Overview:

Exodus 30 details further instructions for items related to the Tabernacle, focusing on the altar of incense, the atonement money, the bronze basin for washing, the anointing oil, and the incense. Each of these elements plays a critical role in the worship system of Israel, emphasizing the holiness required in approaching God and the means by which Israel was to maintain its relationship with Him. The altar of incense, where incense was burned daily, symbolizes the prayers of the people rising to God. The atonement money is a ransom paid for each person, signifying the cost of life and the value God places on each individual. The bronze basin for washing highlights the need for purity, while the anointing oil and incense are symbols of God’s presence and the holiness required in worship.

This chapter highlights themes such as the necessity of prayer, atonement, purity, and consecration in worship. Ultimately, these elements point forward to Jesus Christ, whose perfect atonement, purity, and intercession make it possible for believers to approach God.

Historical and Literary Context:

Exodus 30 continues the instructions God gives to Moses for the construction and use of the Tabernacle. This chapter focuses on key elements associated with worship and the priesthood, each of which has symbolic significance for Israel’s relationship with God. The chapter is situated within the broader narrative of God’s covenant with Israel and the establishment of the Tabernacle as the place where God’s presence would dwell.

The items described in this chapter—the altar of incense, the atonement money, the bronze basin, the anointing oil, and the incense—are integral to the daily and yearly worship practices of Israel. These elements emphasize the necessity of atonement, purity, and holiness in approaching God and maintaining the covenant relationship with Him.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

The Altar of Incense: The Symbolism of Prayer:

The altar of incense is placed before the veil in the Holy Place, where incense is to be burned regularly. This altar symbolizes the prayers of the people rising before God, as a pleasing aroma.

“Make an altar of acacia wood for burning incense… Put the altar in front of the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law—before the atonement cover that is over the tablets of the covenant law—where I will meet with you” (Exodus 30:1, 6).

The daily offering of incense represents the continual prayers of the people and the intercession of the priests on their behalf. This points forward to Jesus Christ, who intercedes for believers continually as their perfect High Priest (Hebrews 7:25). The fragrant aroma of the incense symbolizes the prayers of God’s people, which are pleasing to Him (Revelation 8:3-4).

Atonement Money: The Cost of Redemption:

The requirement for atonement money highlights the value of each person in God’s sight and the need for atonement in maintaining the covenant relationship.

“Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the Lord” (Exodus 30:13).

The atonement money served as a ransom for each person, symbolizing the cost of redemption and the value God places on human life. This points to the ultimate ransom paid by Christ, who gave His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

The Bronze Basin: The Necessity of Purity:

The bronze basin, used by the priests for washing before entering the Tabernacle, emphasizes the need for purity and cleanliness in approaching God.

“Make a bronze basin, with its bronze stand, for washing. Place it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet with water from it” (Exodus 30:18-19).

The washing symbolizes the purification required before entering God’s presence. This theme of purification is fulfilled in Christ, who cleanses believers from sin and makes them pure before God (1 John 1:7). Just as the priests needed to wash before serving, believers are called to be cleansed by the blood of Christ and to live lives of holiness.

The Anointing Oil: Consecration and Holiness:

The anointing oil, used to consecrate the priests and the Tabernacle, symbolizes the holiness and set-apart nature of those who serve God.

“Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil… This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come” (Exodus 30:25, 31).

The oil represents the presence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, who consecrates and anoints those set apart for God’s service. This theme is fulfilled in the anointing of Christ, the Messiah, who was anointed by the Holy Spirit to fulfill His redemptive work (Luke 4:18). Believers, too, are anointed by the Holy Spirit, who sets them apart for God’s purposes (1 John 2:20).

The Incense: A Symbol of Worship and Prayer:

The specially formulated incense, burned on the altar of incense, is a symbol of worship and prayer.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer. It is to be salted and pure and sacred’” (Exodus 30:34-35).

The incense represents the prayers and worship of God’s people rising before Him as a fragrant offering. This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, where the prayers of the saints are described as incense before God (Revelation 5:8).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Exodus 30:1-6:

“Make an altar of acacia wood for burning incense. It is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high—its horns of one piece with it. Overlay the top and all the sides and the horns with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it… Put the altar in front of the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law—before the atonement cover that is over the tablets of the covenant law—where I will meet with you.”

The altar of incense is made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, reflecting its sacred purpose. It is placed before the veil in the Holy Place, symbolizing the continual prayers of the people before God’s presence. The fragrant aroma of the incense represents the intercession of the priests and the prayers of the people.

Exodus 30:7-10:

“Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before the Lord for the generations to come. Do not offer on this altar any other incense or any burnt offering or grain offering, and do not pour a drink offering on it. Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on its horns.”

The daily offering of incense represents the continual prayers of the people rising before God. The restriction against offering any other incense emphasizes the holiness of the altar and the importance of following God’s specific instructions in worship. The yearly atonement on the altar’s horns points to the need for ongoing atonement and purification.

Exodus 30:11-16:

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one must pay the Lord a ransom for his life at the time he is counted… All who cross over, those twenty years old or more, are to give an offering to the Lord. The rich are not to give more than a half shekel and the poor are not to give less.’”

The atonement money serves as a ransom for each person, symbolizing the cost of redemption and the value of human life. This ransom points forward to the ultimate price paid by Christ, who gave His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

Exodus 30:17-21:

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a bronze basin, with its bronze stand, for washing. Place it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet with water from it whenever they enter the tent of meeting.’”

The bronze basin, used for washing, highlights the need for purity before entering God’s presence. The washing of the priests symbolizes the cleansing required before serving God, pointing to the purification believers receive through the blood of Christ (Hebrews 10:22).

Exodus 30:22-33:

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Take the following fine spices… Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil. Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law, the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand.’”

The anointing oil, made from a blend of fine spices, is used to consecrate the Tabernacle and its furnishings. This oil represents the holiness and consecration of the Tabernacle and the priests. The use of the anointing oil reflects the sanctifying presence of the Holy Spirit, who anoints those set apart for God’s service.

Exodus 30:34-38:

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer. It is to be salted and pure and sacred. Grind some of it to powder and place it in front of the ark of the covenant law in the tent of meeting.’”

The special incense, made from a blend of fragrant spices, is burned on the altar of incense as a symbol of worship and prayer. The unique composition of the incense emphasizes its sacred purpose, and it is to be used only for worship in the Tabernacle. The fragrant aroma of the incense represents the prayers of the people rising before God.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Exodus 30 reveals important theological truths about prayer, atonement, purity, and consecration. The altar of incense, with its daily offering of fragrant incense, symbolizes the continual prayers of God’s people rising before Him. This theme is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who intercedes for believers continually before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). The fragrant aroma of the incense reflects the prayers of believers, which are pleasing to God (Revelation 8:3-4).

The atonement money, paid as a ransom for each person, points to the ultimate ransom paid by Christ, who gave His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). The bronze basin emphasizes the need for purity in approaching God, which is fulfilled in the cleansing blood of Christ (1 John 1:7). The anointing oil and incense symbolize the presence of the Holy Spirit, who consecrates believers for service and empowers them for worship (1 John 2:20).

Sermon Outline and Flow:

1. Introduction: The Sacredness of Worship and Approach to God
   • Set the context for Exodus 30, emphasizing the holiness required in worship and the specific instructions for the altar of incense, atonement money, the bronze basin, anointing oil, and incense.
   • Introduce the themes of prayer, atonement, purity, and consecration.
2. Point 1: The Altar of Incense—The Symbolism of Prayer
   • Discuss the significance of the altar of incense and how it represents the continual prayers of the people rising before God.
   • Application: How can we cultivate a life of continual prayer, trusting in Christ’s intercession for us?
3. Point 2: Atonement Money—The Cost of Redemption
   • Explore the symbolism of the atonement money, highlighting the cost of redemption and the value God places on each person.
   • Application: How does Christ’s sacrifice as the ultimate ransom for our lives impact the way we view our worth and our relationship with God?
4. Point 3: The Bronze Basin—The Necessity of Purity
   • Highlight the importance of the bronze basin and the washing of the priests, symbolizing the need for purity before approaching God.
   • Application: How can we live in the purity that Christ provides, and how can we continually seek cleansing through His blood?
5. Point 4: The Anointing Oil and Incense—Consecration and Worship
   • Discuss the significance of the anointing oil and incense as symbols of consecration and worship, reflecting the presence of the Holy Spirit and the holiness required in worship.
   • Application: How can we live lives consecrated to God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve Him in holiness and truth?

Illustrations and Examples:

• Share a personal story or historical example of how specific rituals or practices carry deep meaning, drawing parallels to the symbolic significance of the altar of incense, the atonement money, and the anointing oil in Exodus 30.
• Use a metaphor of a ransom being paid to set someone free to illustrate the significance of Christ’s sacrifice as the ultimate ransom for humanity.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Exodus 30 challenges believers to reflect on the sacredness of worship and the holiness required in approaching God. The detailed instructions for the altar of incense, the atonement money, the bronze basin, the anointing oil, and the incense remind Christians that worship is not a casual activity but one that requires reverence, purity, and consecration. Just as the priests were required to wash and be anointed before serving, believers are called to be cleansed by the blood of Christ and to live lives consecrated to God’s service.

The altar of incense symbolizes the continual prayers of the people rising before God, and believers are called to live lives of continual prayer, trusting in Christ’s intercession on their behalf. The atonement money serves as a reminder of the cost of redemption, which is ultimately fulfilled in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The anointing oil and incense reflect the holiness required in worship, pointing to the work of the Holy Spirit in consecrating believers for service and empowering them for worship.

Connection to the Father in Exodus 30:

God the Father’s holiness, justice, and desire for relationship with His people are central to Exodus 30. The altar of incense and the atonement money reflect His requirement for purity and atonement in approaching His presence. The chapter reveals God’s desire for continual communion with His people, symbolized by the daily offering of incense and the payment of atonement money. The consecration of the Tabernacle and its furnishings with the anointing oil emphasizes God’s holiness and the need for reverence in worship.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Exodus 30:

Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the themes in Exodus 30. The altar of incense, with its continual offering of fragrant incense, points to Christ’s continual intercession for believers before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). The atonement money, paid as a ransom for each person, is fulfilled in Christ’s sacrificial death, where He gave His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). The bronze basin emphasizes the need for purity, which is fulfilled in Christ, who cleanses believers from sin and makes them pure before God (1 John 1:7). The anointing oil and incense symbolize the presence of the Holy Spirit, who anoints and empowers believers for service, just as Christ was anointed by the Spirit for His redemptive work.

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Exodus 30:

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the consecration and empowerment of the priests, as symbolized by the anointing oil. The oil represents the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, who sets apart believers for God’s service. Just as the priests were anointed with oil to serve in the Tabernacle, believers today are anointed by the Holy Spirit to serve God in holiness and truth (1 John 2:20). The Holy Spirit also empowers believers for worship, guiding them in their daily walk with God and enabling them to live lives consecrated to His purposes.

Connection to God’s Love in Exodus 30:

God’s love is evident in His provision of the means for atonement, purity, and consecration in Exodus 30. The detailed instructions for the altar of incense, the atonement money, the bronze basin, and the anointing oil reflect God’s care for His people and His desire for them to experience His presence in worship. This love is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial death provides atonement for sin and opens the way for believers to approach God in purity and holiness. The continual offering of incense and the consecration of the Tabernacle with the anointing oil point to the ongoing relationship between God and His people, sustained by His love and grace.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the altar of incense in Exodus 30 challenge you to live a life of continual prayer, trusting in Christ’s intercession for you before the Father?
2. In what ways does the atonement money in Exodus 30 point forward to Christ’s sacrifice as the ultimate ransom for your life, and how does this impact your relationship with God?
3. How can you live in the purity that Christ provides, seeking continual cleansing and living in holiness before God?
4. How can the anointing of the Holy Spirit empower you to live a life consecrated to God’s service, reflecting His presence and holiness in your daily life?
5. How does the imagery of incense as a symbol of prayer and worship inspire you to deepen your relationship with God through continual worship and dependence on Him?