◄ Exodus 30:36 ►
Grind some of it into fine powder and place it in front of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you.
Study Bible
Grind some of it into fine powder
The act of grinding the incense into fine powder signifies meticulous preparation and dedication. In Hebrew, the word for "grind" is "שָׁחַק" (shachaq), which implies a thorough and careful process. This reflects the importance of approaching God with reverence and precision. The fine powder represents purity and readiness, symbolizing the believer's heart prepared to meet God. Historically, incense was a precious commodity, and its preparation was a sacred duty, emphasizing the value of worship and the seriousness of entering God's presence.

place it in front of the Testimony
The "Testimony" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the Law. In Hebrew, "עֵדוּת" (edut) means testimony or witness, signifying God's covenant with Israel. Placing the incense before the Testimony symbolizes the offering of worship and prayer before God's covenantal promises. It is a reminder of the centrality of God's Word and His faithfulness. The Ark, as the earthly throne of God, underscores the divine presence and the sacredness of the space where God meets His people.

in the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting," or "אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד" (ohel mo'ed) in Hebrew, was the designated place where God would meet with Moses and the Israelites. It was a temporary structure that prefigured the Temple and ultimately pointed to Christ, who "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14). The Tent of Meeting was a place of divine encounter, emphasizing the accessibility of God to His people. It serves as a powerful reminder that God desires to dwell among His people and that worship is a communal and sacred act.

where I will meet with you
This phrase highlights the personal and relational aspect of God's covenant with Israel. The Hebrew word for "meet" is "יָעַד" (ya'ad), which conveys the idea of an appointed meeting or encounter. It underscores God's initiative in establishing a relationship with His people. The promise of God's presence is central to the covenant, and it is fulfilled in Christ, who is Emmanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). This assurance of divine presence is a source of comfort and strength for believers, reminding them that God is always near.

It shall be most holy to you
The phrase "most holy" in Hebrew is "קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים" (qodesh qodashim), indicating the highest degree of holiness. This designation sets the incense apart for a sacred purpose, emphasizing the reverence and awe due to God. The holiness of the incense reflects the holiness required of God's people, who are called to be set apart for His purposes. It serves as a reminder that worship is not a casual act but a profound encounter with the Holy One. The call to holiness is a central theme throughout Scripture, urging believers to live lives that honor God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings from God.

2. Ark of the Testimony
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel.

3. Tent of Meeting
The portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where Moses would meet with God.

4. God
The divine being who provided the instructions for worship and the construction of the Tabernacle.

5. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were to follow these instructions as part of their covenant relationship with Him.
Teaching Points
Holiness of Worship
The incense is described as "most holy," reminding us that our worship should be set apart and reverent.

God's Presence
The placement of the incense in front of the Ark signifies the importance of approaching God with purity and respect.

Symbolism of Incense
Incense represents prayer and intercession, encouraging believers to maintain a life of prayer as a sweet aroma to God.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The detailed instructions for the incense remind us of the importance of following God's commands precisely.

Sacred Space
The Tent of Meeting as a designated place for encountering God challenges us to create spaces in our lives dedicated to meeting with Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of holiness in Exodus 30:36 apply to our personal worship practices today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our prayers are like the incense described in this passage, pleasing to God?

3. How does the role of the Ark of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting inform our understanding of God's presence in our lives?

4. What parallels can we draw between the incense in the Old Testament and the prayers of the saints in Revelation?

5. How can we create "sacred spaces" in our daily lives to meet with God, similar to the Tent of Meeting?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 16
Discusses the Day of Atonement, where incense plays a crucial role in the high priest's entry into the Holy of Holies, emphasizing the sacredness of the space and the act of worship.

Revelation 8:3-4
Describes the incense offered with the prayers of the saints, symbolizing the connection between the Old Testament incense and New Testament prayer.

Hebrews 9:3-4
Refers to the Most Holy Place and the Ark of the Covenant, highlighting the continuity of God's presence and holiness from the Old to the New Testament.
Sermons
The Golden Altar and the PerfumeJ. Orr Exodus 30:1-11, 34-38
The IncenseE. F. Willis, M. A.Exodus 30:34-38
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Mount Sinai
Topics
Ark, Beat, Beaten, Congregation, Crushed, Face, Fine, Front, Hast, Holy, Meet, Meeting, Met, Powder, Tabernacle, Tent, Testimony, Whither
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 30:36

     1680   types
     4462   grinding
     7306   ark of the covenant

Exodus 30:34-38

     5183   smell
     8270   holiness, set apart

Library
The Altar of Incense
'Thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon.' --EXODUS xxx. 1. Ceremonies are embodied thoughts. Religious ceremonies are moulded by, and seek to express, the worshipper's conception of his God, and his own relation to Him; his aspirations and his need. Of late years scholars have been busy studying the religions of the more backward races, and explaining rude and repulsive rites by pointing to the often profound and sometimes beautiful ideas underlying them. When that process is applied to Australian …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Ransom for Souls --I.
Then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul.' --EXODUS xxx. 12. This remarkable provision had a religious intention. Connect it with the tax-money which Peter found in the fish's mouth. I. Its meaning. Try to realise an Israelite's thoughts at the census. 'I am enrolled among the people and army of God: am I worthy? What am I, to serve so holy a God?' The payment was meant-- (a) To excite the sense of sin. This should be present in all approach to God, in all service; accompanying the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Ransom for Souls --ii.
'The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel....'--EXODUS xxx. 15. This tax was exacted on numbering the people. It was a very small amount, about fifteen pence, so it was clearly symbolical in its significance. Notice-- I. The broad principle of equality of all souls in the sight of God. Contrast the reign of caste and class in heathendom with the democracy of Judaism and of Christianity. II. The universal sinfulness. Payment of the tax was a confession that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

"Whereby we Cry, Abba, Father. "
Rom. viii. 15.--"Whereby we cry, Abba, Father." As there is a light of grace in bestowing such incomparably high dignities and excellent gifts on poor sinners, such as, to make them the sons of God who were the children of the devil, and heirs of a kingdom who were heirs of wrath; so there is a depth of wisdom in the Lord's allowance and manner of dispensing his love and grace in this life. For though the love be wonderful, that we should be called the sons of God; yet, as that apostle speaks, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Jesus Pays the Tribute Money.
(Capernaum, Autumn, a.d. 29) ^A Matt. XVII. 24-27. ^a 24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received the half-shekel came to Peter, and said, Doth not your teacher pay the half-shekel? [The law of Moses required from every male of twenty years and upward the payment of a tax of half a shekel for the support of the temple (Ex. xxx. 12-16; II. Chron. xxiv. 5, 6). This tax was collected annually. We are told that a dispute existed between the Pharisees and Sadducees as to whether the payment …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

How a Private Man must Begin the Morning with Piety.
As soon as ever thou awakest in the morning, keep the door of thy heart fast shut, that no earthly thought may enter, before that God come in first; and let him, before all others, have the first place there. So all evil thoughts either will not dare to come in, or shall the easier be kept out; and the heart will more savour of piety and godliness all the day after; but if thy heart be not, at thy first waking, filled with some meditations of God and his word, and dressed, like the lamp in the tabernacle …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 4. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision A. Jesus Cleanses the Temple. ^D John II. 13-25. ^d 13 And the passover of the Jews was at hand [We get our information as to the length of our Lord's ministry from John's Gospel. He groups his narrative around six Jewish festivals: 1, He here mentions the first passover; 2, another feast, which we take to have been also a passover (v. 1); 3, another passover (vi. 4); 4, the feast of tabernacles (vii. 2); 5, dedication (x. 22); 6, passover (xi. 55). This …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
(at Jerusalem. Probably b.c. 6.) ^C Luke I. 5-25. ^c 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa [a Jewish proselyte, an Idumæan or Edomite by birth, founder of the Herodian family, king of Judæa from b.c. 40 to a.d. 4, made such by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Mark Antony and Octavius Cæsar], a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course [David divided the priests into twenty-four bodies or courses, each course serving in rotation one week in the temple …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the Way, the Forbidding of Him who could not Follow with the Disciples, and The
Now that the Lord's retreat in the utmost borders of the land, at Cæsarea Philippi, was known to the Scribes, and that He was again surrounded and followed by the multitude, there could be no further object in His retirement. Indeed, the time was coming that He should meet that for which He had been, and was still, preparing the minds of His disciples - His Decease at Jerusalem. Accordingly, we find Him once more with His disciples in Galilee - not to abide there, [3743] nor to traverse it …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [136] . Gregory to Augustine, &c. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14); because a grain of wheat, falling into the earth, has died, that it might not reign in heaven alone; even He by whose death we live, by whose weakness we are made strong, by whose suffering we are rescued from suffering, through whose love we seek in Britain for brethren whom we knew not, by whose gift we find those whom without knowing them we sought. …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Prayer
But I give myself unto prayer.' Psa 109: 4. I shall not here expatiate upon prayer, as it will be considered more fully in the Lord's prayer. It is one thing to pray, and another thing to be given to prayer: he who prays frequently, is said to be given to prayer; as he who often distributes alms, is said to be given to charity. Prayer is a glorious ordinance, it is the soul's trading with heaven. God comes down to us by his Spirit, and we go up to him by prayer. What is prayer? It is an offering …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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