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The story of exodus 30

 




Exodus 30 details the instructions for three final pieces of furniture for the Tabernacle: the Altar of Incense, the Bronze Basin, and the Anointing Oil and Incense. The chapter also includes a law for a half-shekel tax.

The Altar of Incense

God commands the creation of a small altar to be placed in the Holy Place.

 1. Dimensions and Materials: The altar is to be made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold. It is to be square, 1 cubit long and 1 cubit wide, and 2 cubits high. It will have horns on its four corners.

 2. Purpose: Aaron is to burn incense on it every morning and every evening, a perpetual ritual before the LORD. This incense is a "sweet incense before the LORD" and a constant reminder of the prayers of the people ascending to God.

 3. Prohibition: The altar is to be used only for incense; no strange fire, burnt offering, grain offering, or drink offering is to be placed on it. 

The Bronze Basin

A large basin is to be made for the priests to wash in before ministering.

 1.Materials: The basin and its stand are to be made of bronze. The bronze for this basin is to come from the mirrors of the women who ministered at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting.

 2.  Purpose: Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet in it before they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister. This ritual washing is a crucial act of purification, as a failure to wash would result in death. It emphasizes the need for a holy approach to God.

The Ransom for Souls

A law is established for a census and a tax.

 1. The Half-Shekel Tax: When a census is taken, every man aged twenty years or older must pay a half-shekel as an offering to the LORD. This money is to be used for the service of the Tent of Meeting.

 2. Purpose: This tax is a "ransom for his soul" so that no plague will strike the people when they are counted. It serves as a reminder that all Israelites, rich or poor, are equal before God and in their contribution to the Tabernacle.

Anointing Oil and Incense

The chapter concludes with the recipes for the holy anointing oil and the sacred incense.

1.  Holy Anointing Oil: God gives a specific recipe for the oil, including myrrh, cinnamon, cane, cassia, and olive oil. This oil is to be used to anoint the Tabernacle, all its furnishings, and the priests to consecrate them and make them holy. It is explicitly forbidden to make this oil for personal use or to put it on anyone other than the consecrated.

 2.  Sacred Incense: A recipe for the incense is also given, combining stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense. This incense is to be ground and burned on the Altar of Incense. Like the oil, it is sacred and must not be used for any other purpose. These strict rules underscore the sanctity and special purpose of the Tabernacle and its services.


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