Exodus 30

38 verses

TL;DR

Exodus 30 outlines the construction of the altar of incense, regulations for offerings, the establishment of a laver, and the preparation of anointing oil, setting the framework for the tabernacle’s sacred practices.

Summary

The chapter begins with detailed specifications for building the altar of incense from shittim wood, covered in gold, and equipped with horns, staves, and a crown. Aaron is instructed to burn sweet incense there every morning and evening, and to perform an annual atonement on the altar’s horns with blood from the sin offering. Moses is commanded to collect a half‑shekel from each Israelite over twenty, using the funds to support the tabernacle’s service. A brass laver is to be made for Aaron and his sons to wash hands and feet before entering the tabernacle or approaching the altar, establishing a statute of purification. The chapter then prescribes a holy anointing oil made from specified spices and olive oil, to be applied to the tabernacle, ark, vessels, and the priests, emphasizing holiness and prohibition against copying the formula. Finally, sweet spices are to be mixed into a perfume for the testimony, with penalties for misuse, underscoring the sanctity of these preparations.

Outline

Construction and use of the altar of incense with Aaron’s daily incense offerings.
Financial contributions and annual atonement using the half‑shekel offering.
Purification rites: laver, anointing oil, and perfume for the testimony.

Themes

Sanctification and holiness of sacred objects and spacesAtonement, purification, and covenant obligationsObedience to divine instructions and communal responsibility

Keywords

IncenseAtonementAltarLaverAnointing oilPurificationHalf‑shekelCovenant

People

MosesAaronSons of AaronIsraelitesLord

Places

Tabernacle of the congregationArk of the testimonyMercy seatVeilLaver

Things

Altar of incenseAltar of burnt offeringLaver of brassAnointing oilPerfumeGolden rings and stavesHalf‑shekel offering

Key Verses

Exodus 30:6: Stipulates the altar’s placement before the veil, setting the physical and spiritual context for incense.
Exodus 30:10: Describes the annual atonement on the altar’s horns, highlighting the ongoing need for purification.
Exodus 30:18: Introduces the brass laver and its role in ritual cleansing, establishing a permanent purification statute.

Questions

Why is the incense offering described as perpetual, and what does that signify about the relationship between Israel and God?
What theological purpose does the annual atonement on the altar’s horns serve in the larger context of Israel’s covenant?
How does the half‑shekel offering reflect the economic and communal responsibilities of the Israelites?
In what ways does the laver’s statute of purification prepare priests and the people for service before God?
What is the significance of prohibiting the copying of the anointing oil’s formula?

Sentiment

neutral
The chapter presents instructions and regulations without emotional bias.