Exodus 35:9
And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.
Original Language Analysis
שֹׁ֔הַם
And onyx
H7718
שֹׁ֔הַם
And onyx
Strong's:
H7718
Word #:
2 of 6
a gem, probably the beryl (from its pale green color)
מִלֻּאִ֑ים
to be set
H4394
מִלֻּאִ֑ים
to be set
Strong's:
H4394
Word #:
4 of 6
a fulfilling (only in plural), i.e., (literally) a setting (of gems), or (technically) consecration (also concretely, a dedicatory sacrifice)
Historical Context
Pure olive oil was beaten (crushed), not pressed, producing the clearest burning oil. The specific spices for anointing oil included myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, and cassia (30:23-24)—costly imports demonstrating the value placed on consecration. Incense ingredients included stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense (30:34).
Questions for Reflection
- How do the oil, anointing spices, and incense each symbolize different aspects of spiritual life and worship?
- In what ways does the anointing oil foreshadow Christ as the ultimate Anointed One?
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Analysis & Commentary
Oil for the light (שֶׁמֶן לַמָּאוֹר, shemen la-ma'or) kept the golden lampstand burning continually, symbolizing God's perpetual presence and the Spirit's illumination. Spices for anointing oil (שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה, shemen ha-mishchah) set apart priests and furnishings as holy unto the LORD—the same root as 'Messiah' (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach, 'anointed one'). Sweet incense (קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים, ketoret ha-sammim) symbolized prayers ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8).