“Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.”
Context:Exodus 30:38 is part of the larger context of God’s instructions to Moses for constructing the altar of incense in the tabernacle. The tabernacle was the portable sanctuary and place of worship for the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.
In the previous verses (Exodus 30:34-37), God provided Moses with the specific recipe for making the holy incense that was to be used exclusively in the tabernacle. This incense was reserved for sacred purposes and was not to be duplicated or used for common purposes.
Sacred vs. Common:The verse emphasises the holiness and exclusivity of the incense used in worship. Any attempt to recreate the same incense for personal use or for any other purpose outside of the tabernacle worship would result in severe consequences. This differentiation between the sacred and the common is a recurring theme in the Bible, teaching us the importance of respecting God’s commands and maintaining reverence for things set apart for His purposes.
Obedience to God’s Instructions:God is specific in His instructions for worship, and He expects obedience from His people. The prohibition against replicating the holy incense shows the seriousness of following God’s prescribed ways of worship. As believers, we are called to obey God’s commands and respect the sanctity of things set apart for His service.
Punishment for Disobedience:The phrase “shall be cut off from his people” indicates the severity of the consequences for disobedience. In the Old Testament, this phrase often referred to a form of divine punishment, which could include being excommunicated from the community or facing God’s judgment. God’s commands are not to be taken lightly, and there are consequences for willful disobedience.
Application:Though we may not be constructing a physical tabernacle or using incense in our worship today, there are essential principles we can apply from this passage:
- Reverence in Worship:We should approach God with reverence and respect, recognising His holiness and sovereignty. Our worship should not be taken lightly, and we should seek to honour Him in all that we do.
- Faithful Obedience:Just as God expected obedience from the Israelites, He expects the same from us. We should be diligent in following God’s Word and His commands, trusting that He knows what is best for us.
- Distinguishing the Sacred:It’s essential to distinguish between the sacred and the common in our lives. Some things are set apart for God’s purposes, and we should treat them accordingly, avoiding misuse or trivialisation.
- Learning from the Old Testament:The Old Testament provides valuable lessons about God’s character, His expectations, and the consequences of disobedience. Though we are under the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, the principles of reverence, obedience, and discernment remain applicable.
In conclusion, Exodus 30:38 reminds us of the significance of obedience and reverence in our worship of God. It serves as a timeless lesson about respecting the sacred and the consequences of disregarding God’s instructions. Let us approach God with a heart that seeks to honour and obey Him in all aspects of our lives.
