◄ Exodus 31:11 ►
in addition to the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them according to all that I have commanded you."
Study Bible
and the anointing oil
The "anointing oil" in this context is a sacred mixture used for consecrating the priests and the tabernacle. The Hebrew word for "anointing" is "mashach," which means to smear or rub with oil, signifying sanctification and setting apart for God's service. Historically, anointing oil was a symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment. In the broader biblical narrative, anointing with oil is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of the Holy Spirit's anointing upon believers, marking them as God's chosen people.

and fragrant incense
"Fragrant incense" refers to a specific blend of spices burned as an offering to God, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to heaven. The Hebrew word for incense is "qetoreth," which implies a sweet-smelling smoke. Incense in the tabernacle served as a constant reminder of the need for prayer and intercession. Archaeological findings have uncovered altars and incense burners, affirming the historical use of incense in ancient worship practices. This practice foreshadows the New Testament teaching that believers' prayers are a pleasing aroma to God.

for the Holy Place
The "Holy Place" is the first room within the tabernacle, where the priests performed daily rituals. The Hebrew term "qodesh" signifies something set apart or sacred. The Holy Place contained the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altar of incense, each representing aspects of spiritual life and worship. This sacred space was a physical representation of God's dwelling among His people, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the true temple and mediator between God and humanity.

They must make them
The phrase "They must make them" underscores the importance of obedience to God's specific instructions. The Hebrew verb "asah" means to do or make, emphasizing action and craftsmanship. This directive highlights the role of Bezalel and Oholiab, the artisans chosen by God, to execute His divine blueprint. Their work reflects the principle that all service to God should be done with excellence and according to His will, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.

according to all that I have commanded you
This phrase emphasizes the necessity of following God's commands precisely. The Hebrew word "tsavah" means to command or charge, indicating authority and expectation. The detailed instructions given to Moses for the tabernacle and its furnishings illustrate God's desire for order and holiness. This obedience to divine command is a recurring theme in the Bible, reminding believers of the importance of adhering to God's Word and His standards in every aspect of life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the commandments and instructions from God on Mount Sinai.

2. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled artisans chosen by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the anointing oil and incense.

3. The Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where God dwelled among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

4. Anointing Oil
A sacred mixture used to consecrate the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priests.

5. Fragrant Incense
A special blend of spices burned in the Holy Place as an offering to God, symbolizing prayers ascending to Him.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
The precise instructions for making the anointing oil and incense underscore the importance of obedience in worship. God desires that His people follow His commands fully, reflecting His holiness and order.

The Role of Artisans in Worship
Bezalel and Oholiab's roles highlight the value of craftsmanship and creativity in serving God. Every skill and talent can be used for His glory when dedicated to His purposes.

Symbolism of Anointing and Incense
The anointing oil represents consecration and the setting apart of people and objects for God's service. The incense symbolizes prayer and worship, reminding believers of the importance of a life devoted to communion with God.

Holiness in Worship
The sacredness of the anointing oil and incense teaches that worship should be approached with reverence and purity. Believers are called to maintain holiness in their worship practices, reflecting God's character.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the specific instruction for making the anointing oil and incense in Exodus 31:11 reflect the importance of obedience in our own spiritual practices?

2. In what ways can we use our unique skills and talents, like Bezalel and Oholiab, to serve God and contribute to the worship community?

3. How does the symbolism of anointing oil and incense in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament understanding of prayer and consecration?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that our worship remains holy and reverent, in line with the principles demonstrated in the construction of the Tabernacle?

5. How can the connection between incense and prayer in Revelation 5:8 inspire us to deepen our prayer life and view it as a vital part of our worship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 30:22-38
Provides detailed instructions for making the anointing oil and incense, emphasizing their sacredness and the importance of following God's commands precisely.

Leviticus 8:10-12
Describes the use of anointing oil in consecrating Aaron and his sons, highlighting its role in setting apart individuals and objects for God's service.

Revelation 5:8
Connects the incense to the prayers of the saints, illustrating the ongoing significance of these offerings in worship.
Sermons
Bezaleel and AholiabJ. Orr Exodus 31:1-12
People
Aaron, Ahisamach, Aholiab, Bezaleel, Dan, Hur, Israelites, Moses, Uri
Places
Mount Sinai
Topics
Anointing, Commanded, Drugs, Fragrant, Holy, Incense, Oil, Orders, Perfume, Sanctuary, Spices, Sweet, Whatever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 31:11

     4488   oil
     7386   incense

Exodus 31:1-11

     5272   craftsmen

Exodus 31:2-11

     6641   election, responsibilities

Library
The Flood-Tide of Power.
God's Highest Ideal. A flood-tide is a rising tide. It flows in and fills up and spreads out. Wherever it goes it cleanses and fertilizes and beautifies. For untold centuries Egypt has depended for its very life upon the yearly flood-tide of the Nile. The rich bottom lands of the Connecticut Valley are refertilized every spring by that river's flood-tide. The green beauty and rich fruitage of some parts of the Sacramento Valley, whose soil is flooded by the artificial irrigation-rivers, are in sharp …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power

The True Manner of Keeping Holy the Lord's Day.
Now the sanctifying of the Sabbath consists in two things--First, In resting from all servile and common business pertaining to our natural life; Secondly, In consecrating that rest wholly to the service of God, and the use of those holy means which belong to our spiritual life. For the First. 1. The servile and common works from which we are to cease are, generally, all civil works, from the least to the greatest (Exod. xxxi. 12, 13, 15, &c.) More particularly-- First, From all the works of our …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah
To complete the evidence, presented in the text, as to the essential difference between the teaching of the ancient Synagogue about the Forerunner of the Messiah' and the history and mission of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testaments, we subjoin a full, though condensed, account of the earlier Rabbinic traditions about Elijah. Opinions differ as to the descent and birthplace of Elijah. According to some, he was from the land of Gilead (Bemid. R. 14), and of the tribe of Gad (Tanch. on …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Gifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Thy Name: My Name
'I have called thee by thy name.'--ISAIAH xliii. 1. 'Every one that is called by My name.'--ISAIAH xliii. 7. Great stress is laid on names in Scripture. These two parallel and antithetic clauses bring out striking complementary relations between God and the collective Israel. But they are as applicable to each individual member of the true Israel of God. I. What does God's calling a man by his name imply? 1. Intimate knowledge. Adam naming the creatures. Christ naming His disciples. 2. Loving friendship. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Work of the Holy Spirit in Prophets and Apostles.
The work of the Holy Spirit in apostles and prophets is an entirely distinctive work. He imparts to apostles and prophets an especial gift for an especial purpose. We read in 1 Cor. xii. 4, 8-11, 28, 29, R. V., "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.... For to one is given through the Spirit wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit; and to another workings …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. The Temple of Solomon was the crown of art in the old world. There were temples on a larger scale, and of more massive construction, but the enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were not comparable with the artistic grace, the luxurious adornments, and the harmonious proportions of this glorious House of God. David had laid up money and material for the great work, but he was not permitted to carry it out. He was a man of war, and blood-stained hands were …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History.
1. And thus was Jerusalem taken, in the second year of the reign of Vespasian, on the eighth day of the month Gorpeius [Elul]. It had been taken five [34] times before, though this was the second time of its desolation; for Shishak, the king of Egypt, and after him Antiochus, and after him Pompey, and after them Sosius and Herod, took the city, but still preserved it; but before all these, the king of Babylon conquered it, and made it desolate, one thousand four hundred and sixty-eight years and …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath.
AND PROOF, THAT THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE TRUE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'The Son of man is lord also of the Sabbath day.' London: Printed for Nath, Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1685. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. All our inquiries into divine commands are required to be made personally, solemnly, prayerful. To 'prove all things,' and 'hold fast' and obey 'that which is good,' is a precept, equally binding upon the clown, as it is upon the philosopher. Satisfied from our observations …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Preface to the Commandments
And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God,' &c. Exod 20: 1, 2. What is the preface to the Ten Commandments? The preface to the Ten Commandments is, I am the Lord thy God.' The preface to the preface is, God spake all these words, saying,' &c. This is like the sounding of a trumpet before a solemn proclamation. Other parts of the Bible are said to be uttered by the mouth of the holy prophets (Luke 1: 70), but here God spake in his own person. How are we to understand that, God spake, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Exposition of the Moral Law.
1. The Law was committed to writing, in order that it might teach more fully and perfectly that knowledge, both of God and of ourselves, which the law of nature teaches meagrely and obscurely. Proof of this, from an enumeration of the principal parts of the Moral Law; and also from the dictate of natural law, written on the hearts of all, and, in a manner, effaced by sin. 2. Certain general maxims. 1. From the knowledge of God, furnished by the Law, we learn that God is our Father and Ruler. Righteousness …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
(at Feast-Time at Jerusalem, Probably the Passover.) ^D John V. 1-47. ^d 1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [Though every feast in the Jewish calendar has found some one to advocate its claim to be this unnamed feast, yet the vast majority of commentators choose either the feast of Purim, which came in March, or the Passover, which came in April. Older commentators pretty unanimously regarded it as the Passover, while the later school favor the feast …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 22-37; ^B Mark III. 19-30; ^C Luke XI. 14-23. ^b 19 And he cometh into a house. [Whose house is not stated.] 20 And the multitude cometh together again [as on a previous occasion--Mark ii. 1], so that they could not so much as eat bread. [They could not sit down to a regular meal. A wonderful picture of the intense importunity of people and the corresponding eagerness of Jesus, who was as willing to do as they were to have done.] 21 And when his friends heard it, they went …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian.
EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. These two short treatises were found among Mr. Bunyan's papers after his decease. They probably were intended for publication, like his 'Prison Meditations' and his 'Map of Salvation,' on a single page each, in the form of a broadside, or handbill. This was the popular mode in which tracts were distributed; and when posted against a wall, or framed and hung up in a room, they excited notice, and were extensively read. They might also have afforded some trifling profit to aid …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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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