Exodus 31:11 – “and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Exodus 31:11 concludes a detailed list of items that Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled workers were to create for the tabernacle. This verse specifically mentions the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, which were vital components in the worship and rituals conducted within the tabernacle. The anointing oil was used to consecrate the priests, the furnishings, and the tabernacle itself, setting them apart as holy and dedicated to God’s service. The fragrant incense was burned on the altar of incense as an offering to God, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising up to Him. The command to make these items “just as I commanded you” emphasizes the importance of following God’s instructions precisely, reflecting the seriousness and sacredness of worship.
Historical Context
In the historical context of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, the tabernacle served as the central place of worship and a physical symbol of God’s presence among His people. The anointing oil and incense played crucial roles in the religious life of Israel. The oil was made according to a specific recipe given by God (Exodus 30:22-33) and was used to consecrate everything in the tabernacle, making it holy and acceptable for use in worship. The incense, also made according to God’s instructions (Exodus 30:34-38), was to be burned regularly before the Lord as a pleasing aroma, representing the prayers and worship of the people. These elements were not merely ritualistic but carried deep spiritual significance in the worship practices of the Israelites.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse underscores the importance of obedience and reverence in worship. The specific instructions for the anointing oil and incense remind us that worshiping God is not something to be done casually or according to human preferences, but according to His commands. The anointing oil symbolizes the setting apart of people and objects for God’s service, reflecting the idea of holiness and dedication to God. The incense represents the prayers of the people, indicating that their worship and petitions are precious to God. This verse teaches that true worship involves both a heart that seeks to honor God and actions that align with His will.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 31:11 serves as the concluding verse in a section that outlines the various items to be crafted for the tabernacle. The mention of the anointing oil and incense at the end of the list brings the focus back to the sacred rituals that would take place within the tabernacle. The phrase “just as I commanded you” is a recurring theme in the book of Exodus, emphasizing the necessity of following God’s detailed instructions. This repetition underscores the seriousness with which God’s commands are to be taken, especially in matters of worship. The structure of the verse, with its final command, serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience in the life of faith.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 30:22-38 – These passages give the detailed recipes for the anointing oil and incense, emphasizing their specific ingredients and the purpose behind them.
- Psalm 141:2 – This verse likens prayer to incense, reinforcing the symbolism of incense as a representation of the prayers of God’s people.
- Revelation 5:8 – In the New Testament, incense is again associated with the prayers of the saints, showing the continuity of this symbol from the Old to the New Testament.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 31:11 serves as a reminder of the importance of following God’s instructions in worship and life. It encourages believers to approach worship with reverence, understanding that God values both the heart and the actions of those who come before Him. The anointing oil and incense remind us of the need for holiness and the importance of prayer in our relationship with God. This verse challenges Christians to consider how they can align their lives more closely with God’s will, seeking to live in a way that is pleasing to Him and that reflects His holiness.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in providing clear instructions for how His people are to approach Him in worship. God’s care in giving specific commands for the anointing oil and incense shows His desire for His people to understand the seriousness of worship and the importance of being set apart for His purposes. The use of anointing oil and incense also demonstrates God’s love in creating ways for His people to connect with Him, whether through consecration or through prayer. This verse reveals a God who is deeply invested in the relationship He has with His people, providing them with the means to worship Him in a way that is both meaningful and acceptable.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 31:11 connects to Jesus Christ in its emphasis on anointing and prayer. In the New Testament, Jesus is often referred to as the Anointed One (the Messiah), fulfilling the symbolism of the anointing oil. His life and ministry were marked by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the true anointing from God. Additionally, Jesus taught His followers about the importance of prayer, and He Himself prayed regularly, often comparing the prayers of believers to incense that rises before God. Jesus’ role as our intercessor, who prays on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25), also ties into the symbolism of incense, showing how He fulfills the roles symbolized by the anointing oil and incense in the tabernacle.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you ensure that your worship is both heartfelt and aligned with God’s instructions?
- What does it mean to you to be set apart for God’s purposes, as symbolized by the anointing oil?
- How can you incorporate more intentional and reverent prayer into your daily life, following the example of incense in the tabernacle?
- In what ways does understanding Jesus as the Anointed One and our intercessor deepen your relationship with Him?
This article explores Exodus 31:11, connecting its instructions about the anointing oil and incense to their broader biblical significance and offering practical insights for how Christians can live lives of obedience, holiness, and prayer. The article also draws connections to Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the symbols of anointing and intercession in His life and ministry.