Exodus 35:8
And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,
Original Language Analysis
לְשֶׁ֣מֶן
And oil
H8081
לְשֶׁ֣מֶן
And oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
1 of 7
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
לַמָּא֑וֹר
for the light
H3974
לַמָּא֑וֹר
for the light
Strong's:
H3974
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, a luminous body or luminary, i.e., (abstractly) light (as an element); figuratively, brightness, i.e.,cheerfulness; specifically, a chandeli
וּבְשָׂמִים֙
and spices
H1314
וּבְשָׂמִים֙
and spices
Strong's:
H1314
Word #:
3 of 7
fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant
לְשֶׁ֣מֶן
And oil
H8081
לְשֶׁ֣מֶן
And oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
4 of 7
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
Historical Context
Acacia trees grew abundantly in the Sinai wilderness, providing accessible building material for the nomadic Israelites. Its extremely dense, hard wood resisted insect damage and warping—essential for furniture that would be assembled, disassembled, and transported repeatedly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does acacia wood overlaid with gold illustrate the union of humanity and divinity in Christ?
- What does God's use of locally available materials teach about His accessibility and provision?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Acacia wood (shittim wood, עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים, atzei shittim) was the primary structural material, valued for its durability, hardness, and resistance to decay—fitting for furniture representing eternal truths. Though desert-grown and thorny, when overlaid with gold it pictures humanity (wood) united with divinity (gold), foreshadowing the incarnation. Only imperishable materials could represent the eternal covenant.