“Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.”
Context:In Exodus 30, God gives specific instructions on how to build the altar of incense, which was to be placed inside the Tabernacle, just before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the Ark of the Covenant was inside the Most Holy Place). This altar was used to burn incense, creating a sweet-smelling aroma that wafted into the Holy Place. The incense symbolised the prayers of the people rising up to God (Psalm 141:2).
Offering No Strange Incense:God emphasises the importance of using only the prescribed incense for worship. The “strange incense” refers to any mixture or composition of incense other than the specific blend that God had commanded (Exodus 30:34-38). This regulation reflects the idea of worshiping God in the way He prescribed and not according to human preferences or innovations. It teaches us the significance of obedience and reverence in our approach to God.
No Burnt Sacrifice or Meat Offering:The golden altar of incense was dedicated solely to the burning of incense and was not to be used for other offerings like burnt sacrifices or meat offerings. These other sacrifices had their designated places in the Tabernacle’s outer court. This restriction highlights the distinct functions of various elements of worship and the importance of adhering to God’s ordained order.
No Drink Offering:Similarly, drink offerings were typically poured out at the base of the altar of burnt offering in the outer court (Exodus 29:40). The prohibition against pouring drink offerings on the golden altar of incense reinforces the importance of keeping each element of worship in its designated place.
Spiritual Lessons:Exodus 30:9 teaches us about God’s holiness and His desire for proper worship. It warns against the dangers of offering worship that is not according to God’s will, which can lead to syncretism (the blending of different belief systems) and compromise. Instead, God desires sincere, humble, and obedient worship from His people.
Application:As believers, we can apply the principles from this verse to our own worship and spiritual lives. Just as God commanded the Israelites to use specific incense, we should approach God in prayer and worship with a pure and humble heart, avoiding any attempts to come before Him with our own agendas or mixtures of false teachings. We should also seek to worship God in the way He has prescribed through His Word, avoiding syncretism and compromising our faith.
Overall, Exodus 30:9 reminds us of the importance of obedience and reverence in our worship and teaches us to approach God with sincerity and humility, seeking to follow His will in all aspects of our lives.
