Exodus Chapter 30 · Verse 38
Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֛ישׁ
H376
אִ֛ישׁ
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁר
Whosoever
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Whosoever
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
shall make
H6213
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
shall make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְהָרִ֣יחַ
like unto that to smell
H7306
לְהָרִ֣יחַ
like unto that to smell
Strong's:
H7306
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to blow, i.e., breathe; only (literally) to smell or (by implication, perceive (figuratively, to anticipate, enjoy)
Historical Context
The incense burned twice daily on the golden altar, filling the Holy Place with fragrant smoke. Offering strange/unauthorized incense resulted in death (Leviticus 10:1-2), emphasizing that worship must follow God's prescription.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's intercession serve as 'perfect incense' making your prayers acceptable?
- What does the forbidden counterfeiting teach about worshiping according to God's pattern?
Analysis & Commentary
The holy incense formula—stacte, onycha, galbanum, frankincense—represents acceptable prayer. Like the anointing oil, this formula was sacred, forbidden for common use. The specific ingredients create a fragrance pleasing to God, teaching that prayer must be according to God's will to be acceptable. Christ's intercession is the perfect incense; our prayers, offered through Him, become fragrant to God (2 Corinthians 2:15).