, which was the ransom of the soul, must be alike for all. The souls of all ...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The half-shekel atonement money (ransom for souls) demonstrates that all are equally valued before God—rich and poor pay the same. No one can pay more or less for their soul; redemption has fixed price. This prefigures how Christ's atonement has equal value for all—not more for the worthy, not less for the unworthy. The silver (redemption metal) collected supported tabernacle service, showing that...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Thou shalt . . . appoint it for the service of the tabernacle.**—It appears, by Exodus 38:27-28, that the silver collected by this tax, which amounted to above a hundred talents, was employed for making the sockets which supported the boards of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:19-25), and those of the pillars of the vail (Exodus 26:32), together with the hooks for the pillars of the court, their c...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-29. thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work--**a very splendid and richly embroidered piece of brocade, a span square, and doubled, to enable it the better to bear the weight of the precious stones in it. There were twelve different stones, containing each the name of a tribe, and arranged in four rows, three in each. The Israelites had acquired a knowledge of the lapida...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
The tribute was half a shekel, about fifteen pence of our money. The rich were not to give more, nor the poor less; the souls of the rich and poor are alike precious, and God is no respecter of persons, Ac 10:34; Job 34:19. In other offerings men were to give according to their wordly ability; but this, which was the ransom of the soul, must be alike for all. The souls of all ...
Read full commentary →The Bronze Basin
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The bronze laver for washing hands and feet represents ongoing sanctification—priests must wash before serving or die. Initial consecration washing (ch 29) cleansed once; laver washing cleanses continually for service. This prefigures the difference between justification (initial cleansing) and sanctification (ongoing cleansing). Christ provides both—His blood justifies once for all; His word sanc...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-29. thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work--**a very splendid and richly embroidered piece of brocade, a span square, and doubled, to enable it the better to bear the weight of the precious stones in it. There were twelve different stones, containing each the name of a tribe, and arranged in four rows, three in each. The Israelites had acquired a knowledge of the lapida...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-21**
A large vessel of brass, holding water, was to be set near the door of the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons must wash their hands and feet at this laver, every time they went in to minister. This was to teach them purity in all their services, and to dread the pollution of sin. They must not only wash and be made clean, when first made priests, but must wash and be kept clean, w...
Read full commentary →Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The bronze laver for washing hands and feet represents ongoing sanctification—priests must wash before serving or die. Initial consecration washing (ch 29) cleansed once; laver washing cleanses continually for service. This prefigures the difference between justification (initial cleansing) and sanctification (ongoing cleansing). Christ provides both—His blood justifies once for all; His word sanc...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
THE BRAZEN LAVER.
(18) **Thou shalt also make a laver of brass.**—Rather, *of bronze. *(See Note on Exodus 25:3.) Water was required for the ablutions of the priests (Exodus 30:19-21), for the washing of certain parts of the victim, (Exodus 29:27; Leviticus 1:9; Leviticus 1:13, &c.), and probably for the cleansing of the altar itself and the ground whereon it stood from blood stains and other defi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-29. thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work--**a very splendid and richly embroidered piece of brocade, a span square, and doubled, to enable it the better to bear the weight of the precious stones in it. There were twelve different stones, containing each the name of a tribe, and arranged in four rows, three in each. The Israelites had acquired a knowledge of the lapida...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-21**
A large vessel of brass, holding water, was to be set near the door of the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons must wash their hands and feet at this laver, every time they went in to minister. This was to teach them purity in all their services, and to dread the pollution of sin. They must not only wash and be made clean, when first made priests, but must wash and be kept clean, w...
Read full commentary →For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The bronze laver for washing hands and feet represents ongoing sanctification—priests must wash before serving or die. Initial consecration washing (ch 29) cleansed once; laver washing cleanses continually for service. This prefigures the difference between justification (initial cleansing) and sanctification (ongoing cleansing). Christ provides both—His blood justifies once for all; His word sanc...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet.**—Washing the hands symbolised purity in act; washing the feet, holiness in all their walk and conversation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-29. thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work--**a very splendid and richly embroidered piece of brocade, a span square, and doubled, to enable it the better to bear the weight of the precious stones in it. There were twelve different stones, containing each the name of a tribe, and arranged in four rows, three in each. The Israelites had acquired a knowledge of the lapida...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-21**
A large vessel of brass, holding water, was to be set near the door of the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons must wash their hands and feet at this laver, every time they went in to minister. This was to teach them purity in all their services, and to dread the pollution of sin. They must not only wash and be made clean, when first made priests, but must wash and be kept clean, w...
Read full commentary →When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The bronze laver for washing hands and feet represents ongoing sanctification—priests must wash before serving or die. Initial consecration washing (ch 29) cleansed once; laver washing cleanses continually for service. This prefigures the difference between justification (initial cleansing) and sanctification (ongoing cleansing). Christ provides both—His blood justifies once for all; His word sanc...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **That they die not.**—Comp. Exodus 28:35; Exodus 28:43. It is not altogether easy to see why the death-penalty was threatened against neglect of certain ceremonial observances, and not of others. Ablution, however, was so easy, and probably so long-established a practice, that to omit it would imply intentional disrespect towards God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-29. thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work--**a very splendid and richly embroidered piece of brocade, a span square, and doubled, to enable it the better to bear the weight of the precious stones in it. There were twelve different stones, containing each the name of a tribe, and arranged in four rows, three in each. The Israelites had acquired a knowledge of the lapida...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-21**
A large vessel of brass, holding water, was to be set near the door of the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons must wash their hands and feet at this laver, every time they went in to minister. This was to teach them purity in all their services, and to dread the pollution of sin. They must not only wash and be made clean, when first made priests, but must wash and be kept clean, w...
Read full commentary →So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The bronze laver for washing hands and feet represents ongoing sanctification—priests must wash before serving or die. Initial consecration washing (ch 29) cleansed once; laver washing cleanses continually for service. This prefigures the difference between justification (initial cleansing) and sanctification (ongoing cleansing). Christ provides both—His blood justifies once for all; His word sanc...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **A statute for ever.**—Comp. Exodus 27:21; Exodus 28:43; Exodus 29:9. The external act was to continue so long as the dispensation lasted; the internal purity, which it symbolised, would be required of those who entered the Divine Presence for ever. (See Hebrews 12:14.)
THE COMPOSITION OF THE HOLY OIL.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-29. thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work--**a very splendid and richly embroidered piece of brocade, a span square, and doubled, to enable it the better to bear the weight of the precious stones in it. There were twelve different stones, containing each the name of a tribe, and arranged in four rows, three in each. The Israelites had acquired a knowledge of the lapida...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-21**
A large vessel of brass, holding water, was to be set near the door of the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons must wash their hands and feet at this laver, every time they went in to minister. This was to teach them purity in all their services, and to dread the pollution of sin. They must not only wash and be made clean, when first made priests, but must wash and be kept clean, w...
Read full commentary →The Anointing Oil and Incense
Moreover the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The sacred anointing oil—myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia in olive oil—represents the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work. Each spice contributes unique fragrance, together creating complete anointing. The oil's holiness (never for common use) emphasizes that the Spirit is sacred, not to be counterfeited or treated casually. Christ was anointed with this spiritual reality, receiving the Spirit without...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-29. thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work--**a very splendid and richly embroidered piece of brocade, a span square, and doubled, to enable it the better to bear the weight of the precious stones in it. There were twelve different stones, containing each the name of a tribe, and arranged in four rows, three in each. The Israelites had acquired a knowledge of the lapida...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The sacred anointing oil—myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia in olive oil—represents the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work. Each spice contributes unique fragrance, together creating complete anointing. The oil's holiness (never for common use) emphasizes that the Spirit is sacred, not to be counterfeited or treated casually. Christ was anointed with this spiritual reality, receiving the Spirit without...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Principal spices.**—The East is productive of a great variety of spices; but of these some few have always been regarded with especial favour. Herodotus (iii. 107-112) mentions five “principal spices” as furnished by Arabia to other countries, whereof two at least appear to be identical with those here spoken of.
**Pure myrrh.**—Heb., *myrrh of freedom. *The shrub which produces myrrh is th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30. thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and Thummim--**The words signify "lights" and "perfections"; and nothing more is meant than the precious stones of the breastplate already described (compare Ex 39:8-21; Le 8:8). They received the name because the bearing of them qualified the high priest to consult the divine oracle on all public or national emergencies, by going into t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The sacred anointing oil—myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia in olive oil—represents the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work. Each spice contributes unique fragrance, together creating complete anointing. The oil's holiness (never for common use) emphasizes that the Spirit is sacred, not to be counterfeited or treated casually. Christ was anointed with this spiritual reality, receiving the Spirit without...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **Cassia.**—In the original, *kiddâh *not *kĕtsiôth. *Which is the exact equivalent of the Greek and Latin *cassia. *According to the best Hebrew authorities, however, cassia is intended by both words, which are derived from roots signifying “to split,” or “to peel off.” Cassia is the inner bark of a tree called by botanists *cinnamomum cassia, *which is a native of India, Java, and the Malay...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31-33. the robe of the ephod all of blue--**It was the middle garment, under the ephod and above the coat. It had a hole through which the head was thrust, and was formed carefully of one piece, such as was the robe of Christ (Joh 19:23). The high priest's was of a sky-blue color. The binding at the neck was strongly woven, and it terminated below in a fringe, made of blue, purple, and scarlet t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil. apothecary: or, perfumer
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The sacred anointing oil—myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia in olive oil—represents the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work. Each spice contributes unique fragrance, together creating complete anointing. The oil's holiness (never for common use) emphasizes that the Spirit is sacred, not to be counterfeited or treated casually. Christ was anointed with this spiritual reality, receiving the Spirit without...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **After the art of the apothecary.**—Skill was to be called in. The spices were not to be pounded and mixed with the oil in a rude and unscientific way, but the best art of the time was to be employed in effecting the composition. Jewish tradition says that its essence was first extracted from each of the spices, and then the oil mingled with the essences.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31-33. the robe of the ephod all of blue--**It was the middle garment, under the ephod and above the coat. It had a hole through which the head was thrust, and was formed carefully of one piece, such as was the robe of Christ (Joh 19:23). The high priest's was of a sky-blue color. The binding at the neck was strongly woven, and it terminated below in a fringe, made of blue, purple, and scarlet t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The sacred anointing oil—myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia in olive oil—represents the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work. Each spice contributes unique fragrance, together creating complete anointing. The oil's holiness (never for common use) emphasizes that the Spirit is sacred, not to be counterfeited or treated casually. Christ was anointed with this spiritual reality, receiving the Spirit without...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Thou shalt anoint the tabernacle.**—The tabernacle and its contents were to be first consecrated, then the priests. In the tabernacle itself, the consecration was to begin with the ark of the testimony in the Holy of Holies, then to proceed to the Holy place, where the table of shewbread with its “vessels,” the golden candlestick, and the altar of incense were to be anointed; and finally to...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31-33. the robe of the ephod all of blue--**It was the middle garment, under the ephod and above the coat. It had a hole through which the head was thrust, and was formed carefully of one piece, such as was the robe of Christ (Joh 19:23). The high priest's was of a sky-blue color. The binding at the neck was strongly woven, and it terminated below in a fringe, made of blue, purple, and scarlet t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →And the table and all his vessels, and the candlestick and his vessels, and the altar of incense,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The sacred anointing oil—myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia in olive oil—represents the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work. Each spice contributes unique fragrance, together creating complete anointing. The oil's holiness (never for common use) emphasizes that the Spirit is sacred, not to be counterfeited or treated casually. Christ was anointed with this spiritual reality, receiving the Spirit without...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34. a golden bell and a pomegranate--**The bells were hung between the pomegranates, which were said to have amounted to seventy-two, and the use of them seems to have been to announce to the people when the high priest entered the most holy place, that they might accompany him with their prayers, and also to remind himself to be attired in his official dress, to minister without which was death...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →And the altar of burnt offering with all his vessels, and the laver and his foot.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The sacred anointing oil—myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia in olive oil—represents the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work. Each spice contributes unique fragrance, together creating complete anointing. The oil's holiness (never for common use) emphasizes that the Spirit is sacred, not to be counterfeited or treated casually. Christ was anointed with this spiritual reality, receiving the Spirit without...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt sanctify them, that they may be most holy: whatsoever toucheth them shall be holy.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The sacred anointing oil—myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia in olive oil—represents the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work. Each spice contributes unique fragrance, together creating complete anointing. The oil's holiness (never for common use) emphasizes that the Spirit is sacred, not to be counterfeited or treated casually. Christ was anointed with this spiritual reality, receiving the Spirit without...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**36-38. plate--**literally, a petal of a flower, which seems to have been the figure of this golden plate, which was tied with a ribbon of blue on the front of the mitre, so that every one facing him could read the inscription.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The sacred anointing oil—myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia in olive oil—represents the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work. Each spice contributes unique fragrance, together creating complete anointing. The oil's holiness (never for common use) emphasizes that the Spirit is sacred, not to be counterfeited or treated casually. Christ was anointed with this spiritual reality, receiving the Spirit without...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **Thou shalt anoint Aaron.**—Comp. Exodus 29:7; Leviticus 8:12.
**And his sons.**—See Exodus 29:21.
**That they may minister unto me.**—As Aaron and his sons were unfit to minister until the holy oil had been poured on them, so Christian priests can be no otherwise fitted to discharge their office than by their receiving that effluence of the Holy Spirit which the holy oil typified.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**36-38. plate--**literally, a petal of a flower, which seems to have been the figure of this golden plate, which was tied with a ribbon of blue on the front of the mitre, so that every one facing him could read the inscription.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This shall be an holy anointing oil unto me throughout your generations.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The sacred anointing oil—myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia in olive oil—represents the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work. Each spice contributes unique fragrance, together creating complete anointing. The oil's holiness (never for common use) emphasizes that the Spirit is sacred, not to be counterfeited or treated casually. Christ was anointed with this spiritual reality, receiving the Spirit without...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**36-38. plate--**literally, a petal of a flower, which seems to have been the figure of this golden plate, which was tied with a ribbon of blue on the front of the mitre, so that every one facing him could read the inscription.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →Upon man's flesh shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make any other like it, after the composition of it: it is holy, and it shall be holy unto you.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The sacred anointing oil—myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia in olive oil—represents the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work. Each spice contributes unique fragrance, together creating complete anointing. The oil's holiness (never for common use) emphasizes that the Spirit is sacred, not to be counterfeited or treated casually. Christ was anointed with this spiritual reality, receiving the Spirit without...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) **Upon man’s flesh shall it not be poured**—*i.e., *it shall not be in ordinary use as an unguent—a mere “man,” who is not a priest, shall not apply it to his private use. It shall be reserved altogether for holy purposes.
**Neither shall ye make any other like it, after the composition of it**—*i.e.*, after the recipe given in Exodus 30:23-25. The ingredients might be used in unguents separa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**39. coat of fine linen--**a garment fastened at the neck, and reaching far down the person, with the sleeves terminating at the elbow.
**girdle of needlework--**a piece of fine twined linen, richly embroidered, and variously dyed. It is said to have been very long, and being many times wound round the body, it was fastened in front and the ends hung down, which, being an impediment to a priest...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →Whosoever compoundeth any like it, or whosoever putteth any of it upon a stranger, shall even be cut off from his people.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The sacred anointing oil—myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia in olive oil—represents the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work. Each spice contributes unique fragrance, together creating complete anointing. The oil's holiness (never for common use) emphasizes that the Spirit is sacred, not to be counterfeited or treated casually. Christ was anointed with this spiritual reality, receiving the Spirit without...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40. bonnets--**turbans.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The holy incense formula—stacte, onycha, galbanum, frankincense—represents acceptable prayer. Like the anointing oil, this formula was sacred, forbidden for common use. The specific ingredients create a fragrance pleasing to God, teaching that prayer must be according to God's will to be acceptable. Christ's intercession is the perfect incense; our prayers, offered through Him, become fragrant to ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
THE COMPOSITION OF THE HOLY INCENSE.
(34) **Take unto thee sweet spices.**—Rather, *Take unto thee spices. *The word translated “spices” has no epithet. Incense, as commonly used in the ancient world, was not a composition, but some single spice, most frequently frankincense. That, however, employed by the Hebrews was always a compound. According to Josephus (*Bell. Jud., *v. 5, § 5), the incense ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy: tempered: Heb. salted
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The holy incense formula—stacte, onycha, galbanum, frankincense—represents acceptable prayer. Like the anointing oil, this formula was sacred, forbidden for common use. The specific ingredients create a fragrance pleasing to God, teaching that prayer must be according to God's will to be acceptable. Christ's intercession is the perfect incense; our prayers, offered through Him, become fragrant to ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(35) **A confection after the art of the apothecary.**—See Note on Exodus 30:25. Bezaleel’s art was called in, both for the composition of the holy oil and of the holy incense (Exodus 37:29).
**Tempered together.**—So the LXX., the Vulg., and the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan. But most moderns render “salted,” or “mixed with salt.” (See Buxtorf, Gesenius, Lee, Rosenmüller, De Wette, Kalisch, Kei...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**42. linen breeches--**drawers, which encompassed the loins and reached half way down the thighs. They are seen very frequently represented in Egyptian figures.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The holy incense formula—stacte, onycha, galbanum, frankincense—represents acceptable prayer. Like the anointing oil, this formula was sacred, forbidden for common use. The specific ingredients create a fragrance pleasing to God, teaching that prayer must be according to God's will to be acceptable. Christ's intercession is the perfect incense; our prayers, offered through Him, become fragrant to ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(36) **Thou shalt . . . put it before the testimony.**—Some pieces of the incense were to be continually before the ark of the covenant, either on the golden altar, or perhaps at its base ready for offering. This would symbolise the need of the perpetual offering of prayer.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
The holy incense formula—stacte, onycha, galbanum, frankincense—represents acceptable prayer. Like the anointing oil, this formula was sacred, forbidden for common use. The specific ingredients create a fragrance pleasing to God, teaching that prayer must be according to God's will to be acceptable. Christ's intercession is the perfect incense; our prayers, offered through Him, become fragrant to ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(37, 38) These instructions are similar to those given with respect to the holy oil (Exodus 30:32-33). Neither of the two holy compounds were to be applied to any profane use.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The holy incense formula—stacte, onycha, galbanum, frankincense—represents acceptable prayer. Like the anointing oil, this formula was sacred, forbidden for common use. The specific ingredients create a fragrance pleasing to God, teaching that prayer must be according to God's will to be acceptable. Christ's intercession is the perfect incense; our prayers, offered through Him, become fragrant to ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 29 Ex 29:1-35. Consecrating the Priests and the Altar.
**1. hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office--**The act of inaugurating the priests was accompanied by ceremonial solemnities well calculated not only to lead the people to entertain exalted views of the office, but to impress those functionaries themselves with a profound sense of its magnitude and importance. In shor...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-38**
Directions are here given for making the holy anointing oil, and the incense to be used in the service of the tabernacle. To show the excellency of holiness, there was this spiced oil in the tabernacle, which was grateful to the sight and to the smell. Christ's name is as ointment poured forth, So 1:3, and the good name of Christians is like precious ointment, Ec 7:1. The ince...
Read full commentary →