Exodus 35:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 35:20
20 And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.
Chapter Context
Exodus 35 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, love, faith. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 35:20
20 And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.
Analysis
Sweet incense for the altar (קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים, ketoret ha-sammim) symbolizes prayers ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8), offered morning and evening on the golden altar before the veil. The specific recipe (30:34-38) was sacred—forbidden for common use under penalty of death—demonstrating that approaching God requires coming His way, not ours. The incense altar's position before the veil, between the Holy Place and Most Holy Place, represents prayer's access to God's throne through the mediator.
Historical Context
The incense recipe included equal parts stacte (aromatic gum), onycha (mollusk shell), galbanum (resin), and frankincense (tree resin), mixed with salt. It produced a pure, aromatic smoke when burned on coals. The altar of incense was gold-overlaid acacia wood, positioned directly before the veil.
Reflection
- How does the incense offering illustrate the nature and necessity of prayer in approaching God?
- What does the prohibition against using God's incense recipe for common purposes teach about the holy versus the profane?