Exodus 40:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 40:9
9 And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.
Chapter Context
Exodus 40 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, prayer, truth. 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 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 40:9
9 And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.
Analysis
The anointing oil (שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה, shemen haMishchah) consecrating the tabernacle and all its vessels teaches that implements, not just people, require consecration. The Hebrew מָשַׁח (mashach, to anoint) means to smear/spread, indicating complete covering. This anointing 'sanctifies' (וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ, vekidashta, makes holy) by separating common items for sacred use. The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit consecrating believers (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 1 John 2:20, 27). Christ, the Anointed One (Messiah/Christos), received the Spirit without measure (John 3:34), qualifying Him as Prophet, Priest, and King.
Historical Context
The unique anointing oil recipe (Exodus 30:23-33), using myrrh, cinnamon, cane, cassia, and olive oil, was restricted to tabernacle use only. Duplicating it for common purposes carried the death penalty, emphasizing sacred distinctiveness. The oil's fragrance filled the tabernacle, symbolizing holiness permeating everything.
Reflection
- How does anointing inanimate objects teach that all aspects of worship, not just 'spiritual' ones, require consecration?
- What does Christ's anointing with the Spirit qualifying Him for ministry teach about believers' need for Spirit-empowerment?
Word Studies
- Holy: קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) H6944 - Holy, set apart
Cross-References
- Holy: Leviticus 8:10, Numbers 7:1