“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.”
This verse is part of the instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction of the altar of incense and the anointing oil for the tabernacle. In the previous verses (Exodus 30:22-33), God provides a detailed recipe for making the sacred anointing oil, and in Exodus 30:34-38, He instructs Moses on how to make the sacred incense.
The Importance of Obedience:God emphasises that the recipe for the sacred perfume is not to be used for any other purpose than what He has ordained. The specific composition is intended solely for holy use in the worship of the Lord. This instruction highlights the importance of obedience and following God’s commands with precision and respect.
The Sanctity of Worship:The anointing oil and the incense were essential elements in Israelite worship. The anointing oil was used to consecrate the tabernacle, the ark of the testimony, the altar, and other sacred objects (Exodus 30:26-29). The incense, on the other hand, was burned on the altar of incense as a pleasing aroma to God during the daily sacrifices (Exodus 30:8). This verse underscores the sacred nature of worship and the need for reverence in approaching God.
Avoiding Pagan Practices:God’s prohibition against using the sacred perfume for personal purposes served to separate His people from the surrounding pagan practices. In the ancient world, various cultures had their rituals and sacred concoctions, often connected to idolatry and superstitions. By prescribing a specific formula exclusively for worship, God guarded the Israelites against adopting such practices and reinforced their uniqueness as His chosen people.
Symbolism of Holiness:The word “holy” is central in this verse. It emphasises the separation of the anointing oil and the incense for the exclusive purpose of honouring God. “Holy” means set apart, consecrated, or dedicated to God. It conveys the idea of being pure and morally blameless. In the Bible, holiness is an attribute of God, and He calls His people to be holy as well (Leviticus 19:2). The sanctity of the ingredients used in the anointing oil and incense mirrors the holiness God desires from His people.
Application for Christians:While the specific recipe for the sacred perfume was meant for the Old Testament worship practices, there are relevant principles for Christians today. We are called to approach God with reverence and respect, recognising the sacredness of worship. Our lives should be dedicated to God’s service and set apart from the world’s values and practices (Romans 12:1-2). We are also encouraged to offer our prayers and praises as a pleasing aroma to God (Ephesians 5:1-2, Revelation 5:8).
In summary, Exodus 30:37 reminds us of the importance of obedience, the sanctity of worship, and the call to holiness in our relationship with God. As we study the Old Testament, we can draw spiritual lessons and principles that still apply to our lives as Christians today.
