“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:”
Context:Exodus 30:34 is part of the instructions given by God to Moses concerning the construction and use of the altar of incense in the tabernacle. The altar of incense was a sacred piece of furniture used in the worship of the Lord. It was placed inside the Holy Place, just before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (where the Ark of the Covenant resided).
Interpretation and Key Points:
- Sweet Spices:God instructed Moses to take sweet spices for use in the incense offering. These spices had a pleasing aroma when burned, symbolising the acceptable prayers of God’s people and their worship.
- Stacte, Onycha, Galbanum, and Frankincense:These are specific sweet spices mentioned in the verse. Although the exact identities of these substances are not entirely clear today, they were likely precious and highly aromatic materials used to create a unique and fragrant blend for the incense.
- Symbolism of Incense:In the Bible, incense often symbolises the prayers of the saints rising up to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8). The sweet aroma of the incense represents the pleasing nature of true worship offered with a sincere and humble heart.
- Purity in Worship:The use of the phrase “pure frankincense” indicates that God desires pure and genuine worship from His people. Just as the incense was to be pure, our worship should come from a heart that is dedicated to God without any mixture of sin or hypocrisy.
- Equality in Weights:The verse emphasises that each spice should be of equal weight. This might symbolise the idea of fairness and uniformity in worship, suggesting that all offerings and prayers are equally important to God, regardless of the person’s status or background.
Application:
- Sincere Worship:As believers today, we are called to offer sincere and authentic worship to God. Our prayers, praise, and acts of devotion should come from the depths of our hearts, free from hypocrisy or impure motives.
- Prayer Life:Just as incense rose up as a sweet aroma, our prayers are a pleasing offering to God when they are offered in faith and alignment with His will. Let us be diligent in our prayer life, seeking communion with God and interceding for others.
- Equality and Unity:The idea of equal weight for each spice can remind us of the importance of unity and equality among God’s people. In the body of Christ, every member is significant, and we are called to treat one another with love, respect, and fairness.
- Purity and Holiness:God’s call for “pure frankincense” reminds us of the need for holiness and consecration. As we approach God in worship and prayer, let us continually seek to live righteous lives and pursue holiness by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In summary, Exodus 30:34 provides valuable insights into the symbolism of incense, the nature of worship, and the heart God desires from His people. May we be encouraged to offer our lives as a fragrant offering to God, walking in holiness, and lifting up our prayers with sincerity and humility.
