“And thou shalt sanctify them, that they may be most holy: whatsoever toucheth them shall be holy.”
This verse is part of the instructions given by God to Moses regarding the consecration of the altar of incense and the anointing oil. In the preceding verses, God provides detailed instructions on how to make the holy anointing oil and how to consecrate the items used in the tabernacle, including the altar of incense.
Sanctification and Holiness:The word "sanctify" means to set apart or make holy. In this context, it refers to the act of consecrating the altar and anointing oil for sacred use in the service of God. This emphasizes the importance of holiness in approaching God. It reminds us that God is holy, and anything associated with His worship and service must also be regarded as holy.
Holiness is Contagious:The second part of the verse says, "whatsoever toucheth them shall be holy." This statement signifies that the holiness of the consecrated items is transferred to anything that comes into contact with them. This principle teaches us that holiness is contagious and spreads to those who come near it. As Christians, we are called to be holy (1 Peter 1:16), and by living in close relationship with God, His holiness can permeate every aspect of our lives.
Purity and Dedication:The act of sanctification involves a process of setting something apart for a specific purpose. In this case, the altar and anointing oil were dedicated solely for use in the worship of God. This concept highlights the need for purity and dedication in our service to God. It reminds us that we should strive to keep ourselves pure and consecrated, fully dedicated to God’s purposes in our lives.
Spiritual Application:While this verse pertains to the consecration of physical items, we can draw spiritual lessons from it. As believers, we are called to be the living temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and our bodies and lives are to be set apart for God’s service. We should seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing His presence to influence and transform us, making us more like Christ.
Avoiding Profanity:Since the consecrated items were regarded as holy, they were not to be treated with irreverence or used for common purposes. Similarly, as Christians, we should avoid using sacred things or taking God’s name lightly, showing respect and reverence in our speech and actions.
In summary, Exodus 30:29 teaches us about sanctification, holiness, purity, dedication, and the contagious nature of holiness. It reminds us of the significance of being consecrated for God’s service and living in a way that reflects His holiness in our lives.
