Exodus 30 - Printer Friendly

What does Exodus 30 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

The main content of a message from God to Moses at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1–6) has been laws and designs for holy religious objects. These included the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17) and other regulations. Recent chapters emphasized how to craft specific objects for Israelite worship (Exodus 25—28). This chapter includes specifications for the final sanctuary items. God will assign experts to make the various sacred objects (Exodus 31).

Outside of the tabernacle building (Exodus 26) is a large bronze altar for animal sacrifices (Exodus 27:1). Inside the tent, near the veil over the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:31–35) will be a smaller altar for incense. Later verses will explain the formula of this special substance. The altar is made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. Like the ark (Exodus 25:10–11), it has ornate borders and rings so it can be carried with poles. The altar is used daily for incense offerings. Some commentators believe it was also used once a year (Leviticus 16:1–34; 23:27), for the high priest to apply blood in an important atonement ritual (Exodus 30:1–10).

Israel is to establish a "census tax" to pay for things like anointing oil, incense, and upkeep of the sanctuary. This is set at the exact same amount for every person. This also serves as a reminder that each person is "ransomed." They cannot be reconciled to God without cost. Without that ransom, they are doomed to death. The symbolism is part of how the old covenant sets the stage for Jesus' role as Messiah (Mark 10:45; Hebrews 9:22). This tax is taken only when Israel performs a census: a counting of the people. Centuries later (Nehemiah 10:32; Matthew 17:24), this will evolve into a yearly "temple tax" (Exodus 30:11–16).

Ritual cleanliness is a crucial part of the Mosaic covenant (Leviticus 10:10; Numbers 19:12). The physical, external washing represents our spiritual need: to be "cleansed" of sin so we may have fellowship with a perfectly sinless God (Psalm 24:3–4). Israel is to include a large bronze washbasin in the tabernacle courtyard (Exodus 27:9). The altar, basin, and tabernacle are arranged in a line, implying the need for atonement and sanctification before approaching the Lord (Exodus 30:17–21).

Israel requires anointing oil (Exodus 29:7) and incense (Exodus 30:1) for use in worship. The oil includes fragrant barks such as cinnamon and cassia, strong-smelling grass such as cane, and olive oil. The incense includes various natural resins. Among these is a kind of seashell often used in incense. English translations often refer to this as "onycha." Both the oil and the incense are sacred. They may not be duplicated for any other use (Exodus 30:22–38).

Unfortunately, while Moses receives these instructions, Israel is falling into idolatry (Exodus 32). This will result in harsh punishment.

Exodus 30:1–10 records the design of a special altar for God's sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9). This is smaller than the altar used for animal sacrifices (Exodus 27:1). The golden altar (Hebrews 9:3–4) is meant for daily burning of incense (Exodus 30:34). This altar is not used for other sacrifices, though some believe the single atonement each year where Aaron applies blood to an altar's horns (Leviticus 16:18; 23:27) refers to this object. The incense altar is made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. Israel transports it with gilded poles fitting into two rings.

Exodus 30:11–16 describes a census tax used to support operations in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). This is set at a strictly equal amount for every person. The tax also symbolizes how each person has an identical need for redemption to approach a holy God (Mark 10:45). Later, this would reappear as a "temple tax" (Nehemiah 10:32) and feature in parts of Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem (Matthew 17:24).

Exodus 30:17–21 explains how to construct a large washbasin made of bronze. This will be placed in the courtyard (Exodus 27:9) of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). Aaron, his sons, and all future generations of priests are to wash before performing any rituals. Ceremonial cleanness is a cornerstone aspect of the Mosaic covenant (Leviticus 10:10; Numbers 19:12).

Exodus 30:22–33 gives the components to a sacred anointing oil. Moses will make this from olive oil infused with aromatic substances such as myrrh, cinnamon, and other local spices. This is the oil used to consecrate the priests (Exodus 29) and all the objects associated with the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). Every other use of this anointing oil is strictly forbidden, as are imitations of it.

Exodus 30:34–38 is a recipe for ceremonial incense. Ingredients include gum resins such as frankincense and other natural materials, including "onycha," which is made from seashells. The resulting mix cannot be used for any other purpose. This finely-ground substance is part of God's design for His sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9). Israel will use the incense at the golden altar (Hebrews 9:3–4) in the tabernacle (Exodus 30:1–10).

Chapter Summary:

Items described here function with other sacred objects (Exodus 25—28) constructed for the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). One is a small gold-lined altar for incense. The other is a large bronze basin for ceremonial washing. The last two sets of instructions are for specially formulated anointing oil and sacred incense. Israel will establish a national tax to pay for these.

Chapter Context:

Much of Exodus is a description of the tabernacle and its components (Exodus 25—28). This is the last section of new designs given in this book. God will assign craftsmen to make the sacred objects (Exodus 31). But while Moses receives these instructions, Israel slips into idolatry (Exodus 32). The last several chapters of Exodus record how God's earlier instructions were followed with precision.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 8/17/2025 11:47:23 AM