Exodus 30:35 – “and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer. It is to be salted and pure and sacred.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Exodus 30:35 continues God’s instructions to Moses on how to prepare the sacred incense for use in the Tabernacle. The verse highlights the importance of crafting the incense with precision and care, describing it as “the work of a perfumer.” This indicates that the incense was not to be made by just anyone; it required skill and knowledge, ensuring that it was of the highest quality. The incense was to be “salted and pure and sacred,” emphasizing its holiness and the need for it to be set apart exclusively for worship.
The mention of salt in the incense blend is significant. In the Bible, salt often symbolizes purity, preservation, and covenant. Adding salt to the incense not only preserved it but also symbolized the enduring nature of the worship and the covenant relationship between God and His people. The terms “pure” and “sacred” further reinforce that this incense was to be untainted, dedicated solely to God, and used in a way that honored His holiness.
Historical Context
The Israelites were in the wilderness, having been delivered from Egypt, and God was giving them detailed instructions on how to build and consecrate the Tabernacle, where He would dwell among them. The Tabernacle was the center of Israelite worship, and everything associated with it had to be made according to God’s specific instructions.
Incense was a common element in ancient religious practices, often used to signify the presence of the divine or to carry prayers upward to the heavens. However, the incense described in Exodus 30 was unique to Israel’s worship. It was a holy blend, reserved exclusively for use in the Tabernacle, and was to be made with exacting standards by skilled artisans.
The process of making this incense was not just a matter of following a recipe; it was a sacred act that required care, reverence, and obedience. The perfumer’s work was seen as an offering to God, and the finished product was a symbol of the prayers and worship of the people, offered up in purity and holiness.
Theological Implications
Exodus 30:35 carries deep theological implications, particularly regarding the nature of worship and the concept of holiness. The fact that the incense had to be made by a skilled perfumer indicates that worship is not something to be taken lightly or done carelessly. It requires preparation, intention, and an understanding of its sacredness.
The use of the words “salted,” “pure,” and “sacred” underscores the importance of approaching God with a heart that is undefiled and dedicated entirely to Him. Just as the incense was to be pure and holy, so too must the worshiper’s heart be pure and wholly devoted to God. This verse teaches that true worship is not merely about external actions but about the inner condition of the heart, reflecting purity and holiness.
The addition of salt also reminds us of the lasting nature of our covenant with God. Just as salt preserves, the worship and prayers offered to God should be enduring, sincere, and reflective of a life committed to Him.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 30:35 is part of a larger narrative detailing the preparation and use of sacred items in the Tabernacle. The verse is concise yet rich in meaning, with each word contributing to the overall understanding of how the incense was to be made and why it was important.
The phrase “the work of a perfumer” suggests a sense of artistry and skill, indicating that this task was not for the untrained or unskilled. This language elevates the act of making the incense from a simple chore to a form of worship in itself, where craftsmanship is offered to God.
The repetition of terms like “salted,” “pure,” and “sacred” serves to reinforce the holiness of the incense. The structure of the verse, with its emphasis on these qualities, reflects the seriousness with which the Israelites were to approach this task, ensuring that nothing was done in a casual or careless manner.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 2:13: “Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings.” This verse highlights the importance of salt in offerings, symbolizing the lasting nature of the covenant with God.
- Matthew 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Jesus uses salt as a metaphor for the influence and purity of His followers, connecting it to the idea of preserving holiness.
- Revelation 8:3-4: “Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” This New Testament passage shows the continued significance of incense in worship, symbolizing the prayers of the saints rising before God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 30:35 serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching worship with intentionality and reverence. Just as the incense was to be carefully crafted by a skilled perfumer, our worship and prayers should be offered with a heart that is fully engaged and dedicated to God. This verse challenges believers to consider the quality of their worship—are we offering something that is pure and pleasing to God, or are we giving Him something less than our best?
The symbolism of salt also speaks to the enduring nature of our relationship with God. As Christians, we are called to be the “salt of the earth,” preserving the truth and living lives that reflect the purity and holiness of God. This verse encourages us to examine whether our lives and our worship reflect this calling.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 30:35 reflects God’s love in His desire for His people to engage in worship that is meaningful, pure, and holy. By giving specific instructions on how to prepare the incense, God was ensuring that the Israelites would approach Him with the right attitude and heart. This attention to detail shows that God cares deeply about the way His people relate to Him and that He desires worship that is sincere and reflective of His holiness.
God’s love is also evident in the way He invites His people to participate in the process of worship. The perfumer’s work in creating the incense was an act of worship itself, showing that God values the contributions of His people and that their offerings, when made with the right heart, are pleasing to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The incense described in Exodus 30:35 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the mediator between God and humanity. In the New Testament, Jesus is often associated with the fragrant offering of sacrifice, as His life and death were a pleasing aroma to God (Ephesians 5:2). Just as the incense in the Tabernacle symbolized the prayers of the people rising to God, Jesus’ intercession for believers is the ultimate expression of this connection.
Through Jesus, believers are invited into a relationship with God where their prayers are heard and valued. The incense that once symbolized the prayers of Israel now points to the ongoing intercession of Christ, who continually advocates for His people before the throne of God. This connection underscores the idea that true worship and prayer are made possible through Christ, who has opened the way for believers to approach God with confidence.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Exodus 30:35 challenge you to think about the quality and sincerity of your own worship and prayers?
- In what ways can you incorporate a sense of reverence and intentionality into your daily worship practices?
- How does the symbolism of incense as prayer deepen your understanding of the importance of prayer in your relationship with God?
- What steps can you take to ensure that your worship reflects a balanced and holistic offering to God?
- How can you encourage others to approach worship and prayer with the same care and reverence that the Israelites were instructed to use in preparing the sacred incense?
This article invites you to reflect on the meaning of Exodus 30:35, considering how it calls for a life of sincere and reverent worship, and how it finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our intercessor and mediator.