“Moreover, the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,”
In this verse, we are introduced to the continuation of God’s communication with Moses, which begins the instructions for making the anointing oil. To gain a deeper understanding of this verse and its significance, we should examine the context and the following verses:
Exodus 30:23-25 (KJV): “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, And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin: And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be a holy anointing oil.” In these verses, God instructs Moses to gather specific ingredients for making the anointing oil, which include pure myrrh, sweet cinnamon, sweet calamus, cassia, and olive oil. The anointing oil is described as a “holy ointment” to be prepared carefully, like a skilled apothecary would do.
Exodus 30:26-29 (KJV): “And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony, And the table and all his vessels, and the candlestick and his vessels, and the altar of incense, And the altar of burnt offering with all his vessels, and the laver and his foot. And thou shalt sanctify them, that they may be most holy: whatsoever toucheth them shall be holy.” In these verses, God reveals the purpose of the anointing oil: to consecrate and sanctify various items in the Tabernacle, including the ark of the testimony, the table, the candlestick, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering, and the laver. Anything that comes into contact with these anointed items becomes holy.
Exodus 30:30 (KJV): “And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office.” This verse emphasizes that not only are the items anointed but also Aaron, the high priest, and his sons, who are to be consecrated for their sacred duties as priests before the Lord.
Exodus 30:31-33 (KJV): “And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This shall be a holy anointing oil unto me throughout your generations. 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. Whosoever compoundeth any like it, or whosoever putteth any of it upon a stranger, shall even be cut off from his people.” In these verses, God stresses the sanctity and exclusivity of the anointing oil. It is reserved for sacred purposes and should not be used for ordinary anointing, nor should anyone attempt to replicate its composition.
Key takeaways from the Bible study on Exodus 30:22:
- God’s specific instructions: The anointing oil was not just any ordinary oil. It was a unique blend of specific spices and olive oil, prepared with great care according to God’s instructions.
- Symbolism of holiness: The anointing oil symbolizes consecration and holiness. By anointing the items and priests in the Tabernacle, they were set apart for special service to God.
- Solemn warning: God warns against misusing or replicating the anointing oil, showing the seriousness of preserving its sacredness.
- Continuity throughout generations: The anointing oil was intended to be used throughout the generations, emphasizing its enduring significance in Israel’s religious practices.
