“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.”
This verse is part of the instructions given to Moses by God regarding the composition of the holy anointing oil, which was used to consecrate the priests and the items in the Tabernacle (a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness journey). The anointing oil was considered sacred and symbolic of God’s presence and blessing.
“And thou shalt beat some of it very small”: Here, God commands Moses to take certain ingredients and crush or grind them into fine particles. The ingredients for the anointing oil were specified in the preceding verses, which include myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, and cassia, mixed with olive oil (Exodus 30:22-25).
“And put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation”: After preparing the anointing oil, Moses was instructed to place a portion of it in front of the Ark of the Testimony (also known as the Ark of the Covenant) inside the Tabernacle. The Ark of the Testimony was a sacred container that held the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments, representing God’s covenant with His people.
“Where I will meet with thee”: This phrase emphasizes the significance of the Tabernacle as a meeting place between God and the Israelites. God’s presence was believed to dwell above the Ark of the Testimony, between the cherubim (Exodus 25:22).
“It shall be unto you most holy”: This anointing oil was not an ordinary substance; it was considered holy and set apart for sacred purposes. Its use was restricted to anointing the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Testimony, the altar, and the priests who served in the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:26-30).
The anointing oil served as a symbol of God’s consecration and empowerment for service. Anointing was a common ritual in ancient times to set apart people or objects for special purposes, signifying their dedication and connection to the divine. In the context of the Tabernacle and the priesthood, the anointing oil was an essential element in consecrating and sanctifying these things for God’s service.
Today, this verse serves as a reminder of the significance of holiness and consecration in the worship and service of God. It points to the need for us to set ourselves apart for God’s purposes, to be holy vessels ready to be used by Him in service to others and to glorify His name. Just as the anointing oil was reserved for sacred use, believers are called to be holy and set apart, reflecting God’s character and love in the world.
