“And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah. It recounts the events of the Israelites’ journey from slavery in Egypt to the establishment of their covenant with God at Mount Sinai. In Exodus 40, we see the construction and setting up of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, and the consecration of the priests.
Setting up the Tabernacle:In Exodus 40:1-8, God instructs Moses to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month (the beginning of the second year after the Israelites’ departure from Egypt). This Tabernacle was a sacred tent that served as a dwelling place for God’s presence among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.
The Anointing Oil:In verse 9, God commands Moses to take the anointing oil and use it to consecrate the Tabernacle and all its contents. The anointing oil was a special blend made according to God’s specific instructions (Exodus 30:22-33). It was not to be used for any common purposes but reserved exclusively for consecrating things and people for God’s service.
Significance of Anointing:Anointing with oil was a significant act of consecration in ancient Israel. It symbolized the setting apart of someone or something for a sacred purpose, designating it as holy and dedicated to God’s service. In this case, the anointing of the Tabernacle and its vessels set them apart for worship and service to the Lord.
Holiness:The act of anointing with the holy oil made the Tabernacle and its contents “holy.” The term “holy” means to be set apart for God, to be pure, and to be consecrated. By anointing the Tabernacle, God’s presence would dwell among the Israelites in a unique and holy way, and it would be a place where they could worship and seek Him.
Spiritual Application:In the New Testament, believers are referred to as “a royal priesthood” and “a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9). As Christians, we are called to be set apart for God’s service and to live a life dedicated to Him. The anointing of the Tabernacle reminds us of our need for the Holy Spirit’s presence and empowerment in our lives to fulfill God’s purposes.
When we surrender ourselves to God and allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, we become vessels fit for God’s use, just as the vessels in the Tabernacle were anointed for sacred service. We should seek to be vessels of honour, living in holiness, and dedicated to God’s service.
In conclusion, Exodus 40:9 teaches us about the importance of consecration and holiness. By anointing the Tabernacle and its vessels with the holy oil, God set them apart for His service, and they became a sacred place for His presence. As believers, we are also called to be consecrated, living holy lives and being vessels for God’s use, with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit guiding and empowering us in our journey of faith.
