Exodus 37:29
And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֜עַשׂ
And he made
H6213
וַיַּ֜עַשׂ
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֶׁ֤מֶן
oil
H8081
שֶׁ֤מֶן
oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
3 of 11
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
הַמִּשְׁחָה֙
anointing
H4888
הַמִּשְׁחָה֙
anointing
Strong's:
H4888
Word #:
4 of 11
unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
טָה֑וֹר
and the pure
H2889
טָה֑וֹר
and the pure
Strong's:
H2889
Word #:
9 of 11
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
Historical Context
The anointing oil's recipe (Exodus 30:23-25) included myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil—expensive ingredients demonstrating the value of consecration. The incense recipe (30:34-35) included stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense, equally costly. Both were compounded by skilled perfumers, not mixed casually.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the requirement for specific, skillfully prepared recipes teach about worship following God's pattern versus human innovation?
- How do anointing oil and pure incense illustrate the necessity of proper means (consecration and prayer) in approaching God?
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Analysis & Commentary
The holy anointing oil (שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה קֹדֶשׁ, shemen ha-mishchah kodesh) and pure incense (קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים טָהוֹר, ketoret ha-sammim tahor) prepared 'after the art of the apothecary' (מַעֲשֵׂה רֹקֵחַ, ma'aseh rokeach—'perfumer's work') demonstrate that approaching God requires careful, skilled preparation. The anointing oil set apart priests and furnishings as holy unto the LORD—the same root as 'Messiah/Christ' (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach, 'anointed one'). The pure incense symbolized prayers ascending to God. Both required specific recipes forbidden for common use, teaching that worship demands God's prescribed pattern, not human innovation.